Meghan Markle Exposed: Joe Rogan’s Claims of Yacht Parties, Epstein Ties, and Fake Titles

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, finds herself at the center of a firestorm following explosive allegations made by Joe Rogan on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience in May 2025. Rogan, known for his unfiltered commentary, claimed that Meghan’s past includes scandalous yacht parties, connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, and the use of “fake” royal titles, reigniting debates about her credibility and public persona. The remarks, amplified by viral posts on X, have sparked a frenzy of speculation, with some accusing Meghan of hiding a sordid history and others dismissing Rogan’s claims as baseless sensationalism. As Hollywood and royal watchers dissect the controversy, here’s a deep dive into Rogan’s allegations, their context, and what they mean for Meghan’s already turbulent public image.

Joe Rogan’s Bombshell Claims

On the May 10, 2025, episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan, in conversation with a guest whose identity remains unconfirmed, unleashed a series of accusations against Meghan. He suggested that before her marriage to Prince Harry, Meghan was a frequent attendee at exclusive yacht parties hosted by wealthy elites, implying these events were linked to questionable activities. Rogan went further, speculating about her ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose high-society connections have been a subject of intense scrutiny since his 2019 death. Most provocatively, Rogan questioned the legitimacy of Meghan’s use of her “Duchess of Sussex” title, calling it “fake” and accusing her of leveraging it for personal gain despite stepping back from royal duties in 2020.

These claims quickly gained traction on X, where users shared clips of the podcast alongside headlines like “Meghan Markle EXPOSED!” Some posts speculated that her online presence has been “scrubbed” to hide her past, while others revived unverified rumors of her involvement in Epstein’s social circle. The lack of concrete evidence in Rogan’s remarks—relying instead on innuendo and conjecture—has done little to quell the online furor, with hashtags like #MeghanMarkle and #JoeRogan trending globally.

The Yacht Party Allegations: Fact or Fiction?

Rogan’s mention of yacht parties taps into longstanding rumors about Meghan’s pre-royal social life. Before her role on Suits and her 2018 marriage to Harry, Meghan was a working actress and lifestyle blogger in Los Angeles, mingling with Hollywood’s elite. Her blog, The Tig, documented her travels and connections with figures like Markus Anderson, a Soho House director known for organizing exclusive events. Some online narratives, particularly on X, have linked these events to “yacht parties” attended by wealthy men, casting them as scandalous.

However, no credible evidence connects Meghan to illicit activities at such gatherings. Her documented social circle included industry professionals, and her presence at high-profile events aligns with her career trajectory as an actress and influencer. Web searches reveal no verified reports of Meghan attending yacht parties with nefarious undertones, and Rogan’s claims appear to draw from unverified gossip rather than substantiated facts. Critics argue that these allegations reflect a broader pattern of gendered scrutiny, where women in the public eye are often smeared with vague accusations of impropriety.

The Epstein Connection: A Dangerous Speculation

The Epstein allegation is perhaps the most inflammatory of Rogan’s claims. Jeffrey Epstein’s network, which included politicians, celebrities, and billionaires, has been a focal point of conspiracy theories since his arrest for sex trafficking in 2019. Rogan, who has frequently discussed Epstein on his podcast, suggested Meghan may have crossed paths with him through her Hollywood or royal connections.

No evidence supports this claim. Meghan’s public life during the period Epstein was active (pre-2019) centered on her acting career, charity work, and later her relationship with Harry. Web searches show no documented interactions between Meghan and Epstein, and her name does not appear in court records or victim testimonies related to his case. The closest tangential link is Prince Andrew, Harry’s uncle, who settled a lawsuit in 2022 with an Epstein accuser, but this has no direct bearing on Meghan. Rogan’s speculation seems to exploit Epstein’s notoriety to cast doubt on Meghan’s character, a tactic that resonates with conspiracy-driven audiences on X but lacks substance.

Fake Titles: A Misleading Critique

Rogan’s accusation that Meghan uses “fake” royal titles is less sensational but equally contentious. When Meghan and Harry stepped back from senior royal roles in 2020, they retained their titles as Duke and Duchess of Sussex but agreed not to use “HRH” (His/Her Royal Highness) commercially. They continue to be addressed as the Duke and Duchess in public and private capacities, consistent with royal protocol for non-working royals. Rogan’s claim that Meghan’s title is “fake” appears to misinterpret this arrangement, suggesting she exploits it for clout despite abandoning royal duties.

