Meghan Markle, also known as the Duchess of Sussex, found herself in a state of fury upon discovering that Jimmy Kimmel had turned down her request to headline the 96th Oscars.
The revelation surfaced mere days before the highly anticipated awards show, causing ripples of astonishment throughout the entertainment industry.
Insider sources disclosed that Meghan had her sights set on gracing the illustrious Oscars stage and delivering a captivating opening monologue.
She was confident that her distinctive blend of grace, humor, and charm would enrapture audiences worldwide.
Despite Meghan’s earnest plea to take the spotlight and even offer insights into her royal experiences to infuse a touch of regal allure into the event, Jimmy Kimmel, embarking on his fourth hosting endeavor, had different intentions.
Sources revealed that Meghan personally implored Kimmel for the chance to shine but faced unwavering resistance from the seasoned host, who emphasized the importance of upholding tradition and consistency.
This rejection left Meghan feeling slighted and undervalued, given her background as an actress and a former member of the British royal family.
Tensions between Meghan and Kimmel escalated during a reportedly heated exchange over the phone, with Meghan asserting her ability to navigate the pressures of the Oscars stage by drawing parallels to her past encounters with Buckingham Palace, the paparazzi, and the British tabloids.
In response, Kimmel quipped, “Meghan, this is Hollywood, not Windsor Castle,” underscoring the distinct nature of the entertainment industry compared to royal circles.
The news of this clash swiftly reverberated across social media platforms, prompting a wave of reactions from fans who rallied behind either Meghan or Kimmel, leading to viral hashtags such as #MeghanDeservesTheMic and #KimmelVsMeghan trending worldwide.
Late-night comedians seized the opportunity to incorporate the royal feud into their comedic repertoire, while executive producer Molly McNinney found herself inadvertently embroiled in the unfolding drama.
In a joint statement, McNinney, alongside colleagues Kramer and Young, expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging Meghan’s talent while emphasizing the legacy and ethos of the Oscars embodied by Kimmel’s hosting legacy.
As preparations for the ceremony intensified, script revisions were swiftly executed to omit any references to Meghan’s potential involvement, with Kimmel opting to humorously address his own hosting track record during the revamped opening monologue.