Meghan Markle, 42, Rocks White Halter Dress at 2024 Espys but Looks 'Sickly' & 'Thin,' Sparking Ozempic Talks
Meghan Markle stole the spotlight at the recent ESPY Awards alongside her dashing husband, but it wasn't just her glamorous outfit that got eagle-eyed netizens talking.
Meghan Markle captivated the audience at ESPN's 32nd annual ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by tennis superstar Serena Williams. However, netizens who saw her photos speculated that there might be more behind her stunning appearance.
A concerned netizen's comment over Meghan Markle's slender appearance at the 2024 ESPY Awards, posted in July 2024. | Source: Instagram/people
Accompanied by her husband, Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex wore a white halter dress and minimal jewelry. She completed her stunning look with a stylishly sleek hair bun.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2024 ESPY Awards in Hollywood, California on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
While Meghan's appearance was undeniably glamorous, her noticeably slender frame quickly became a hot topic online, igniting a wave of speculation and concern among netizens.
Meghan Markle and Serena Williams attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Some netizens expressed concern over her appearance, pointing out the noticeable change in her physique. One user commented, "I love them... But why do Meghan's arms look so skinny?"
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Amidst the concern, a few speculated that Meghan might have turned to weight loss management drugs. "She has Ozempic face," another stated bluntly. "Wow Ozempic worked for Meghan," one user quipped, referring to the diabetes medication known for its weight loss side effects.
A contrasting view emerged with one remarking, "These two are aging rapidly," reflecting on both Meghan and Harry’s looks. Despite the scrutiny, Meghan had her fair share of defenders.
Prince Harry stand behind Meghan Markle who meets Sadie Engelhardt at the 2024 ESPY Awards in Hollywood, California on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Some netizens quickly praised her appearance, pushing back against the negative comments. "Here we go, Why are people ready to bash her. Megan is a thin woman who looks fantastic. Stop with the nonsense [sic]," one defender wrote. "Stunning!!!!!" another simply declared, while a third added, "The beautiful Meghan."
Supporters also highlighted the couple's overall presence, with one admirer noting, "Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan look radiant as always, beautiful couple."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2024 ESPY Awards in Hollywood, California on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Amid the online chatter, Meghan has always been confident in her skin. In a 2013 interview, she emphasized a holistic approach to being "in shape," which includes physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Meghan Markle shares her thoughts about what it means to be in shape in a SHAPE Magazine interview from 2013, posted in October 2019. | Source: YouTube/HumbertoRosero
Meghan explained, "I think being in shape just means feeling confident, being as healthy as you can, and I guess just owning whatever it is that you have."
Meghan Markle shares her thoughts about what it means to be in shape in a SHAPE Magazine interview from 2013, posted in October 2019. | Source: YouTube/HumbertoRosero
Elaborating further, she highlighted the importance of being happy with your size, being kind to yourself, accepting fluctuations, and loving yourself no matter where you are. "That's part of being in shape to it like—to really just say, it's okay if I'm up a little bit this day or down whatever it is to just own where you are and then love yourself," said Meghan.
While Meghan's slender looks sparked debate, Harry also faced scrutiny at the 32nd annual ESPY Awards. He received the Pat Tillman Award for Service, an honor created in memory of the late NFL player Pat Tillman, who left his sports career to enlist in the military after 9/11 and was killed in Afghanistan in 2004.
The decision to honor Harry drew mixed reactions. Mary Tillman, Pat's mother, voiced her disappointment, stating, "I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award."
Mary Tillman attends a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2007. | Source: Getty Images
"There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans. These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized," Mary further emphasized.
Prince Harry accepts the Pat Tillman Award at the 2024 ESPY Awards in Hollywood, California on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
In response to the criticism, ESPN defended their choice by highlighting Harry's significant contributions through The Invictus Games Foundation, which promotes healing through sports for military service members and veterans.
"ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world," ESPN said in a statement.
The statement also acknowledged that not everyone would agree with all award recipients but emphasized the valuable work of the Invictus Games Foundation, which ESPN views as deserving of celebration.
Harry's dedication to supporting the veteran community through sports has earned him this recognition. He served in the British military for a decade and his service included two tours in Afghanistan: one as an Apache helicopter pilot and the other as a forward air controller.
Prince Harry gathered with other British troops for a Remembrance Sunday service at Kandahar Airfield in Kandahar, Afghanistan on November 9, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
After a decade-long career, Harry continued his service by founding The Invictus Games Foundation in 2014. This organization aims to help the injured, wounded, and sick servicemen and women, both active-duty and veterans. It helps them navigate physical and invisible injuries.
Since its inception, the Invictus Games have transcended borders, impacting lives across every continent. Currently, the Games unite athletes from 23 nations, offering ongoing support and year-round programming.
Prince Harry at the Honourable Artillery Company in London, England on May 7, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
This global initiative serves as a beacon of resilience and healing through the transformative power of sports. "This one is for our entire service community," Harry remarked upon learning about the upcoming ESPY honor.
Prince Harry leaves the Rolls Building of the High Court in London, England after giving evidence in the Mirror Group phone hacking trial on June 6, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Harry co-founded the foundation with Sir Keith Mills, an entrepreneur who organized the 2012 London Olympics. During a panel discussion with Keith at London's Honourable Artillery Company, Harry reflected on the early days of planning for the 2014 Games.
Prince Harry and Sir Keith Mills at Jaguar Land Rover Engineering Centre in Gaydon, England on September 9, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
He admitted uncertainty about its potential success. The idea for The Invictus Games took root during Harry's 2012 trip to the United States, where he attended the Department of Defense's Warrior Games.
"Sport was the magic that I witnessed," Harry recalled. Having returned from Afghanistan, he saw the profound impact on wounded, injured, and sick service members and their families.
Prince Harry attends The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul's Cathedral in London, England on May 8, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Recognizing the need for more support, Harry decided to expand on the Warrior Games model. Teaming up with Keith, the duo set out with a simple idea and a cup of tea. "We had this idea and not much else, frankly," Keith said.
In the early months, they faced challenges: no name, funding, or staff. Yet, driven by their vision, this evolved into the Invictus Games—a source of hope and recovery for veterans worldwide.
Prince Harry attends The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul's Cathedral in London, England on May 8, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Since receiving the Pat Tillman Award, Prince Harry is now one of the esteemed group of past recipients. This distinguished list includes Jake Wood, who received the award in 2018, and Kirstie Ennis, who was honored in 2019.
As the legacy grew, Canadian boxer Kim Clavel joined in 2020, followed by English footballer Marcus Rashford in 2021, Retired US Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans in 2022, and the Buffalo Bills Training Staff in 2023.