This critique is not new. Meghan has faced scrutiny for using her title in media projects like Harry & Meghan (2022) and her Netflix series With Love, Meghan (2025). Critics argue it capitalizes on royal prestige, while supporters counter that the title is her legal right, earned through marriage. Rogan’s framing aligns with sentiments on X, where users question her legitimacy, but it oversimplifies a complex issue rooted in royal tradition and personal branding.

Rogan’s History with Meghan

Rogan’s comments are not his first jab at Meghan. In a 2020 episode, he mocked her as a “little American hussy” who “ruined” Prince Harry, mimicking the Queen during a discussion about their royal exit. In 2022, he criticized her Spotify podcast Archetypes, suggesting celebrities like her “bail” on podcasting due to its demands, and questioned its chart-topping status, echoing fans who called it a “ratings lie.” His 2024 Netflix special Burn the Boats saw him mock Harry over a vaccine misinformation spat, further highlighting his disdain for the couple.

This history suggests Rogan’s latest claims are part of a pattern of provocation, leveraging his 11 million listeners to stir controversy. His podcast thrives on unfiltered takes, often blending fact with speculation, which resonates with audiences skeptical of mainstream narratives. However, his remarks about Meghan have drawn accusations of misogyny and racism, particularly given her identity as a biracial woman. Supporters argue that Rogan’s critique is less about evidence and more about pandering to a base that distrusts her public persona.

Meghan’s Hollywood Struggles

The timing of Rogan’s allegations coincides with a challenging period for Meghan. Her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, a lifestyle show launched in March 2025, has been panned for its polished, unrelatable tone, with weak ratings and legal troubles, including a $10 million lawsuit over a bath salt recipe gone wrong. Archewell’s earlier projects, like the canceled Pearl and the poorly received Polo (2025), have fueled perceptions of underperformance, with reports suggesting Netflix may scale back their $100 million deal. Her podcast Authenticity (2025) has also struggled, trailing behind competitors like Rogan’s show.

Industry insiders have voiced frustration, with some claiming Meghan’s demanding style and focus on creative control make her difficult to work with. Posts on X in May 2025 echoed this, alleging Hollywood is “done” with her. These challenges provide fertile ground for Rogan’s accusations, which amplify existing narratives about her authenticity and ambition.

The Epstein Context: A Broader Lens

Rogan’s Epstein reference taps into a cultural obsession with the financier’s elite connections, which he has explored with guests like former CIA agent Mike Baker and comedian Whitney Cummings. In 2020, he speculated Epstein was an intelligence asset, a theory that persists online despite lacking proof. His failure to raise Epstein with Donald Trump in a 2024 interview, despite their documented friendship, suggests selective scrutiny, raising questions about why he targeted Meghan without evidence.

The Epstein allegations also reflect a gendered double standard. Male figures linked to Epstein, like Bill Clinton or Trump, face less reputational damage than women like Meghan, who are often smeared by association alone. This dynamic underscores the challenges Meghan faces as a public figure navigating a polarized media landscape.

Meghan’s Resilience and Response

Meghan has not directly addressed Rogan’s claims, but her recent public appearances suggest she’s forging ahead. At a TIME100 Summit in April 2025, she spoke candidly about “mistakes” in her media ventures, emphasizing her commitment to connecting with audiences. Her Archewell Foundation continues to fund initiatives like mental health support, and her lifestyle brand, As Ever, has seen some success despite mockery. Supporters, including Serena Williams and Ava DuVernay, have rallied to her defense, arguing she faces disproportionate scrutiny as a biracial woman.

Fans on X have countered Rogan’s narrative, calling his claims “baseless” and urging focus on Meghan’s philanthropy. Her decision to prioritize family privacy—filming With Love, Meghan outside her home to protect her children—has been praised as relatable, though critics question her production scale.

What’s Next?

Rogan’s allegations, while inflammatory, lack the evidence to substantively damage Meghan’s career. However, they amplify existing challenges, from Netflix’s wavering support to Hollywood’s cooling interest. To rebound, Meghan must deliver a hit project—perhaps a second season of With Love, Meghan or a new podcast—that resonates with audiences. Her Suits success and Archetypes chart-topping run prove her potential, but she must navigate a skeptical public and media.

For Rogan, the controversy boosts his relevance, with The Joe Rogan Experience seeing a viewership spike post-episode. Yet, his pattern of targeting Meghan risks alienating listeners who see his critiques as personal rather than principled. The feud underscores broader tensions in celebrity culture, where speculation often overshadows substance, and women like Meghan bear the brunt of scrutiny. As the saga unfolds, Meghan’s resilience will determine whether she can rise above the noise or be defined by it.