Kevin Hart Draws Controversy at BET Awards with Comment on Meghan Markle; $250K Museum Tribute Sparks Public Backlash

Kevin Hart Draws Controversy at BET Awards with Comment on Meghan Markle; $250K Museum Tribute Sparks Public Backlash

During the 2025 BET Awards, comedian Kevin Hart became the center of heated discussion after delivering an unexpected remark aimed at Meghan Markle. The moment, widely circulated on social media, has been labeled by some as one of the most provocative celebrity jabs in recent memory. Audience reactions varied from stunned silence to widespread recording, as the clip quickly gained traction online. Sources close to Markle indicate that she was deeply offended by the comment, which appeared to belittle her most recent public recognition.

Meghan Markle’s $250K Museum Honor Under Scrutiny

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles has come under fire following its decision to honor Meghan Markle during its exclusive “Night of Wonder” gala. The black-tie event, where tables reportedly went for as much as $250,000, celebrated Markle’s advocacy work focused on women and underserved communities. However, the recognition has sparked considerable backlash from both the public and notable figures in media.

Critics have raised questions about the merit of the accolade, suggesting that it prioritizes celebrity status over measurable impact. Comedian Jon Stewart was among those to speak out, dismissing the tribute as a “participation trophy for celebrity activism.” Online discussions have echoed similar sentiments, with debates and memes questioning the significance of Markle’s public efforts.

Observers point to a number of ventures that have fallen short of expectations—including a prematurely ended Spotify deal and a podcast that was canceled after a single season—as evidence that Markle’s contributions may be overstated. Others argue that while her public initiatives are visible, they often appear performative rather than substantively impactful.

> “If she weren’t married to Prince Harry, would she even be part of this conversation?” asked one commenter.
“Honoring Meghan for ‘advocacy’ feels like celebrating intent over achievement,” remarked another.

Growing Concerns for the Museum’s Credibility

As criticism intensifies, many are questioning the Natural History Museum’s selection criteria and whether it has compromised its integrity in favor of celebrity appeal. The institution, historically regarded for its academic rigor and cultural relevance, is now facing accusations of engaging in a “philanthropic pay-to-play” model.

> “It’s a disappointing moment when a museum trades scholarly value for celebrity recognition,” said a long-time donor, voicing concern over what they described as a shift toward publicity-driven decision-making.

At this time, the museum has not released an official statement in response to the controversy. However, sources close to the organization report growing internal tensions, with leadership and staff reportedly reassessing the fallout from the event.