What is the Meghan Markle Syndrome? Where Does it Come From?

Published 12/13/2025, 11:53 AM EST

In the buzzing corridors of Hollywood and the endless scroll of social media, a brand‑new catch‑phrase has emerged as Meghan Markle Syndrome, a label that is suddenly everywhere. Also, can this term result in a public tragedy involving a conservative icon, leading to accusations of conspiracy and media manipulation?

The conservative commentator in question has her suspicion turned directly toward the public actions of Erika Kirk. But how does Meghan Markle come into play?

The origin of term Meghan Markle syndrome

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Following the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk, his close friend, conservative commentator Candace Owens, criticized Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, for dismissing the ongoing conspiracy theories. In her latest podcast, Candace, Owens accused Erika Kirk of exhibiting a Meghan Markle syndrome, accusing Erika Kirk of selectively seeking privacy when it suits her while also choosing moments for public attention. 

Owens said, Erika Kirk has “Meghan Markle syndrome,” which, she claims, is "where you want privacy when you want it” and “you want publicity when you want it."

The context here is when Meghan Markle stepped into the royal family; she instantly became the most photographed woman on the planet, yet she also pushed back hard against the paparazzi and the invasive press.

The conservative media figure also noted that despite Erika Kirk's claim of being too occupied to address conspiracy theories, she has made multiple media appearances in recent weeks, insisting, none of them were passing the vibe.

Charlie Kirk, the main subject of Fox Nation's new docuseries, was shot while speaking to a large crowd at Utah Valley University. Owens has repeatedly charged the government with concealing information and has suggested that other countries may have been involved in the incident.

“I Am Not F------ Apologising”- Amanda Seyfried Boldly Fires Back at Critics Over Charlie Kirk Remark

Erika Kirk explained that the continuous propagation of unfounded claims has caused deep, unnecessary suffering for her family.

Why Erika Kirk rejected the conspiracy theories?

The conspiracy theories being promoted by Candace Owens and others largely center on the unfounded claim that Charlie Kirk was assassinated by the government or other foreign entities, rather than by the lone individual, Tyler Robinson, arrested by officials.

Erika Kirk, the CEO of Turning Point USA, pushed back strongly against these narratives during a public interview. She stressed the negative impact such theories have on grieving families. She asserted that attacks on her family and professional groups due to the conspiracy theories are unacceptable

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Erika Kirk's rejection is a plea for the focus to return to her family's grief and the official investigation, rather than on financially motivated speculation.

Erika Kirk asked Owens and others peddling these theories to simply "stop" during a CBS News interview with Bari Weiss. While Owens continues to promote politically charged conspiracy theories, Erika Kirk is fiercely advocating for a return to focus on her family's grief and the official, factual account of the crime.

Charlie Kirk’s Shocking Cameo in Kanye West’s ‘In Whose Name?’ Doc Steals the Spotlight

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What are your opinion on the term Meghan Markle syndrome? Let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Soma Mitra

650 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK