3 days ago
Meghan Markle Defended Over Wild Fake Bump Theory
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Meghan Markle dancing while heavily pregnant in a hospital room led to a bizarre debate over her baby bump.
The Duchess of Sussex posted a clip of herself doing Starrkeisha's "Baby Mama" dance while overdue with Princess Lilibet in the hope of inducing labor.
For years, detractors on social media have argued Meghan faked her two pregnancies and seized on the shape of the royal's bump as new evidence. However, other mothers came to Meghan's defense, using their own pregnancy photos to argue her bump looked as expected.
Why It Matters
Meghan and Harry have faced numerous rumors and conspiracy theories, from talk of a secret divorce that Newsweek fact-checked as "false" to unfounded speculation that she faked her pregnancies.
These social media trends can be difficult for Meghan and Harry to counter without amplifying those attacks, a phenomenon known in the PR industry as the Streisand effect.
However, grassroots efforts by ordinary people, particularly those who are not dedicated fans of the duchess, may prove more successful.
Meghan Markle speaks at the Global Citizen Live festival in Central Park on September 25, 2021.
Meghan Markle speaks at the Global Citizen Live festival in Central Park on September 25, 2021.
ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
Some on social media argued Meghan's bump appeared fake because of its shape but one ordinary mom went viral after stating any bumps were simply a baby heart monitor strapped to the duchess.
She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "I seldom post my pics but I will to defend Meghan @KensingtonRoyal. This is me literally at the hospital just before giving birth. Notice the bumps around my belly? That's is a fetal heart monitor wrapped in cloth. Notice I'm also wearing a dress for my comfort. Leave Meg alone."
I seldom post my pics but I will to defend Meghan @KensingtonRoyal. This is me literally at the hospital just before giving birth. Notice the bumps around my belly? That's is a fetal heart monitor wrapped in cloth. Notice I'm also wearing a dress for my comfort. Leave Meg alone. — A Chaotic Good (@NeuroPoetica) June 6, 2025
The post was viewed 491,000 times and liked 10,000 times. It was published in answer to another user who had suggested Meghan had "a blanket up her dress" in the video.
What People Are Saying
One account described Meghan as having "the lumpiest looking bump I've ever seen," but health care professionals have said that all bumps look different.
Pip Davies, an NHS midwife, The Sun: "Everybody carries differently, and factors like muscle tone, baby's position, and even your height can affect how your bump looks and this can change regularly with time of day, day on day or week on week.
"Some bumps are high and round, others are low and wide, but all perfectly healthy and unique.
"What matters most is that you and your baby are doing well, not how your bump compares to anyone else's."
Meghan Markle's 'Baby Mama' Dance Video
The duchess posted footage from her pregnancy with Lilibet to her Instagram account to mark her daughter's fourth birthday.
She wrote: "Four years ago today, this also happened. Both of our children were a week past their due dates... so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn't work—there was only one thing left to do!"
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
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