Celebrity

Meghan Markle Slammed As 'Cringe' And 'Phony' For Repeatedly 'Touching' Pregnant Friend's Stomach On The Red Carpet In Viral Video: 'This Feels Awkward'

March 25, 2026 by Maria Pierides
shefinds | Celebrity
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The internet seemingly still isn’t done with analyzing Meghan Markle‘s latest red carpet outing!

When the former Suits actress, 44, attended the Children’s Rights 34th Annual Champions For Children Gala in Los Angeles with close friend Kelly Zajfen, social media was initially very focused on the fact that her engagement ring and eternity ring were both missing from her finger. But now, something else from the event’s red carpet is stealing the spotlight…

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Meghan Markle hugging Kelly Zajfen on the red carpet

Meghan Markle's Behavior During Latest Red Carpet Appearance Is Slammed As 'Cringe' And 'Weird'

In a viral video shared by multiple outlets, the With Love, Meghan star's behavior on the red carpet is under scrutiny – and she is being called out for the way she is engaging with Zajfen, who is very visibly pregnant, including repeatedly hugging her and touching her stomach.

Critics didn't hold back in the comments, deeming her behavior and body language everything from "cringe" to "fake" to attention-seeking, and more.

"Meg just couldn't let this woman have her own moment," quipped one critic in the comments of a video posted by Us Weekly on Instagram, followed by three crying laughing emojis. "Her friend is like stop touching me," thought a second, as a third echoed: "Stop touching her stomach."

Meghan Markle and Kelly Zajfen 34th Annual Champions For Children Gala

More Internet Reactions

"Why is she all over Kelly?" asked a fourth, as a fifth chimed in: "Her good friend seems uncomfortable."

"This feels awkward," observed a sixth. "Meghan is the most awkward, and phony person I have ever seen. So cringe!" exclaimed a seventh.

"Meghan is so phony," concurred an eighth, while a ninth said: "Fake as." "Looks a bit desperate," slammed a tenth.

"How weird," thought an eleventh, as a twelfth said: "Look at me! Look at me! I am royal" "No one cares. Again she's looking for attention," said a thirteenth.

Author:

Senior Celebrity Writer

Maria has spent the last decade writing about entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle for online and print publications all around the globe – including InStyle, OK!, and The Mirror. At SheFinds, Maria covers breaking celebrity news, red carpet looks, celebrity transformations, A-list couples, and has a watchful eye on celebrity social media accounts. You can reach her at contactmariapierides@gmail.com