Megyn Kelly Slams Meghan Markle’s Viral Pregnancy Video as ‘Deeply Problematic,’ Claims It Disrespects the ‘Holy’ Act of Childbirth

Megyn Kelly went after Meghan Markle hard on Thursday following her viral pregnancy video that popped up earlier this week.

On the new episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show,”the host slammed Markle for what she deemed as “disrespect” to childbirth. Kelly called it “deeply problematic on a number of levels” and viewed the clip as a ploy to make the Duchess seem more likable to the public.

Megyn Kelly, the outspoken journalist and former Fox News host, has reignited controversy by criticizing a four-year-old video of Meghan Markle that recently resurfaced and went viral. The video, originally posted by the Duchess of Sussex in 2021, shows her dancing in a hospital room while visibly pregnant, just before giving birth to her daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. Kelly, speaking on her SiriusXM podcast The Megyn Kelly Show, labeled the video “deeply problematic” and argued that it disrespects the sanctity of childbirth, which she described as a “holy” act. The clip, which also features Prince Harry dancing alongside his wife, has sparked heated debate, with some slamming it as inappropriate and others defending it as a lighthearted moment.

The Viral Video and Its Context

The video in question captures a candid moment between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in a hospital room in Santa Barbara, California, where Meghan gave birth to Lilibet on June 4, 2021. In the short clip, Meghan, visibly pregnant, performs a playful dance while smiling at the camera, with Prince Harry joining in with his own goofy moves. The couple appears to be in high spirits, sharing a joyful moment before the arrival of their second child. The video was initially shared as part of the couple’s efforts to connect with their audience through their Archewell Foundation, offering a glimpse into their personal lives.

However, the resurfaced clip has drawn intense scrutiny, particularly from critics like Kelly, who argue that it trivializes the profound experience of childbirth. The video has also reignited long-standing conspiracy theories that question the authenticity of Meghan’s pregnancies, with some online commentators speculating that she used a prosthetic baby bump or a surrogate. These theories, which have been repeatedly debunked, gained traction in certain circles due to Meghan’s public appearances during her pregnancies, where her active demeanor and fashion choices sparked unfounded skepticism.

Megyn Kelly’s Critique

On her podcast, Kelly did not hold back in her criticism of the video, calling it “cringe-worthy” and “deeply problematic.” She argued that the act of childbirth is a sacred and transformative experience that should be treated with reverence, not turned into a spectacle for public consumption. “Childbirth is a holy thing,” Kelly stated. “It’s not something you do a TikTok dance to in a hospital room. It’s not a performance. It’s a deeply personal and profound moment, and this kind of behavior just fuels the fire for those who question her authenticity.”

Kelly also suggested that the video plays into the hands of conspiracy theorists who have long targeted Meghan with baseless claims about her pregnancies. “When you put out a video like this, dancing around like it’s a reality show, you’re inviting people to speculate,” she said. “It’s not just tone-deaf; it’s disrespectful to the gravity of what’s happening.” Kelly’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some critics who view Meghan’s public persona as overly performative, a critique that has followed the duchess since her departure from royal duties in 2020.

Public Reactions: Divided Opinions

The viral video has elicited a wide range of reactions from the public and media. On one side, critics like Kelly have slammed the clip as inappropriate, arguing that it undermines the seriousness of childbirth and fuels unnecessary controversy. Some social media users echoed Kelly’s sentiments, with posts on X calling the video “tasteless” and accusing Meghan of seeking attention. Others pointed to the video as evidence supporting conspiracy theories, with comments speculating about the authenticity of her pregnancy. These claims, however, lack any credible evidence and have been consistently debunked by medical records and statements from the couple.

On the other hand, supporters of Meghan and Harry have defended the video as a charming and relatable moment that humanizes the couple. Fans argue that the lighthearted dance reflects the joy and anticipation of welcoming a child, and they see the criticism as another example of disproportionate scrutiny aimed at Meghan. “They’re just having fun, celebrating their baby,” one user wrote on X. “Why does everything they do get twisted into something sinister?” Others have pointed out that the video was shared in a personal capacity, not as a formal royal statement, and should be viewed as a private moment made public to connect with their audience.

The Broader Context: Meghan and Harry’s Public Image

The controversy surrounding the video is the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of Meghan and Harry’s fraught relationship with the media and public. Since stepping back from their roles as senior royals in 2020 and relocating to California, the couple has faced relentless criticism and scrutiny over their personal and professional endeavors. From their Netflix documentary series to their Archewell Foundation initiatives, every move is dissected, often polarizing public opinion.

Meghan, in particular, has been a lightning rod for criticism, with detractors accusing her of everything from attention-seeking to undermining the monarchy. The resurfacing of the pregnancy video has reignited debates about her authenticity, with critics like Kelly using it as fodder to question her intentions. Meanwhile, supporters argue that the duchess is unfairly targeted, with even her most innocuous actions twisted to fit a narrative of controversy.

Conspiracy Theories and Their Impact

The conspiracy theories surrounding Meghan’s pregnancies, which Kelly referenced in her critique, are part of a broader pattern of misinformation targeting the duchess. These theories, which emerged during her pregnancy with Archie in 2019 and continued with Lilibet, falsely claim that Meghan faked her pregnancies or used a surrogate. Critics point to her active public appearances, fashion choices, and now this dancing video as supposed “evidence,” despite there being no credible basis for these claims.

Medical records confirm that Meghan gave birth to both Archie and Lilibet, and the couple has addressed the rumors indirectly through their representatives, dismissing them as baseless. However, the persistence of these theories highlights the challenges Meghan faces in navigating public life, where even a joyful moment like dancing while pregnant can be weaponized against her.

Conclusion

Megyn Kelly’s scathing remarks about Meghan Markle’s viral pregnancy video have once again thrust the Duchess of Sussex into the spotlight, reigniting debates about her public persona and the sanctity of childbirth. While Kelly and her supporters view the video as disrespectful and problematic, Meghan’s defenders see it as a harmless expression of joy. The controversy underscores the polarized lens through which the former royals are viewed, with every action subject to intense scrutiny.

As the debate rages on, the video serves as a reminder of the challenges public figures face in sharing personal moments with the world. For Meghan and Harry, the dancing clip was likely intended as a lighthearted glimpse into their lives as expectant parents. Instead, it has become another flashpoint in the ongoing saga of their public image, proving that even the simplest gestures can spark outsized reactions.