In December, lists meant to catalogue the biggest celebrity villains were released, and some of the names were exactly who I expected to see. The likes of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Bill Cosby and Prince Andrew belong on such lists — as well as in jail cells. But I was surprised to see Meghan Markle on the list alongside people who have committed crimes, shown predatory behaviour and appropriated cultures for profit — people who have harmed society in legal, political or social spaces. 

As far as I know, Markle’s primary offence was marrying a prince and refusing to bow down to the British monarchy after she did. Maybe she can be a bit annoying, but in comparison to the other names on the list, she has done nothing to earn the title of “most hated person.”

This list did more than confuse me — it highlighted something many women already know. There is a stark double standard in how society treats and reacts to men and women. 

People have found a way to blame Markle for her and Prince Harry’s exit from the royal family. She is the scapegoat for his estrangement from the royal family and his criticism of the institution. This narrative conveniently ignores the fact that Harry had been openly rebelling long before Markle was in his life. His partying, Halloween costume scandals and visible resentment for royal expectations were tabloid staples for years. Yet, somehow, Markle is portrayed as the mastermind behind his desire for autonomy — because, of course, a grown, wealthy royal man could never make his own decisions. Meanwhile, Markle is carrying the brunt of public resentment for “splitting the royal family” or being “inauthentic.”

Take Nick Cannon, for example. He has fathered 12 children as of 2025, yet instead of receiving real criticism for being irresponsible, society has made a joke of him. Chris Brown was abusive to Rihanna and others, and although he was cancelled for a while, the social narrative has become that he has changed and deserves forgiveness. I am not saying people should not be given second chances. What I am saying is that the grace and forgiveness awarded to men is non-existent for women. 

Furthermore, the line men need to cross to be hated is far higher than that of women. A woman could do what the average man does, like feel entitled or be annoying, and society will not give her a break. Meanwhile, men need to behave in a way that is downright atrocious in order to receive the same treatment. Ultimately, an awful woman is usually just a regular guy.