The 55th NAACP Awards were supposed to be a night filled with celebration and recognition, but they took an unexpected turn thanks to Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.

Although she didn’t attend the ceremony, her shadow loomed large over the event, especially during a powerful speech delivered by the evening’s host, Queen Latifah.

Known for her candidness, Latifah used her platform to launch a pointed critique that seemed aimed squarely at Markle, leaving the audience buzzing.

Latifah’s remarks cut through the glitz of the Dolby Theater, focusing on Markle’s perceived lack of authenticity in her activism.

While Markle has often positioned herself as a champion for social justice, Latifah questioned whether she truly understood the struggles faced by those fighting systemic oppression.

“There’s a growing trend of self-proclaimed advocates who confuse privilege with struggle,” Latifah asserted, her voice echoing in the auditorium.

The crux of Latifah’s speech revolved around Markle’s narrative of overcoming racial adversity within the British royal family.

“The NAACP fights for the rights of black Americans who face systemic oppression every single day,” she stated emphatically.

This stark comparison highlighted the different realities between navigating royal life and the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities.

The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, signaling their agreement with Latifah’s sentiments.

However, the aftermath on social media was a different story.

The hashtag #LatifahLestownpala quickly gained traction, with many praising the actress for her bold honesty.

Conversely, supporters of Markle rallied on platforms like the subreddit SaintMeganMarkle, decrying Latifah’s speech as an unwarranted attack driven by jealousy.

Speculation about Markle’s absence from the awards ceremony ran rampant.

Some suggested it was a strategic decision to avoid a potentially hostile crowd, while others speculated that scheduling conflicts were to blame.

Regardless of the reason, her no-show only intensified the scrutiny surrounding her motives and actions.

This incident raises questions about Markle’s intentions regarding her involvement with the NAACP.

Was she genuinely interested in supporting a cause she claims to champion, or was this simply a calculated move to enhance her humanitarian image?

Latifah’s comments seemed to lean toward the latter interpretation, especially when she remarked that for some, activism appears to be a convenient runway for self-promotion.

The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle.

While Markle may have had good intentions, her past actions and perceived insincerity cast a long shadow over her advocacy efforts.

This latest chapter in Markle’s ongoing struggle to be seen as a relatable figure in the realm of social justice is telling.

Latifah’s pointed critique has undoubtedly impacted Markle’s reputation.

The question now is whether the Duchess can recover her image after such a public takedown.