Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 13, 2025 · Entertainment

Chrissy Teigen's Controversial Appearance on Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show Sparks Outrage

The trailer for the second season of Meghan Markle's lifestyle show was released yesterday and it featured a number of celebrity cameos - but one in particular left viewers with a bitter taste

The Royal Ruckus: Meghan Markle's Lifestyle Show Sparks Controversy with Chrissy Teigen Appearance

In a move that has left fans of Netflix's "With Love, Meghan" scratching their heads, the Duchess of Sussex has welcomed none other than Chrissy Teigen to her latest endeavor. The trailer for the second season of the show dropped yesterday, featuring a star-studded cast, but one guest in particular has sparked outrage among viewers.

Chrissy Teigen, the Sports Illustrated model and wife of John Legend, made headlines last year after a series of vile tweets resurfaced from 2011, where she subjected then-16-year-old Courtney Stodden to harassment. The bullying scandal led to widespread backlash on social media, with many calling for Chrissy's accountability.

the inclusion of Chrissy Teigen has cast a shadow over the season - even before its release - after outraged Netflix fans highlighted the former Sports Illustrated model's bullying row. In 2021, John Legend 's wife Chrissy faced severe backlash after abusive tweets by the star - dating back to 2011 - resurfaced online. In one, she told then-16-year-old Courtney Stodden (pictured) - who identifies as they/them - to kill themselves

However, in a move that has left fans puzzled, Meghan Markle has seemingly given Chrissy a free pass, inviting her to appear on the show despite her history of online bullying. But what's even more surprising is that this isn't the first time Meghan has shown support for Chrissy - the two have been close friends since their modeling days on Deal or No Deal.

Their friendship has been well-documented over the years, with Chrissy frequently gushing about Meghan's kindness and generosity. In a 2018 interview with You Magazine, Chrissy raved about Meghan, calling her "wonderful" and "kind". She even went as far as to say that she had pre-ordered Meghan's cookbook Together, praising its importance to the Duchess.

But it appears that Meghan's friendship with Chrissy may be put to the test now. The backlash against Chrissy's appearance on the show has been swift, with many pointing out the hypocrisy of having an outspoken advocate for stricter online safety regulations, like Meghan, welcoming a self-proclaimed bully into her inner circle.

Chrissy's own apologies and explanations have done little to quell the outrage, with many taking issue with her dismissive attitude towards her past actions. "She advocates against online bullying then has Chrissy Teigen on...make it make sense Netflix," one Twitter user sarcastically wrote.

Another fan of the show expressed their confusion: "How can Meghan Markle associate with Chrissy Teigen, a self-confessed online bully and troll who purports to support the Parents Network who are campaigning against this very thing?"

The irony is not lost on fans of the show, especially considering Meghan's own personal experiences with bullying. In an interview last year, she revealed that she had been one of the most bullied people in the world, sparking a renewed conversation about online harassment.

But what's even more shocking is that Chrissy has actually benefited from her friendship with Meghan. In 2020, Chrissy received a batch of Meghan's strawberry jam as part of a promotional campaign for the Duchess' lifestyle company. The two also posed together at the DirecTV Beach Bowl in 2014, where they participated in a competitive game of American football.

It seems that Meghan has been willing to overlook her friend's past transgressions, but now that she's facing backlash from fans and critics alike, it remains to be seen whether their friendship will survive this latest controversy. Will Meghan continue to welcome Chrissy into her inner circle, or will the Duchess finally take a stand against bullying?

As the drama unfolds, one thing is certain: the royal family has always been known for its complexities and controversies. But in this case, it's not just about the royals - it's about accountability, kindness, and the power of social media.

The Schism Between Meghan and Jessica Mulroney

But Chrissy isn't the only celebrity to have fallen out with Meghan over controversy. The Duchess has also distanced herself from her former best friend, Canadian stylist Jessica Mulroney.

The pair first met on the sets of Suits in Toronto and quickly became inseparable, but their friendship ended abruptly in 2020 after Jessica was embroiled in a public feud with lifestyle blogger Sasha Exeter. In an explosive video, Sasha claimed that Jessica had "threatened" her during an argument over white privilege.

Meghan's decision to cut ties with Jessica has been seen by many as a sign of her commitment to social justice and accountability. But will she be able to reconcile with Chrissy in light of the backlash against her appearance on the show?

The Fallout: How Meghan's Friendship with Chrissy Has Left Fans Confused

Meghan Markle has always been known for her advocacy on behalf of women, minorities, and children affected by bullying. Her decision to invite Chrissy Teigen onto her lifestyle show has left many scratching their heads.

"Chrissy Teigen guests this season. WTF thought she was a good idea?" one Twitter user exclaimed. "You couldn't make it up, I wonder if it will help support the parents of the people Chrissy Teigen has bullied?"

The controversy surrounding Chrissy's appearance on the show is not just about her past actions - but also about Meghan's willingness to overlook them.

As fans continue to weigh in on the drama, one thing is certain: this royal ruckus has left everyone talking. But will it ultimately damage Meghan's reputation and relationships with her friends?

The Full Story of Chrissy Teigen's Bullying Scandal

For those who may be unfamiliar with Chrissy Teigen's bullying scandal, here's a brief rundown:

In 2011, then-16-year-old Courtney Stodden was subjected to harassment by Chrissy on Twitter. The model tweeted at Courtney: "My Friday fantasy: you. dirt nap. mmmmmm baby", followed by: "go. to sleep. forever."

Chrissy's forthcoming appearance on With Love, Meghan has called their friendship into question after several people highlighted how the Duchess has championed for stricter online safety regulations while speaking out against cyberbullying.

Old tweets from 2013 also resurfaced, where Chrissy described nine-year-old Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis as "cocky" and called Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham, then 21, a "wh*".

The backlash against Chrissy was swift, with many calling for her accountability. But in the end, she issued an apology to Courtney - which has been met with skepticism by some.

The controversy raises questions about Meghan's judgment in welcoming Chrissy onto her show, and whether their friendship can withstand this latest scandal.

Courtney incurred relentless bullying both publicly and in private from Chrissy, who tweeted at the then-teen in 2011: 'My Friday fantasy: you. dirt nap. mmmmmm baby', followed by: 'go. to sleep. forever

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com
  • Various Twitter users (as cited)

Old tweets from 2013 have also resurfaced in which she described nine-year-old Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis as 'cocky' and called Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham, then 21, a 'wh***'

Meghan's friendship with Chrissy, 39, dates back to the late 2000s when they worked together as models on the TV game show Deal or No Deal at the start of their careers, showing off briefcases containing prizes for contestants

Meghan in a still from the trailer of With Love, Meghan that releases on August 26 on Netflix

Chrissy was also part of the 50 'jamfluencers' - or celebrities - who received the first batch of Meghan's strawberry jam when she 'soft-launched' her lifestyle company as American Riviera Orchard last year, before it was rebranded to As Ever

At the time, the model and her husband, All of You hitmaker John, tried the jam in a recipe on Instagram - claiming that the meal was 'one of the best bites we've had all year' and made them 'happy' for the entire weekend

Before finding fame on Suits, Meghan briefly modelled on Deal or No Deal, where she first met Chrissy

Royal fans will remember that Meghan's former best friend, Canadian stylist Jessica Mulroney was seemingly axed from the Duchess's inner circle after the stylist 'threatened' black influencer Sasha Exeter in a row over white privilege in 2020