Stassi Schroeder Drops Meghan Markle a Publicly Heated Social Media Break

Stassi Schroeder announced she has stopped following Meghan Markle on social media, despite having been a prominent public advocate for the Duchess of Sussex in the past.

"Her approach to social media strikes me as being stuck in 2017, and she likely views me as merely a reality TV personality," the 37-year-old Schroeder shared with her audience on her "Stassi" podcast earlier this month. "That's my assessment, and I am enraged; this is the final breaking point. I will no longer be tuning into her Netflix program."

Schroeder confessed, "I genuinely stood up for her when others wouldn't. I've recorded videos discussing it, posted comments everywhere, and even had my public relations team contact her representatives."

In an impassioned podcast conversation, the former Vanderpump Rules cast member and her close friend Taylor Strecker voiced strong criticism of Markle, accusing her of failing to recognize Schroeder's consistent backing throughout the years. Schroeder stated that the "final straw" occurred when she discovered Markle's brand, As Ever, had dispatched a promotional package to "The Toast" co-host Claudia Oshry, despite Oshry's previous critiques of the duchess.

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"When you're distributing promotional packages to individuals who have spoken negatively about you — Claudia and Jackie [Oshry] don't exactly trash her, but they have undeniably questioned her, and they even remark, 'I wonder what Stassi's opinion is on this,'" Schroeder lamented. "[They comment,] 'I wonder what Stassi thinks about this because Stassi is her biggest supporter.' Everyone is aware of that! Not anymore."

Schroeder conceded, "My emotions are bruised, and I was an obsessive admirer. … I was once an overly devoted fan who has now become an equally ardent detractor."

Strecker, 42, speculated that Markle's desire to gain the favor of "detractors" might stem from her difficult relationship with the royal family. (Markle and Prince Harry relinquished their official royal responsibilities in 2020 and experienced a prolonged estrangement from certain members of Harry's family before Harry's recent reconciliation with King Charles III this month.)

"I believe that now that you've unfollowed her, you're absolutely going to receive a promotional package," Strecker foretold, then asserted: "If you express admiration for her, perhaps she perceives you as irrational? Maybe now, she'll finally grasp the reality of the situation!"

Delving further into her conjectures about Markle, Schroeder charged the royal with "devoting [more] focus to her critics" rather than those who had jeopardized their standing to champion her.

"The approach of giving more consideration to your adversaries than your supporters strikes me as utterly nonsensical. [It's her] method of attempting to dictate the public perception," the Vanderpump Villa personality further stated. "I believe she exhibits controlling tendencies."

Schroeder eventually concluded that she would no longer provide publicity to Markle and her ventures.

"I will cease discussing her," she pledged. "I am going to stop following her immediately. Seriously, I'm unfollowing her. Finished!"

Us Weekly has contacted Markle's representatives seeking a statement.

Before her shift in opinion, Schroeder had defended Markle in March concerning the unenthusiastic response to her Netflix lifestyle program, With Love, Meghan. Markle faced criticism from certain viewers and media outlets for presenting an opulent way of life that many found inaccessible.

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"Anyone voicing dissatisfaction with this as if they anticipate it to be something they can personally connect with is missing the core idea," Schroeder replied back then. "I adore this. This is something I genuinely cannot relate to whatsoever."

The Bravo celebrity particularly highlighted Markle's "impossible-to-achieve, stunning existence" as a compelling reason for Netflix subscribers to watch With Love, Meghan.

"[I desire to observe] the duchess preparing fruit tarts and the type of porcelain she employs," Schroeder elaborated on the "Pop Culture Hour" podcast in March. "That's not my reality, and I crave the immersive escape of something so grand that I don't even believe I could ever achieve it. … It's an illusion."

Markle has previously interacted with podcasters who have advocated for her and Harry's situation since their departure from the U.K. In March, Amanda Hirsch, host of "Not Skinny But Not Fat," mentioned receiving a personal handwritten message from the duchess after expressing she felt "apprehensive for Meghan" before the debut of With Love, Meghan.

"Dear Amanda, I understood you were feeling worried. Don't be! This is the enjoyable phase — let's embrace it. Sincerely, Meghan," Markle allegedly penned to Hirsch.

Hirsch, 33, subsequently posted the message on Instagram, accompanied by the playful caption: "OH MY DUCHESS."