Meghan Markle Reportedly Feels 'Bruised' And 'Upset' After Bombshell Exposé Resurfaced 'Bullying' Claims

Meghan Markle is reportedly struggling after a critical Vanity Fair exposé detailed allegations made against her and Prince Harry by former colleagues and staff.

Allegations include Meghan's "bullying" behavior, claims of exploring a "post-Harry divorce book," and tensions with Montecito neighbors, some of whom accused her of commercializing the area.

Sources close to the Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have since "dismissed" the publication's unflattering story.

Meghan is said to be feeling down after the release of a harsh Vanity Fair article on January 17.

The exposé highlighted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's challenges in their business endeavors and painted a grim picture of their efforts to remain in the public eye after they stepped away from royal duties in 2020.

It also included comments from former colleagues and associates, many of whom criticized the former "Suits" star.

In an interview with Sky News Australia, Royal expert Kinsey Schofield revealed that the couple are "bruised and upset" by the piece.

"They are in a bad place right now," Schofield explained, per the New York Post. "It is my understanding that they are upset over it [and] I'm being told that things aren't good for them right now."

Schofield continued, "Between Meghan's show being postponed, which I've heard was Netflix's idea, and just the idea that she has worked so hard to rebrand herself and here comes a very respected publication reiterating some of the nastiest claims about her."

The expert added that the Sussexes are "bruised" and "sitting back trying to figure out how to process going forward."

Among the many claims made in the Vanity Fair exposé, one stood out: the suggestion that Meghan and Harry have been labeled as local troublemakers by some Montecito residents.

One neighbor admitted to never having met the couple and referred to them as "the prince and the starlet."

Others have blamed the pair for rising property prices and increased traffic in the otherwise quiet Santa Barbara area, accusing Meghan of commercializing the town's understated charm.

"It's such a kind of hucksterism," one resident claimed. "It's just finding every way she can to monetize something."

They added, "I still think they're the most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet. They moved away from England to get away from the scrutiny of the press, and all they do is try and get in the press in the United States."

Another shocking claim suggested that Meghan's team once discussed with a publisher the idea of a "post-Harry divorce book."

According to a source, "Meghan's team had a conversation with a publishing house to gauge interest" in a book that "might center on a post-Harry divorce."

However, the insider did not specify when the conversation took place or name the publishing house involved.

The outlet clarified that "no formal or written proposal" for such a book was ever submitted. Meanwhile, another insider dismissed the allegation entirely, calling it unfounded.

In addition to this, Meghan faced accusations of alleged "bullying" behavior from anonymous former colleagues.

Some claimed they were "undergoing long-term therapy after working with Meghan," while another likened her demeanor to that of a "Mean Girls teenager."

A former colleague who collaborated with Meghan on media projects described their experience as "really, really awful" and "very painful."

"She's constantly playing checkers — I'm not even going to say chess — but she's just very aware of where everybody is on her board," the source alleged. "And when you are not in, you are to be thrown to the wolves at any given moment."

While the insider noted that the mother of two never resorted to raising her voice, they claimed her approach to bullying was more subtle.

"It's talking behind your back," they shared. "It's gnawing at your sense of self."

"You can be yelled at even if somebody doesn't raise their voice," the person continued. "[It's] funny that people don't differentiate between the energy of being yelled at and literally somebody screaming at you."

Although Harry and Meghan have not officially commented on the scathing exposé, a source close to the couple told The Times that the pair found the allegations "distressing."

Close associates of Harry and Meghan also told The Daily Beast that the pair are disheartened by the accusations, particularly given their challenging situation: Harry's legal battles in the U.K. and Meghan's highly anticipated Netflix show being postponed.

The Sussexes allegedly feel the bombshell cover story "has succeeded in making a bad time worse."