The former Suits star, 44, has found herself rebranded by online critics as “Salmonella Sussex”—a name that erupted after a Thanksgiving turkey-prep video revealed what many are calling a basic hygiene misstep.
In the short Instagram clip, Markle seasons a raw turkey in a roasting tray, massaging it with different spices and finishing it off with lemon zest. She captioned the post with lighthearted humor, writing:
“Let the ‘game’ begin 🦃 Get it? #momjoke,”
The clip plays over Bob Dylan’s “Turkey Chase,” specifically the instrumental titled “Turkey Chase.”
But while the caption landed as intended, her jewelry did not. Viewers quickly pointed out that her rings and bracelets stayed on throughout the entire raw poultry preparation process—triggering a wave of comments that turned far spicier than her seasoning blend.
“Meghan, what in the ‘Salmonella Sussex’ is going on here?!” one person fired off on X.
Another warned, “I don’t know anyone who wears their rings and bracelets when handling food. Especially a turkey. Guaranteed spread of bacteria.”
Others echoed the disgust:
“Oh my God that’s actually disgusting. I didn’t even notice until you pointed that out.”