From Reality TV Royalty to Royal Critic: Stassi Schroeder's Uncanny Feud with Meghan Markle

In the unpredictable world of reality television and celebrity commentary, few tales offer as much ironic introspection as the peculiar 'feud' between Vanderpump Rules alum Stassi Schroeder and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. What began as an unsolicited critique from Schroeder in 2018 swiftly evolved into a surprisingly poignant lesson in empathy, particularly in light of Schroeder's own later encounters with public backlash and 'cancel culture'.

The story unfolds in 2018, a period when Meghan Markle was still relatively new to her royal role, grappling with the relentless scrutiny that comes with being a member of the British Royal Family.

The Duchess frequently expressed discomfort and frustration with the incessant paparazzi and invasive media attention, a sentiment that resonated with many, but not with everyone. Enter Stassi Schroeder, then a prominent voice on her podcast, who minced no words in dismissing Markle's complaints.

Schroeder’s stance was clear and unapologetic.

She famously declared that Meghan Markle had effectively 'signed up for it' by marrying Prince Harry. “She knows what she’s getting into,” Schroeder asserted, implying that any complaints about media intrusion were unwarranted given Markle’s choice to join the Royal Family. Schroeder’s take was that if you enter such a high-profile world, you forfeit the right to privacy and the luxury of complaining about its absence.

It was a harsh, arguably unsympathetic, perspective delivered with Schroeder’s characteristic bluntness.

Fast forward a couple of years, and the tables turned dramatically for Schroeder herself. By 2020, the reality star found herself at the epicenter of her own media storm. Past problematic remarks and accusations of racist behavior resurfaced, leading to widespread public condemnation, the loss of her podcast, her PR team, and ultimately, her job on Vanderpump Rules.

Schroeder, once a purveyor of celebrity judgment, was now experiencing the full, unforgiving force of public scrutiny and 'cancel culture'.

This seismic shift in her own life appears to have profoundly altered Schroeder’s perspective. In the wake of her 'cancelation,' she issued a public apology, acknowledging her past insensitivities and expressing a commitment to learning and growth.

More significantly, she seemed to gain a new understanding of the very pressures she had once so easily dismissed. The relentless criticism, the loss of livelihood, and the intense public shaming she endured mirrored, in their own way, the kind of scrutiny Markle had described, albeit in different contexts.

The irony was palpable: the woman who told Meghan Markle to stop complaining about media attention found herself complaining, and rightly so, about the devastating impact of public judgment on her own life.

This full-circle moment provided a compelling, if painful, lesson. It highlighted the complex realities of celebrity, the double-edged sword of public platforms, and the crucial importance of empathy – a quality Schroeder herself admitted she needed to cultivate.

While Stassi Schroeder and Meghan Markle may never truly 'feud' in the traditional sense, Schroeder’s journey from a sharp-tongued critic to a humbled individual grappling with her own public downfall offers a fascinating commentary on celebrity culture, accountability, and the ever-evolving nature of public perception.

It's a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected lessons come from walking a mile in someone else's very public shoes.