Meghan Markle’s life has been quite remarkable. From running her lifestyle blog, The Tig, to becoming America’s sweetheart, to marrying into the British royal family, and now producing a new Netflix series, she just keeps reinventing herself. But as she takes each new step, the backlash against her only intensifies.

Her series on Netflix, seemingly a rebirth of The Tig, should have been applauded. Instead, it has been greeted with a torrent of online hate, much of it infused with racism and sexism. None of the nasty comments are new for Meghan—they echo the same criticisms she’s faced for years. But they’re also indicative of something deeper: a discomfort with who Meghan is and what she signifies.

Before Meghan became the Duchess of Sussex, she was a woman forging her own way. Her now-defunct blog, The Tig, was a colorful grab bag of travel tips, wellness advice, and personal musings. It was more than a website—it was a space where Meghan expressed her worldview and celebrated diversity.

It was real, accessible, and gave her an audience of loyal people who loved her for being herself. Even then, Meghan was unafraid to take up space. She didn’t shy away from her identity as a biracial woman and used her platform to explore issues of inclusivity and representation. That confidence and openness drew people in but also made her a target for those uncomfortable with seeing someone like her succeed.

Fast forward to her Netflix series—a project that should represent a crowning achievement in her career. The show focuses on lifestyle and cooking, perfectly aligning with Meghan’s previous website.

But instead of celebrating this effort, critics pounced, and many of them were white women. Their comments on social media were filled with accusations of her being “self-serving” or “attention-seeking.” Some critics even accused her of cashing in on her royal connections. These complaints conveniently overlook that Meghan has always been a storyteller, long before her royal title.

Her passion for connection and advocacy was evident in her humanitarian work and The Tig, which celebrated food, travel, and culture with a personal touch. The online hate, however, reveals a bigger problem: Meghan isn’t just criticized for what she does—she’s criticized for existing in spaces where women like her have traditionally been unwelcomed.

Meghan’s critics often ignore the role racism plays in the backlash against her. As a biracial woman, she represents a break from the long tradition of whiteness in the monarchy. Her presence signified change in an institution that prides itself on tradition, making her a lightning rod for criticism.

The scrutiny Meghan faced wasn’t just intense; it was unequal. Behaviors celebrated in her sister-in-law Kate Middleton—like touching her baby bump or advocating for causes—were cast as selfish or inappropriate when Meghan did them. These double standards highlight how much we cling to biases about race and gender, even in spaces that claim to value diversity.

The critiques also point to privilege. Meghan’s success threatens those who cling to the unwritten rules about who is allowed to thrive in certain spaces. Her self-assurance, autonomy, and refusal to conform challenge the conventions many are uncomfortable letting go of.

So why does Meghan continue to live rent-free in so many people’s heads? A large part of it is that she doesn’t play by the rules. When the royal family and British tabloids painted her as the problem, she didn’t stay silent—she told her side of the story. When constant harassment became unbearable, she didn’t accept it—she left the royal institution for the sake of her mental health and her family.

Meghan’s decisions force people to examine their own biases. For some, it’s easier to label her as “difficult” than to recognize the systemic racism and sexism that shape how society treats women like her.

Through all the noise, Meghan continues to thrive. Her Netflix series is the latest chapter in a life defined by resilience and reinvention. She has built a platform that allows her to speak out, elevate others, and create meaningful change.

The hatred directed at Meghan is a reflection of her detractors, not her. It speaks to a fear of change and a discomfort with seeing a woman of color succeed on her own terms. But Meghan’s story is also a turning point for women who want to chart their own paths, for people who seek to challenge norms, and for anyone who believes in the power of authenticity.

Meghan Markle doesn’t just live rent-free in her critics’ heads—she thrives there. And that’s what makes her unstoppable.

Yesha Callahan is an award-winning journalist, former late-night show writer, and TV writer based in Los Angeles. Follow her on X @yeshacallahan.