News | Entertainment
31 Dec 2025 7:51
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    The Duchess of Sussex has continued "checking in" on a teenager who was a victim of an alleged hate crime

    The 38-year-old duchess spent 40 minutes on the phone to Althea Bernstein - who was allegedly doused with lighter fluid and set on fire by a group of white men in Wisconsin last week - last weekend and has subsequently been in touch with Michael Johnson, the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, to find out how the 18-year-old EMT is doing


    Michael - who has been acting as Althea's spokesperson and helped arrange the call with the duchess - wrote on Facebook: "I am blown away by Meghan Markle! She called me again today while my wife and kids were in the car and said, 'Hey Michael, this is Meghan, I am just checking in.'

    "We talked for about 10 minutes about a lot of things including Althea and her wellbeing."

    And Michael hinted the duchess - who has 13-month-old son Archie with husband Prince Harry - may get further involved with his organisation in the future.

    He added: "We also talked about some plans she supports but I can't share yet...so stay tuned.

    "I love how poised and down to earth she is, her passion, her commitment to children and how she is following up with genuine love and support.

    "Meghan, you are amazing and if you ever wanted to work for Boys and Girls Club in Wisconsin we would hire you in a minute."

    Michael had previously praised the former 'Suits' actress for her manner on the phone, as she sounded "almost like a seasoned high school counsellor" and was delighted when she agreed to his request to appear on a virtual town hall to speak with young people in the area.

    He said: "Her and Meghan talked about the importance of self care and allowing herself to heal.

    "And she applauded her for the way that she responded and pretty much said, 'Hey Michael, give me her cellphone number. I want to stay in touch. And let me know when you want me to come back and talk to people in Wisconsin...

    "As I heard her, I thought 'She has to talk to more kids,' and I'm thankful she agreed to do it."

    Meghan was said to have encouraged the teenager to stay away from social media to avoid reading negative comments, and they spoke about faith and their experiences of being biracial.

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     31 Dec: The Cure guitarist Perry Bamonte has died
     31 Dec: Sophie Ellis-Bextor has no rules in her house
     31 Dec: King Charles gives his staff a hand-signed Christmas card and a personal gift each year
     31 Dec: Pixie Lott has urged new parents not to put too much "pressure" on themselves to have a "perfect" Christmas
     30 Dec: Sadie Sink's modelling work has been a dream come true
     30 Dec: Venus Williams wore a dozen dresses for her wedding celebrations
     30 Dec: Jason Kelce has hinted at appearing topless at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Nick Kyrgios has blitzed Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 across what has been coined their battle-of-the-sexes tennis match in Dubai More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    The operators issuing fake corporate licences in the name of a tiny African island More...



     Today's News

    Business:
    The operators issuing fake corporate licences in the name of a tiny African island 7:47

    Soccer:
    Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has shared the key to his club's 11-game win streak ahead of their Premier League match away at leaders Arsenal from 9.15am 7:47

    Entertainment:
    The Cure guitarist Perry Bamonte has died 7:38

    Living & Travel:
    Our big cities are bracing for New Year's Eve celebrations 7:37

    Politics:
    The Greens are confident in their team heading into election year - after another tough year 7:27

    Accident and Emergency:
    Coromandel boaties are being urged to take extra care, after a boat flipped crossing the notorious Tairua bar yesterday morning 7:17

    Entertainment:
    Sophie Ellis-Bextor has no rules in her house 7:08

    Business:
    Eurostar train services cancelled across Europe due to power issue 7:07

    Entertainment:
    King Charles gives his staff a hand-signed Christmas card and a personal gift each year 6:38

    Entertainment:
    Pixie Lott has urged new parents not to put too much "pressure" on themselves to have a "perfect" Christmas 6:08


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd