Meghan's heartbreaking letter
Meghan Markle has shared her experience working in Hollywood as a biracial woman in an emotional essay.
In her essay, published in Elle UK, the Suits actress said: ‘Being "ethnically ambiguous", as I was pegged in the industry, meant I could audition for virtually any role,’ Markle writes. ‘Morphing from Latina when I was dressed in red, to African American when in mustard yellow; my closet filled with fashionable frocks to make me look as racially varied as an Eighties Benetton poster.
‘Sadly, it didn't matter: I wasn't black enough for the black roles and I wasn't white enough for the white ones, leaving me somewhere in the middle as the ethnic chameleon who couldn't book a job.’
After landing a role on Suits, Markle says she remembers the reaction after producers cast an African American as her father, played by Wendell Pierce.
‘I remember the tweets when that first episode of the Zane family aired, they ran the gamut from: 'Why would they make her dad black? She's not black' to 'Ew, she's black?
‘The reaction was unexpected, but speaks of the undercurrent of racism that is so prevalent, especially within America.’
Today, Markle says she is continuing to push for a positive change when it comes to racism.
'You push for colour-blind casting, you draw your own box…you create the identity you want for yourself, just as my ancestors did when they were given their freedom,’ she said.
The essay comes after Kensington Palace released a statement on behalf of Prince Harry, who said he was disappointed at the 'wave of abuse and harassment' his girlfriend has received.
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