A charity Meghan Markle worked with before marrying Prince Harry in 2018 has been hit with scandalous allegations, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, was a “global ambassador” for World Vision, known for its work with vulnerable children in developing countries. Their UK arm has been hit with claims of racism and sexism by several former employees.
Charity Accused of Racism and Sexism
World Vision’s UK offices have come under fire.
World Vision UK’s human resources has been accused of confusing two Black female employees, as well as Black women being “criticized, questioned and belittled in front of peers,” according to a report by the charity job finding site Third Sector released on Monday, October 13.
The site spoke to 11 past and current staff who raised the allegations. The charity’s leadership and governance were also accused of being “openly hostile to challenge, even when it comes through protected, legitimate channels.”
There were also claims of a toxic work environment, with several female employees alleging that they were patronized in meetings and felt “sidelined and unsupported” when sharing their worries.
WorldVision UK Responds
Markle took trips with World Vision to Rwanda and India.
A spokesperson for World Vision UK said in a statement: “The allegations we have been made aware of by Third Sector are false and are thought to be sourced from a small number of employees who have left the organization.
“World Vision UK has contacted the Charity Commission, and whilst any member of the public can make a complaint to them, there is no investigation against the charity. If the commission contacts us in relation to any complaint, we will, of course, cooperate fully.”
‘Tiny Acts of Generosity’
Markle met with local schoolchildren in Rwanda during her 2016 World Vision trip.
Markle travelled to Rwanda in 2016 with World Vision to learn about the charity’s clean water projects.
While there, she helped build a well and met with local villagers and schoolchildren.
“I do think that it’s these tiny acts of generosity or grace or even just understanding that allow us to really make a difference on a much larger level,” the former Suits star shared in a YouTube video by World Vision Canada about her journey.
At the time, she was starring on the USA legal drama, which filmed in Toronto, Ontario.
“It feels really cool to be a part of this part of the process,” Markle said in a voice-over while helping drill one well. “It’s really hands-on, and being part of this clean water being here for everyone feels really nice.”
Diva Allegations
Markle allegedly brought along a fashion photographer and glam squad for her charity trip.
Markle’s trip became the topic of controversy in 2022, when author Tom Bower made bombshell claims that the then-future royal made diva demands of the charity, including having World Vision cover the costs of her bringing along a personal photographer and glam squad.
“The actress insisted on flying to Rwanda first-class and be accompanied by Gabor Jurina, a Canadian fashion photographer,” Bower wrote in Revenge.
He also claimed she brought along an American hair and make-up stylist who was familiar with giving her locks a “silky straight look.”
“Meghan’s demands sent the costs well above the budget,” Bower claimed about her charity trip.
Markle also allegedly “disappeared” with her photographer. Instead of getting down and dirty with the water work, “for hours, Jurina photographed the perfectly coiffured actress hugging, squeezing and smiling at village children,” Bower claimed.
The California native went on to write about her Rwanda experience on her former lifestyle blog, The Tig.
“My life shifts from refugee camps to red carpets, I choose them both because these worlds can, in fact, coexist,” she penned.
Markle added: “I’ve never wanted to be a lady who lunches – I’ve always wanted to be a woman who works. And this type of work is what feeds my soul and fuels my purpose.”
