An 18-year-old biracial woman who was set on fire by four white men has received a heartwarming call from the Duchess of Sussex.
Althea Bernstein, a survivor of an alleged hate crime, was allegedly burned by lighter fluid thrown by a white man.
The incident happened as Althea was driving to her brother’s home. When she had stopped at a red light with her window down, someone shouted n***** and she saw four men next to her vehicle.
One of the four white men sprayed liquid on her face and threw a lighter at her, Althea told police. She described the attackers as ‘classic Wisconsin frat boys.’
Althea, who was treated for second and third-degree burns, said to Madison365, “Burn pain is something I can’t even really describe. I don’t know how to describe it. It was horrible.”
She added, “I’m glad it was me, and not someone like a pregnant woman, or a child, or someone who doesn’t have the health care that I do or the support system that I do.”
The CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dance County, Michael Johnson, has been in touch with the teen and told how Meghan Markle, 38, reached out to him after learning about what had just happened to her.
Johnson said Markle had a 40-minute conversation with the teen, and Prince Harry also joined in for ten minutes.
“Her and Meghan talked about the importance of self care and allowing herself to heal,” Johnson told Channel 3000.
“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.’”
Talking about how the teen is doing, Johnson said, “She’s struggling. ‘It’s a challenge for her. It’s very, very emotional. I talked to her three or four times today, and I’ll tell you Meghan lifted her spirits.”
Johnson also took to Twitter and wrote, “On the phone with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the Duchess of Sussex
“Prince Harry shared that young people voices matter and Meghan has agreed to talk with girls in Wisconsin and we will be scheduling that soon. Thank you for caring!”
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