MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

Serena Williams lauds Meghan Markle for 'leading by example' in fight against sexism and racism: 'Truly noble'

Williams was one of the many friends of Meghan who came out in support of the couple after their interview with Oprah Winfrey

Serena Williams, one of Meghan Markle's close friends, came out in support of her friend after Markle and Prince Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey aired on CBS. In a statement on Twitter, she wrote, "Meghan Markle, my selfless friend, lives her life -- and leads by example -- with empathy and compassion. She teaches me every day what it means to be truly noble. Her words illustrate the pain and cruelty she's experienced."

She further added, "I know first hand the sexism and racism institutions and the media use to vilify women and people of color to minimize us, to break us down and demonize us. We must recognize our obligation to decry malicious, unfounded gossip and tabloid journalism."

RELATED ARTICLES

Amanda Gorman says Meghan Markle was 'Crown's greatest opportunity for change', Internet says 'abolish it'

'Stop blaming Meghan Markle': Prince Harry's old clip shows he wanted a 'Megxit' even before marrying her

Williams also wrote, "The mental health consequences of systemic oppression and victimization are devastating, isolating and all too often lethal. I want Meghan's daughter, my daughter and your daughter to live in a society that is driven by respect." In conclusion, she wrote, "Keep in your memory the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Daniel Martin, the makeup artist who worked with Markle for her wedding also posted a picture of Markle and Prince Harry together and captioned the picture, "You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise.” #mayaangelou #loveislove." The post was also in support of Markle. 

The Labor MP for Nottingham East, Nadia Whittome shared, "When Meghan Markle was accused of bullying, Buckingham Palace immediately announced an investigation. Now that Meghan has revealed comments about her child's skin colour, will they investigate racism in the Palace? I won’t be holding my breath."

Owen Wilson also shared, "Meghan Markle’s interview hasn’t just exposed the truth about the monarchy, a shadowy institution shrouded in secrecy despite supposedly embodying the nation. It’s currently exposing everyone who doesn’t care about either racism or suicide."

Host of the podcast 'Jemele Hill is Unbothered' also wrote, "It was hard not to watch #HarryandMeghanonOprah and not feel so much empathy for Meghan Markle. So many women of color can relate to the exhausting experience of having your worth and existence constantly questioned and scrutinized."

Author Matt Heig shared, "Just popping by to tell all the people who say that Meghan Markle was lying about being suicidal that you are an absolute disgrace. And you also know nothing at all." Actress and Broadcaster Nicola Thorp wrote, "To anyone struggling with their mental health who had to witness PM deny Meghan Markle’s suicidal thoughts and claim she was lying about them, please don’t think you won’t be believed if you seek help. I’ve been there. I believe you." She also added, "I’m not going to sugar coat it and tell you everyone will believe you or be empathetic - I’ve experienced that rejection too. Please trust me when I say that those people aren’t worth your time. Their denial or apathy towards your mental health is not a reflection of your worth."

Many of Markle's other friends also came out in support her prior to the interview's airing when Markle was accused of bullying the royal staff member which she had denied.