"No wonder she didn’t applaud Prince Harry and was giving Meghan Markle the side-eye" - Fans react to Markle 'stealing' Venus Williams' look for ESPYs

Venus Williams' apparent annoyance with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the 2024 Espy Awards, held on July 11, piqued the interest of fans. Many speculated that Markle seemingly "copying" the American legend's look might be the cause of the tension.

Venus was in attendance at the prestigious awards ceremony in Los Angeles, where her sister Serena Williams served as the host. The 23-time Grand Slam champion had the chance to catch up with her long-time friends Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on the red carpet and even teased them during her speech.

However, the interaction, or lack thereof, that garnered the most attention came when Venus Williams was seemingly spotted giving Markle the side-eye during the ceremony.

Fanning the flames further, the former World No. 1 conspicuously remained in her seat and did not clap for Prince Harry as he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service. Williams also apparently "ignored" the couple while they departed the event.

The perceived hostility led fans to dig up Venus Williams' look for the Serpentine Summer Party held in London on June 25. Her white halter neck gown bore striking similarities to Meghan Markle's look for the ESPY Awards.

Speculation arose that the 44-year-old gave Markle the side-eye for 'stealing' her look, which was also cited as the reason why she didn't rise to clap for Prince Harry.

"Now it makes sense why Venus Williams was giving Meghan Markle the side eye. The Montecito Hunchback stole her look from 2 weeks earlier," one fan posted.

"So not only did Meghan plagiarise part of Harry’s speech @ESPYS when she wrote it, she also copied Venus Williams dress from two weeks earlier. No wonder Venus didn’t rise or applaud Harry and was giving Meghan the side-eye. She knows two talentless grifters when she sees them," another fan chimed in.

"Venus is in shock like 'oh no she di-int!'" said another.

Fans continued to muse that the similarity between the outfits was the cause of the seven-time Grand Slam champion's ire.

"This is what Rachel did. She may have known that Venus is not a fan of hers. Rachel wore exact same dress as Venus had wore a few weeks ago at an event. Rachel did this on purpose to say " I can wear it better than you". She is truly evil and behaves like a teenager," one fan shared.

"Harry's wife was probably going to share that her outfit was a 'sweet nod Venus Williams', but that fell flat when she could see that Venus could see through her," another fan wrote.

"No wonder Venus was pissed," a fan commented.

Others, meanwhile, contended that Venus Williams carried the look better.

"Venus looks so much better in it," a fan posted.

"Well Venus wears it better than MM. And Venus looks gorgeous as usual!" said another.

"I don’t want to be overshadowed" - Venus Williams' sister Serena Williams ribbed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during ESPYs

Serena Williams, Quinta Brunson and Venus Williams at the ESPYs (Source: Getty)

While hosting the 2024 ESPY Awards, Serena Williams humorously poked fun at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. She took a dig at the constant media scrutiny they receive, jokingly warning them not to "overshadow" her by breathing too much.

"Please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight, because this is my night. And I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen," she joked.

Venus Williams later joined her sister and actress Quinta Brunson on stage, encouraging people to enjoy women's sports as enthusiastically as they do men's.

"So, go ahead and enjoy women's sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports," she said.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion interjected to exclude Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker from her sister's request, denouncing him for his recent controversial comments about women.