Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast
Episode: Viral Article Book Club: Blake Lively, Meghan Markle & The Internet Rage Machine
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Host: Chelsea Devantez
Guest: Sierra Teller Ornalis

1. Introduction

[04:23] Chelsea Devantez opens the episode by introducing the focus on a viral article from The Cut titled "Why Do These Women Inspire Such Rage?" which explores the intense online backlash against celebrities Blake Lively and Meghan Markle. Chelsea emphasizes the roles of racism and misogyny in the vilification of these women, suggesting that societal tendencies to target female figures exacerbate their negative reception.

Notable Quote:
"There is racism, there is misogyny baked into this, the degree of which these two are getting hate." — Chelsea Devantez [04:50]

2. Overview of the Article

[07:13] Sierra Teller Ornalis provides a summary of the article by E.J. Dixon, highlighting how Meghan Markle and Blake Lively have become central figures of online disdain. The article discusses the portrayal of Markle as a "narcissistic sociopath" and Lively’s perceived inauthenticity. It also notes the involvement of conservative influencers like Brett Cooper and Megyn Kelly in amplifying the hate, especially in the context of alleged harassment claims made by both celebrities.

Notable Quote:
“On the Internet, it seems being female and slightly annoying is now a far greater offense than being accused of sexual misconduct.” — E.J. Dixon (Referenced by Sierra Teller Ornalis) [08:10]

3. Analyzing the Pairing of Lively and Markle

Chelsea and Sierra discuss the rationale behind pairing Blake Lively and Meghan Markle in the article. They acknowledge the apparent differences between the two women—Markle's association with the British Royal Family versus Lively's Hollywood persona—but agree that the article fails to adequately address these distinctions, instead lumping them together under a flawed premise.

Notable Quote:
“I completely agree. Oh, my God. Are we agreeing? We've sold this as the battle of the century, and here we are.” — Chelsea Devantez [10:05]

4. The Role of Social Media and Influencers

The conversation delves into how social media influencers, particularly those with far-right leanings like Brett Cooper and Megyn Kelly, contribute to the smear campaigns against Markle and Lively. Sierra criticizes the article for relying on these voices as representative of widespread public opinion, arguing that they are "alt-right political trolls" rather than genuine reflections of societal sentiment.

Notable Quote:
“And I feel like we have to separate them. I cannot do this article that put them together. I don't feel like it pulled out any nuances or points or takeaways.” — Sierra Teller Ornalis [16:09]

5. Personal Opinions on Blake Lively and Meghan Markle

Chelsea shares her personal disdain for Blake Lively, citing her perceived inauthenticity and aggressive branding. In contrast, she expresses a more nuanced view of Meghan Markle, appreciating her authenticity and the challenges she faces as a black woman in a predominantly white space. Sierra agrees, highlighting the intersectional challenges Markle faces versus the misogynistic hate directed at Lively.

Notable Quotes:
"She just exists and makes people insane. And that says so much more about them to me than her." — Chelsea Devantez [15:28]
"The margin of error is less. Anyone with feminine presentation will be so hard on you." — Sierra Teller Ornalis [24:07]

6. Broader Discussion on Misogyny and Racism

The hosts explore how misogyny and racism intertwine in the public's perception of female celebrities. Chelsea points out that white women like Gwyneth Paltrow and Katy Perry face different levels and types of scrutiny compared to women of color like Meghan Markle. Sierra emphasizes that feminine-presenting individuals are disproportionately targeted online, regardless of their actual behavior or persona.

Notable Quote:
"Women get a fudge ton of hate on the Internet for no reason. Welcome to being alive." — Sierra Teller Ornalis [16:48]

7. Critique of the Article’s Credibility

Chelsea and Sierra critique the article’s methodology, particularly its reliance on quotes from fringe influencers rather than mainstream public opinion. They argue that this approach skews the narrative, making it seem as though the hate against Markle and Lively is more widespread and representative than it actually is.

Notable Quote:
"If you bring up data points that are just alt-right trolls, as if it represents the public, I'm gonna need the other side of it, too." — Sierra Teller Ornalis [16:48]

8. Interactive Segment: The Lit Test

In an engaging interactive segment, Chelsea and Sierra apply a series of questions to evaluate the article:

1. Was this article well-written?

   • Chelsea: "It was fine. It felt very short."
   • Sierra: "I'm giving it a no simply because when you bring up data points that are just alt-right trolls..."

2. Did reading this article make you want to scream about it to people you know?

   • Chelsea: "No."
   • Sierra: "Yes."

3. Did reading this article deepen your thinking on this topic?

   • Chelsea: "It did, because I ended up clicking on all of the hyperlinks and realized I was uneducated on the Amber Heard story."
   • Sierra: "Yes, it rips you apart when you see what's happening constantly."

9. Final Thoughts and Conclusions

The episode concludes with a reflection on the disproportionate hate directed at women in the public eye compared to their male counterparts. Chelsea and Sierra advocate for focusing their energy on addressing genuinely harmful behaviors rather than engaging in the relentless negativity often fueled by social media. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and combating the underlying misogyny and racism that drive such online vitriol.

Notable Quote:
"Save your anger and your rage for annoying people who are actually ruining your life." — Chelsea Devantez [44:23]
"My husband reminded me that a journalist's job is not to report on both sides but to tell the truth." — Sierra Teller Ornalis [50:20]

Key Takeaways

• Intersectionality Matters: The hate against Meghan Markle intersects with both racism and misogyny, making her experience distinct from that of white female celebrities like Blake Lively.

• Influencer Impact: Fringe influencers can disproportionately amplify negative sentiments, skewing public perception and creating unfounded narratives.

• Authenticity and Branding: Public perception of a celebrity's authenticity plays a significant role in how they are received and criticized online.

• Media Responsibility: Journalists and media outlets have a responsibility to present balanced and accurate portrayals rather than amplifying biased viewpoints.

Note: This summary excludes promotional advertisements and non-content sections as per the episode guidelines.