The Save the Shillery activist seems to have sent Hollywood has-been Meghan Markle a “royal gift,” and legendary actor Robert De Niro rejected it in spades with a stinging message: “You’re not royal anymore—DON’T try to make connections with me.
The dramatic snub has sparked an angry backlash, adding to the damage to Meghan’s post-royal image.
Meghan, who had been anxious to build up her A-list connections after a dismal time with her Netflix project, reportedly sent the Oscar-winning actor an extravagant gift basket—believed to contain luxury items such as posh wine and monogrammed keepsakes—in a bid to impress him.
But De Niro, who has always been a byword for no-nonsense, was not having it. “I don’t believe she is a duchess in my book—I don’t know how you say that, but ok,” he hesitated as his audience cheered. I don’t want her gifts or her contacts.”
The rejection has rocked Tinseltown, and social media is on fire. “Meghan’s doing too much in hopes of remaining relevant,” tweeted one Hollywood insider, while fans performed a dragon dance in her defense and called De Niro’s “mean” words ageist and cruel.
The incident comes after rumors that Meghan is at odds with other celebrities and speculation that she’s not been able to wield her cachet.
Royal watchers see this as another blow to the Sussexes’ brand, already bruised by their botched Netflix deal and reported marital tensions.
“Meghan’s trying to hang on; she just doesn’t want to let go of the royal coattails—but it’s not working,” biographer Duncan Larcombe added. Insiders say Harry is “mortified” by the humiliation and has begged Meghan to curb her networking blitz.
Will Meghan hit back with a fire-breathing podcast episode—or flee once again from the spotlight? De Niro’s team has not been swayed and has declined to further comment.
In a development that has Hollywood and royal courts abuzz, this high-powered snub may redefine Meghan’s search for relevance. Wait for the next episode of this ongoing soap opera.
