Meghan Markle Says She Faced Daily Online Abuse for a Decade

Meghan Markle spoke about her experience with online harassment during a visit to Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday, April 16, 2026, telling a group of young people that she has faced daily abuse online for the past decade.

Speaking at Swinburne University of Technology to students connected with Batyr, a youth mental health organization, the Duchess of Sussex said she had been “bullied and attacked” every day for 10 years. She added that she believed she had been “the most trolled person in the entire world” during that period.

Markle also criticized the structure of social media platforms, describing them as a “billion-dollar industry” driven by negative engagement. She argued that harmful behavior is often incentivized because it generates attention and clicks.

Prince Harry, who joined the discussion, supported Australia’s recent move to restrict social media access for children under 16. He described the policy as a responsible step, saying it was “epic” in terms of protecting young people.

Harry also spoke about his own mental health struggles, telling the audience he delayed seeking help until he reached a crisis point. He said he only pursued therapy after finding himself “in the fetal position” on his kitchen floor.

The appearance was part of a four-day private visit to Australia. The couple’s itinerary focused largely on mental health and veterans’ issues, including participation in the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit.

In addition to formal engagements, Markle took part in community activities, including serving meals at a women’s homeless shelter in Melbourne. She also filmed a guest appearance for MasterChef Australia.

Her remarks about online harassment prompted mixed reactions on social media. Supporters said her comments highlighted the impact of sustained online abuse, while critics questioned whether the message was appropriately framed for a youth-focused event.