BBC slammed for ‘hateful’ depiction of Meghan Markle

A new BBC show which pokes fun at Duchess Meghan Markle has been slammed by outraged viewers as horribly disrespectful.

Meghan Markle has been portrayed as a “trailer trash” American who threatens to knife Kate Middleton in a new BBC show.

The Duchess of Sussex develops a violent rage towards her royal sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, in a new spoof comedy, Tonight With Vladimir Putin, The Sun reports.

In the show’s two pilot episodes — both of which were broadcast in the UK over the weekend — well-known public figures are acted out by comedians in front of a real-life audience, with performance capture technology used to turn everyone into 3D digital characters.

Meghan Markle's unflattering portrayal in a new BBC series.

A segment titled “Meghan Markle’s Royal Sparkle” involves a fictional version of the actress taking questions from people in the studio of the chat show, which she says she is appearing on “to get to know you, the United British of Kingdom people” and boost her social media profile.

“What makes you angry?” one person asks.

The Duchess, who is voiced by actress and writer Gbemisola Ikunelo, replies with a story about how Kate asked to borrow her hairbrush.

Meghan Markle is portrayed as knife-wielding ‘trailer trash’ in the controversial BBC show.

“I say no because that’s gross, and then I leave my room and come back and I can tell she’s used my hairbrush anyway because it’s covered in skanky hair that’s going grey and I say, ‘Stay the f**k out of my trailer or I’ll cut you, Kate’,” she shoots back.

The program also mocks Meghan’s relationship with her estranged father Thomas Markle.

“I’d just like to know: how’s your dad?” another person puts to her.

“Great question. Next,” the Duchess replies.

A third asks Meghan about life married to Prince Harry, which she doesn’t take well.

“I’m just wondering why you’re so interested there, missy? I mean, what’s that about?” she snaps.

“Do you have a problem with me and Harry? Are you trying to lay claim to my man?”

The Duchess adds: “We can go right now, b**ch, you and me.”

Reaction to the episode on social media has been overwhelmingly negative, many labelling the show’s depiction of Meghan as “disgustingly racist”:

This genuinely might be the worst thing the BBC has ever put on TV. Apart from the baffling decision to include the Meghan Markle stuff, it is less funny than Mrs Brown’s Boys https://t.co/Ovx0OtGpgx

— Anita Singh (@anitathetweeter) June 22, 2019

I sent mine.
Do not hesitate to send your complaints to @BBC.

Darkening Meghan markle’s skin to Portray her as an angry trailer trash with a knife.
Is racist,disgusting,disrespectful to every single black men and women.#meghanmarkle #Sussexsquad #BBC pic.twitter.com/lqQQWd5Ne6

— Clematismeghan (@clematismeghan) June 23, 2019

I didn’t realize @BBC @Telegraph engaged in racism, misogyny while trying to tell viewers it’s satirical. I just don’t understand what #MeghanMarkle has done to cause this hateful treatment? I use to respect the BBC and their programming but I’ll be dropping BBC

— cara downey (@cara_downey) June 23, 2019

Disgraceful and shameful. Who wants to see such a vulgar comedy. Please rethink and revise the material
BBC comedy portrays Meghan Markle as ‘trailer trash’ American who threatens to knife Kate Middleton' | via @telegraph https://t.co/yT3u7YP0Zu

— Epsilon (@Epsilon41624750) June 22, 2019

#TonightWithVladimirPutin @BBC #BBC A darkened version of Meghan Markle = why? Why characterise her as trailer trash, when it is her caucasian relatives who fit this narrative. How many people of colour were amongst those who approved this racist "sattire" BBC's words not mine.

— nature (@Natureroots72) June 23, 2019

That disgusting skit of Meghan Markle on BBC needs to be shut down and I’m saddened that BBC network is defending this racist content.

— Chinenye (@ChinenyeUgwa) June 24, 2019

@BBC that was such a disgusting portrayal of Meghan Markle, you should be ashamed of yourselves pic.twitter.com/HjYnjQv6q6

— Kallie🌸👑 (@KallieM21) June 24, 2019

Ikunelo told the Telegraph she had written the character to be the opposite to the “incredibly agreeable and friendly” real-life royal.

“I was interested in finding humour in the ridiculous … What if somebody who seems super lovely in public actually has a really mean streak? What would that look like?” she explained.

“So I introduced an over-the-top, shouty, hillbilly drawl.”

Meghan and Harry. Picture: Ben STANSALL / AFP

The program also features Vladimir Putin as host and Alastair Campbell.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Viewers will clearly recognise this performance as a spoof and highly satirical within the context of a program which lampoons a wide range of public figures and the public’s perception of them.”

It comes as rumours of a rift between Kate and Meghan, as well as princes William and Harry, continue.

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have been plagued with rumours of private tensions.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission