Meghan Markle's best friend Jessica Mulroney has TV show axed over white privilege row

Jessica Mulroney has had her TV show axed and been fired from her role as a fashion stylist over a row about white privilege with a black social media influencer.

On Wednesday, lifestyle blogger Sasha Exeter shared an 11-minute video on Instagram in which she claimed Mulroney, who is close friends with the Duchess of Sussex, ”took offence” to “a very generic call to action” for people to join the Black Lives Matter movement.

Exeter continued: ”What happened next was a series of very problematic behaviour and antics that ultimately resulted in [Mulroney] sending me a threat in writing last Wednesday 3 June”.

The lifestyle influencer explained that her and Mulroney used to be close friends and while she is “by no means calling Jess a racist” that she is “very well aware of her wealth, her perceived power and privilege because of the colour of her skin”.

“That, my friends, gave her the confidence to come for my livelihood in writing,” Exeter added before referring to the exchange as “textbook white privilege”.

Exeter continued by claiming that Mulroney “never” wanted to use her platform to speak out about the Black Lives Matter and “did not feel that she needed to”.

“Her best friend is arguably one of the most famous black women in the world,” she added. “I just didn’t get it”.

Exeter claims that Mulroney proceeded to bad mouth her to some of the brands and companies that she works with.

The influencer alleges that Mulroney sent the following message to her: “I have also spoken to companies and people about the way you’ve treated me unfairly. You think your voice matters while it only matters if you express it with kindness and without shaming people who are simply trying to learn. Good luck.”

Mulroney posted a public apology to Exeter on Instagram on Thursday.

“As some of you may have seen, @sashaexeter and I had a disagreement,” she began.

“She rightfully called me out for not doing enough when it came to engaging in the important and difficult conversation around race and injustice in our society.

“I took it personally and that was wrong. I know I need to do better. Those of us with a platform must use it to speak out.”

Mulroney added that she did not intend to threaten Exeter’s livelihood.

“We had a disagreement and it got out of hand. For that I am sorry,” she said.

Mulroney added: “I plan to use this time to reflect, learn and listen. I have also asked Sasha if she would be willing to take over my account whenever she is comfortable and tell her story.

“The real work of bringing change goes beyond Instagram and I want you all to know that I’m committed to using every platform and resource available to me to continue the important work of anti-racism. I hope you will all continue to hold me accountable.”

According to an image posted to Exeter's Instagram Story, which she claims to be a screenshot of her direct messages, Mulroney has since privately threatened Exeter with legal action.

The screenshot shows a direct message allegedly sent by Mulroney that reads: “Liable suit. Good luck [sic]”.

On Thursday, Mulroney was fired from the CTV programme I Do, Redo.

“Because recent conduct by one of our show hosts, Jessica Mulroney, conflicts with our commitment to diversity and equality, CTV has removed I Do Redo from all Bell Media channels and platforms effective immediately,” a statement from CTV said.

Additionally, Canadian department store Hudson’s Bay announced that it had fired Mulroney as its fashion and bridal specialist “in light of recent events”.

Mulroney and Meghan Markle reportedly met while the Duchess was filming the US legal drama Suits.

The Canadian stylist’s three children were chosen as bridesmaids and page boys for Meghan’s wedding to the Duke of Sussex in 2018.