Ben Mulroney has publicly defended his estranged wife, Jessica Mulroney, insisting that the controversy which dramatically altered both of their careers was built on false accusations.
Speaking on the No But Seriously Though podcast, the Canadian television personality strongly rejected claims that Jessica had misused her privilege during a widely publicized dispute with Black influencer Sasha Exeter in 2020.
The comments have reignited interest in the scandal that unfolded during the global Black Lives Matter movement and the reported fallout that followed between Jessica and her longtime friend, Meghan Markle.
Ben Calls Allegations Against His Wife “A Complete Fiction”
During the podcast interview, Ben described the accusations against Jessica as a fabricated narrative that unfairly destroyed her public reputation.
He claimed a “racial grifter” had exploited the heightened emotions surrounding the death of George Floyd, arguing that the Canadian public quickly embraced a simplified story with clear heroes and villains.
According to Ben, the backlash resulted in Jessica losing her television career almost overnight despite what he believes is evidence that tells a very different version of events.
He said private text messages and direct messages paint a picture that contradicts the public allegations and maintained that Jessica had simply responded after feeling threatened herself.
The Online Dispute That Sparked National Backlash
The controversy began in June 2020 when Toronto-based influencer Sasha Exeter encouraged fellow social media personalities to use their platforms to speak out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Sasha later alleged that Jessica Mulroney objected to one of her general calls for influencers to become more vocal about racial justice.
According to Sasha, their private exchange escalated, ending with Jessica allegedly sending messages she interpreted as threatening.
In a video posted online at the time, Sasha said she was not labeling Jessica a racist.
Instead, she argued that Jessica’s perceived influence, wealth and privilege gave her confidence to threaten another person’s livelihood.
She characterized the incident as an example of “textbook white privilege.”
Jessica Issued Public Apologies
Following the allegations, Jessica publicly apologized on multiple occasions.
In one response shared beneath Sasha’s video, Jessica said she was “unequivocally sorry” and acknowledged that discussions about race had become a significant learning experience for her.
Despite her apologies, the controversy quickly expanded beyond social media, triggering widespread criticism and significant professional consequences.
Careers Changed Overnight
The fallout proved costly for both Jessica and Ben.
Jessica lost several high-profile television opportunities, including her contributor role with Good Morning America.
In Canada, her reality series I Do, Redo was also removed from broadcast schedules, while other professional partnerships came to an end.
She also stepped away from the charitable organization she founded to support homeless women across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Ben, meanwhile, resigned from his position as an anchor on Canadian television’s eTalk, saying he stepped aside in support of his wife.
Looking back, he said many colleagues appeared willing to accept what he now calls a false narrative without examining the private communications behind the dispute.
Ben Says Private Messages Tell Another Story
During the recent podcast, Ben argued that the direct messages exchanged between Jessica and Sasha have been misunderstood.
He claimed the conversations actually show Jessica responding after she believed she was being threatened, rather than initiating intimidation herself.
According to Ben, the evidence demonstrates that his wife defended herself during the exchange instead of attempting to abuse her influence.
Sasha Exeter has not publicly responded to Ben’s latest remarks.
Friendship With Meghan Markle Reportedly Fell Apart
The controversy also appeared to mark the end of Jessica Mulroney’s once-famous friendship with Meghan Markle.
The two women became close while Meghan was living in Toronto filming the legal drama Suits.
Jessica, a stylist and fashion consultant, became one of Meghan’s closest confidantes and was widely credited with helping shape many of her fashion choices.
Their relationship grew so close that Jessica reportedly helped keep Meghan’s romance with Prince Harry private during its early stages.
When Meghan married Prince Harry in 2018, Jessica played a central role in the royal wedding.
Her twin sons served as page boys carrying Meghan’s train, while her young daughter Ivy was one of the bridesmaids alongside Princess Charlotte.
Reports Claimed Meghan Distanced Herself
Following the 2020 controversy, reports suggested Meghan quietly ended the friendship.
Although the Duchess of Sussex has never publicly commented on the matter, multiple reports have claimed she gradually cut off contact after Jessica became embroiled in the online dispute.
Sources also suggested tensions had already existed before the controversy, with claims that Meghan believed Jessica was increasingly attempting to build a public profile around their friendship.
Since then, the two women have not been seen together publicly.
They no longer follow each other on social media, Jessica was absent from Meghan’s Netflix projects, and she received no mention in Prince Harry’s memoir Spare.
Despite those reports, Ben recently suggested that the relationship between Jessica and Meghan remains on positive terms, although neither woman has publicly addressed their current status.
A Friendship That Once Seemed Unbreakable
Before their reported estrangement, Jessica and Meghan frequently vacationed together and regularly appeared in each other’s social media posts.
Meghan once described Jessica as someone who could instantly command attention whenever she entered a room, highlighting the strength of their friendship long before Meghan joined the Royal Family.
Jessica was also among the first people Meghan reportedly contacted after Prince Harry proposed at Kensington Palace in 2017.
The pair’s close relationship made reports of their eventual split particularly notable within royal and celebrity circles.
Jessica Has Stayed Quiet Despite Ongoing Speculation
Although speculation has continued for years about what happened between the former friends, Jessica has largely refused to discuss the matter publicly.
She previously told the Daily Mail she would “never” reveal private details of her relationship with Meghan, despite reports that publishers had expressed interest in a memoir.
Marriage Also Faces Uncertainty
Separate from the renewed controversy, Ben and Jessica’s personal lives have also attracted attention.
Reports in July 2025 revealed that the couple had separated following 16 years of marriage.
While it remains unclear whether divorce proceedings have been finalized, Ben continued referring to Jessica as his wife throughout his recent podcast appearance.
The renewed interview has once again placed the Mulroneys at the center of public discussion, reopening debate over one of Canada’s most talked-about social media controversies and its lasting impact on careers, friendships and public perception.
