A Thanksgiving cooking video shared by Meghan Markle has ignited a fierce online debate about kitchen safety, leading to a sharp new nickname for the Duchess. The incident, which unfolded in late November 2025, saw celebrity blogger Perez Hilton famously dubbing her 'Salmonella Sussex' after critics flagged a 'major safety hazard' in her approach.
The Viral Clip That Started It All
The controversy began on November 28, 2025, when Meghan Markle posted an Instagram Story. The video showed her preparing a turkey for the Thanksgiving holiday. In the clip, she was seen mixing seasoning and rubbing it onto the raw bird using her almost bare hands. Adding to the concern, she was wearing her gold wedding band and a bracelet while handling the raw poultry. The video was captioned, "Let the 'game' begin. Get it? #momjokes."
As the clip circulated on social media, viewers were quick to point out the breach of basic food safety protocols. Guidelines from health authorities consistently warn against touching raw poultry without gloves and advise removing jewelry, which can harbour harmful bacteria.
Perez Hilton Weighs In With 'Salmonella Sussex' Jab
On December 2, 2025, the conversation took a sharper turn when celebrity gossip commentator Perez Hilton joined the fray. He shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) joking about Meghan's new nickname and writing, "Martha Stewart would never!"
In a follow-up article, Hilton elaborated on the safety concerns. He stressed that the issue wasn't the act of cooking a turkey, but the manner in which it was done. He highlighted that raw turkey can carry dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter, and its juices can easily contaminate surfaces and jewelry.
Hilton pointed to official FDA guidance that typically allows only a plain wedding band for food handlers, as bacteria can become trapped in the intricate designs and cracks of other jewelry. Noting that Meghan wore more than just a simple band, he reacted with a concerned "Yeesh!!!"
He further amplified the worry by mentioning that, according to her own newsletter, Meghan was not just cooking for her immediate family but was also hosting friends for Thanksgiving. "Hope nobody got sick!" he quipped. Hilton observed that online fans thoroughly 'roasted' the Duchess for what many considered a basic kitchen mistake.
Beyond the Kitchen: What's Next for Meghan?
Despite the kitchen controversy, Meghan Markle remains active in the entertainment sphere. She is set to return to Netflix with her holiday special, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, which begins streaming on December 3. Additionally, she has an acting cameo lined up in the upcoming movie Close Personal Friends.
The 'turkey video' episode underscores how quickly a casual social media post can spiral into a widespread public discussion, especially when it involves a global figure seemingly flouting well-established safety norms. The 'Salmonella Sussex' moniker, while humorous to some, highlights a serious conversation about food hygiene practices in home kitchens.
