The News
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: The Royal Roast of Hollywood
In a night filled with glitz and glamour, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle found themselves at the center of a scathing roast delivered by Jimmy Kimmel during a handprint ceremony in Hollywood.
The star-studded event took place on June 18th, 2024, at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, where A-list celebrities gathered to immortalize their legacies.
However, it was Kimmel's sharp wit that stole the show, as he laid bare the perceived contradictions surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The couple was invited to leave their mark in the cement, ostensibly in honor of their charitable efforts highlighted in their Netflix docuseries, “Harry and Meghan.”
Yet, Kimmel seized the opportunity to address the glaring hypocrisy that has come to define the royal couple's public image over the years.
With a mix of humor and pointed critique, he began his remarks, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable roast.
As the audience settled, Kimmel raised his hand to quiet the polite applause.
“Now hold on, hold on,” he said.
“Before we get too excited, I think we need to have an honest conversation about these two and their unbelievable ability to have their cake and eat it too.”
This opening line signaled that Kimmel was ready to dive deep into the contradictions of Harry and Meghan's lifestyle.
Kimmel didn't pull any punches.
He highlighted how the couple seems to enjoy the lavish perks of fame while simultaneously lamenting their lack of privacy.
“These two really are something else, aren't they?”
he quipped.
“One minute they're living it up in a multi-million dollar mansion in Montecito, jetting around on private planes, and the next minute they're giving tearful interviews about how hard it is to be a royal.”
Laughter erupted from the crowd as Kimmel continued to poke fun at their dual existence.
“I mean, pick a lane, you two.
Do you want to be Hollywood A-listers soaking up all the perks and glamour?
Or do you want to be humble charity workers shunning the spotlight?
Because you can't have it both ways.”
His words resonated with the audience, who clearly enjoyed the comedic dissection of the couple's life choices.
Kimmel then shifted gears, offering specific examples of what he viewed as the Sussexes' hypocritical behavior.
“Let's talk about your much-celebrated eco-friendly credentials,” he said, drawing loud cheers.
“You lecture the rest of us about our carbon footprints, but how many times have you flown privately this year?
Oh, that's right, you don't want to tell us.”
The late-night host didn't stop there.
He brought attention to the couple's luxurious lifestyle, emphasizing their $14 million mansion and questioning its environmental impact.
“And then there's this whole thing about wanting privacy,” Kimmel added, shaking his head.
“Most normal people, if they wanted privacy, wouldn't go on Oprah and spill all of their family drama to the entire world.”
As Kimmel's roast continued, it became clear that he was not just making jokes; he was urging the couple to reflect on their position.
“You can't be global superstars cashing in on your royal titles, and then complain that you just want to be left alone,” he stated emphatically.
“It just doesn't work that way.”
Turning back to the ceremony's purpose, Kimmel encouraged Harry and Meghan to approach their handprint moment with humility.
“When you go up there and put your hands and feet in that cement, I hope you take a moment to reflect on how incredibly fortunate and privileged you are,” he said.
His words struck a chord, reminding everyone present of the stark differences between their lives and those of average citizens.
The audience responded with cheers and applause, clearly enjoying Kimmel's candid commentary.
“Congratulations Harry and Meghan, enjoy your moment in the spotlight,” he concluded, “but remember, you can't have your cake and eat it too; the rest of us are just looking for a crumb over here.”
As the Sussexes prepared to imprint their hands and feet, the atmosphere was electric.
The crowd's mixed reactions—cheers mingled with boos—reflected the complex feelings many have towards the couple.
Their expressions revealed a blend of embarrassment and resentment, hinting at their awareness of the public's scrutiny.
In a world where celebrity and royalty intertwine, Kimmel's roast served as a reminder of the delicate balance between fame and authenticity.
For Harry and Meghan, the Hollywood spotlight may shine bright, but as Kimmel aptly pointed out, the expectations that come with it are equally intense.