The 'Were You Silent or Were You Silenced?' meme originated from Oprah Winfrey's bombshell televised interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in March 2021. During the intense conversation regarding their departure from royal duties, Oprah asked this poignant question to Meghan Markle, creating an instant cultural moment. The clip immediately went viral on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, where users began applying the dramatic phrasing to various relatable situations—ranging from corporate NDAs and secrets to funny social interactions where someone is forced to remain quiet. It remains a popular go-to template for highlighting power dynamics, awkward secrets, or faux-dramatic tension.