Liberal senator Hollie Hughes has come under fire online for describing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as “horrible, revolting, revolting people” in an extraordinary spat on the eve of the Queen’s funeral.
The NSW senator’s shocking verbal outburst has sparked debate and division online with some social media users complaining it was over the line.
“Holly Hughes has met Meghan Markle, I don’t think so. Harry and Megan love each other, leave them alone,” said Jeanne Hitchock.
“Shame on her and shame on anyone who thinks this is appropriate behavior for an Australian politician,” Kate Lee said.
“I’ve never heard of Hollie Hughes until today and I already know she’s a stain on Australian politics. What a horrible human being to focus their hate on someone they’ve never met when the Queen is remembered,” said another user on Twitter.
Annie Rob said Victorian senator Sarah Henderson should report the behaviour.
“Hopefully you’ll shout out your colleague Hollie Hughes’ appalling comment,” she said. “You were quick to join the ‘mean girl’ comment when you saw a political gain, let’s see if you choose to condemn the actual behavior of the ‘mean girl’ or your silence will approve it.”
“Hollie Hughes is a very strange woman. She speaks as if she has intimate knowledge of Meghan Markle even though she hasn’t met her. These kinds of women who bear false witness about other women do so much harm. And they don’t care.” , said Elaine McKay.
“Although Harry has publicly said Meghan Markle’s mental health is being affected by constant media negativity, fears for her life and brings back painful memories of her mother’s death, Australian Senator Hollie Hughes pile on more hate,” said another. Twitter user.
“Hollie Hughes is a miserable person. Truly awful,” said another Twitter user.
However, there was also some support from Meghan Markle’s online critics who praised her and suggested she should replace Peter Dutton as Leader of the Opposition.
Senator Hollie Hughes, who is not believed to have ever met the couple, launched the blistering attack on Sky News as Prince Harry prepares to attend his grandmother’s funeral.
“I think it has had a terrible influence on him,” Senator Hughes said. “She’s just a horrible human being. They’re horrible, revolting, revolting people.”
No stranger to controversy, Senator Hughes hit the headlines after she was subjected to a vile insult in parliament when Greens senator Lidia Thorpe shouted at her from across the chamber: “At least I’m keeping my legs closed” .
Ms Thorpe later apologized and retracted the comment after widespread backlash.
Senator Hughes said she supported moves to “disentangle” Prince Harry by rescinding his invitation to attend some events to mark his grandmother’s death.
Sky News host Chris Smith agreed, suggesting that “you make your bed, you lie in it”.
Senator Hughes then speculated that she expected Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to divorce.
“I’m fed up with both of them,” she said. “I look forward to the day when I hope Harry comes back one day, looks at it and thinks, ‘What have I done?’ and comes to his senses and crosses the pond again.
“I think she’s made a terrible mistake. And I think that’s fine, I think she’s had a terrible influence on him. She’s a horrible human being.
“It’s absolutely disgraceful. And I don’t know what’s going on with the book he’s done. Apparently his podcasts are going over them now trying to get out parts where he said not particularly kind things about the Queen.
“They are horrible, revolting, revolting people and I think they should not be invited to this and I hope they are not invited to many other things.
Earlier this year, Senator Hughes was embroiled in an online spat with Rachelle Miller, the ex-girlfriend of former Liberal leader Alan Tudge.
“Wow, you’re in serious trouble! Damn, lots of therapy. Stop making baseless accusations and then hiding behind bogus legal premises,” Senator Hughes said.
The context of Senator Hughes’ outburst was that Ms. Miller was making a joke on Twitter that she was trying to figure out who Senator Hughes reminded her of and finally realized who it was.
He said he was Hyacinth Bucket in the sitcom Keeping Up Appearances.
In the TV series, the character is a woman who aspires to climb the social ladder and impress rich and successful people.
He also previously said he stood by his friend “Tudgey”, who denies abusing his former employee during his employment.
“What does (Ms. Miller) want us to do? What does she want us to do?,” Senator Hughes said.
“There are a number of steps we are taking to provide an HR grievance mechanism for staff.
“But Minister Tudge has denied that version of events. So again, we’re in ‘he said, she said’.
Since the Twitter exchange, Ms Miller has settled her “no admissions” compensation claim with the Department of Finance for $650,000.
News.com.au has contacted Senator Hughes for comment.