**Sharon Stone’s Cold Shoulder: Meghan Markle’s Awkward Red Carpet Moment at Taormina Film Festival**

The atmosphere was electric at the 70th Taormina Film Festival in Sicily, where the red carpet drew a constellation of stars.

As the flashes from cameras lit up the night, excitement filled the air, but one familiar face was notably absent until a sudden stir announced her arrival.

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made her entrance in a stunning emerald green gown, eager to make a splash at the prestigious event.

In a surprising twist, Meghan attempted to cozy up to the evening's guest of honor, Sharon Stone, a Hollywood icon known for her roles in films like “Basic Instinct.”

However, as Meghan reached out to link arms with Stone, the actress recoiled, leaving onlookers in shock.

“I'm sorry, I don't know you,” Sharon stated firmly, pulling away from Meghan's grasp.

The Duchess's expression shifted instantly from hopeful to crestfallen, marking a moment of public humiliation that left everyone stunned.

This awkward exchange raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity about what could have prompted such a public snub from the typically gracious Sharon Stone.

Many began to speculate on how Meghan would handle this unexpected rejection, especially given her recent attempts to reinsert herself into the glitzy world of Hollywood.

Reports indicate that Meghan's attendance at the Taormina festival was a last-minute decision.

After stepping back from royal duties, she has been making the rounds at various celebrity events, seemingly trying to reclaim her former status in Tinseltown.

Yet, her efforts to mingle with the elite have often met with chilly receptions.

Earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, she was reportedly denied entry to several high-profile parties due to capacity issues, while her appearance at the Met Gala was overshadowed by more prominent celebrities.

The news of Sharon Stone's attendance must have felt like a golden opportunity for Meghan.

With Stone being one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation, it was clear that sharing the spotlight with her could boost Meghan's public image.

A source close to the Duchess revealed, “She was absolutely desperate to be included.

She kept asking the organizers if there was any way she could walk the red carpet with Sharon.”

Despite her persistent requests, the festival organizers remained steadfast in their decision to keep Sharon as the focal point of the event.

Undeterred, Meghan decided to take matters into her own hands when she spotted Stone arriving.

Witnesses reported that she approached the actress, enthusiastically expressing her admiration and hoping to capture a few photos side by side.

However, Sharon was not receptive to Meghan's advances.

Caught off guard by the Duchess's eagerness, she swiftly set boundaries, leading to an unforgettable moment of rejection.

The scene unfolded in front of a sea of paparazzi, and Meghan's disheartened reaction did not go unnoticed.

The incident quickly went viral, with social media users chiming in to comment on the awkwardness of the moment.

The fallout was swift, with many reveling in the Duchess's embarrassment.

Comments ranged from sympathetic to mocking, with some supporters grudgingly acknowledging the cringe-worthy nature of the encounter.

One Twitter user quipped, “Ouch, that's got to hurt,” while another remarked, “Sharon Stone just put Meghan Markle in her place.”

In the aftermath, Meghan has remained unusually quiet, refraining from issuing any statements or social media posts regarding the incident.

This silence suggests that the sting of rejection may have hit harder than she cares to admit.

Meanwhile, Sharon has also chosen not to comment on the encounter, leaving observers to speculate about her reasoning.

Some royal commentators suggest that Sharon's brusque dismissal could stem from a deeper disdain for Meghan's perceived opportunism.

Known for her outspoken nature, Stone might have interpreted Meghan's behavior as entitled and self-serving, prompting her to assertively distance herself.

As the dust settles on this public spectacle, it's clear that the incident has done little to diminish the ongoing controversies surrounding the Duchess of Sussex.

Instead, it may have reinforced her image as an outsider striving for acceptance within the Hollywood elite.

The repercussions of Sharon Stone's cold shoulder are likely to linger in Meghan's mind for quite some time, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges she faces in her quest for validation in the entertainment industry.