Meghan Markle’s recent attempt to assist a wildfire-affected teenager has sparked debate, with critics accusing the Duchess of Sussex of engaging in “performative activism.”

The controversy arose after Meghan took to social media to highlight her efforts in reconnecting a teenage wildfire victim with a Billie Eilish T-shirt that had been lost in the disaster.

The move, which involved reaching out to her celebrity contacts to secure the merchandise, has been met with scepticism, with some questioning whether it was an act of genuine kindness or another calculated public relations effort.

British columnist Jan Moir, writing for The Daily Mail, was among those to voice criticism, describing Meghan as the “Marie Antoinette of Montecito.” She noted that while the gesture itself was well-intentioned, it was overshadowed by what she termed an excessive need for public validation.

“This time around, Meghan was in a strange mood—excited, breathless, exhilarated—patting her heart and her head with the thrill of it all,” Moir wrote, questioning the extent of the Duchess’s enthusiasm.

She further critiqued the approach taken, arguing that obtaining a Billie Eilish T-shirt was not a particularly challenging task, as the merchandise was readily available online.

Instead of simply purchasing one, Meghan reportedly contacted members of her A-list social circle to liaise with the singer directly, a move Moir described as unnecessary.

“I am not denying that this was a lovely effort from Meghan; a humane and kindly response to ease the distress of a traumatised teenager,” she acknowledged. However, she added, “Yet despite these noble intentions, Meghan – and Harry, too – have an unerring ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.”

The criticism echoes a broader debate surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s philanthropic initiatives, with some questioning whether their humanitarian efforts are genuine or primarily aimed at bolstering their public image.

Despite the backlash, supporters of Meghan have defended her actions, arguing that her outreach—regardless of the method—brought comfort to a young person affected by the disaster. Neither Meghan nor Prince Harry has responded publicly to the remarks.