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Celebs Praise Meghan Markle for Opening Up About Her Mental Health Struggle

The Duchess revealed that she'd had suicidal ideation following intense public and private scrutiny.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding may have seemed like a step in the direction of progress for the British monarchy, with American-born Meghan becoming one of two women of color to ever join the British royal family. However, in a bombshell interview with Oprah on CBS, Meghan revealed that the couple had chosen to distance themselves from the royal family after being subject to racism from members of the royals' inner circle, and constant, unprecedented scrutiny from the press. In fact, Meghan admitted that her mental health had suffered so much as a result of her treatment that she "didn't want to be alive anymore."

While the admission of her mental health struggles couldn't have been easy for Meghan, she's been applauded by numerous celebrities after opening up about her pain. Read on to find out who's spoken up in support of Meghan, and for more celebrities who've stood up to bullies, check out Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan Slams Body-Shaming Critics In a Series of Tweets.

Serena Williams

serena williams giving interview
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Meghan's close friend Serena Williams announced just how proud she was of her royal pal on Instagram the day after her interview with Oprah.

Calling her "selfless," Williams wrote of Markle, "I know firsthand the sexism and racism institutions and the media use to vilify women and people of color to minimize us, to break us down and demonize us. We must recognize our obligation to decry malicious, unfounded gossip and tabloid journalism. The mental health consequences of systemic oppression and victimization are devastating, isolating and all too often lethal."

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Amanda Gorman

amanda gorman at joe biden inauguration
Rob Carr/Getty Images

The lauded poet took to Twitter to applaud Markle for her courage.

"Meghan was the Crown's greatest opportunity for change, regeneration, and reconciliation in a new era. They didn't just maltreat her light—they missed out on it…Meghan is living the life Diana should have, if only those around her had been as brave as she was. Meghan isn't living a life without pain, but a life without a prison."

Jameela Jamil

jameela jamil in black and white dress at home
Getty Images/Getty Images for the Critics Choice Association

In an interview with Cosmopolitan, Jamil praised Meghan and Harry's decision to leave the monarchy. "I think they are an amazing example of self-love, self-preservation, and family and I'm really happy that our generation has got that level of self-respect to look up to now. Like, you're allowed to leave. So many people in the last year especially are trapped in houses with people that are toxic and bad for them, so maybe they offer hope and courage to some of those people to leave when this is over."

For more celebrities who've opened up about their mental health struggles, Demi Lovato Says This Is How She "Accidentally" Lost Weight.

Andy Cohen

andy cohen on red carpet
Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

The Bravo host announced that he's unabashedly Team Meghan following the couple's interview with Oprah.

"Fully on the Sussex's side here & so happy they made the break!" he tweeted, adding, "How does anyone defend Buckingham Palace not offering security for Harry & Megan's child??? Fergie & Andrew's kids get security and Harry's don't???"

Meghan McCain

meghan mccain in red dress on red carpet
Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Following Meghan and Harry's interview, the View host tweeted, "Monarchy has been an archaic and toxic concept since 1776," alongside a GIF from Hamilton.

For some choices that can help boost your mood, check out these 45 Doctors' Own Mental Health Tips.

Sarah Crow
Sarah Crow is a senior editor at Eat This, Not That!, where she focuses on celebrity news and health coverage. Read more about Sarah