Meghan Markle’s upcoming Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, is facing fresh scrutiny, with critics labeling her approach as “tone deaf” amid global economic struggles. The backlash was highlighted by royal commentator Richard Eden on Fox News, where he discussed the mounting pressure surrounding the Duchess of Sussex’s latest business move.
According to Eden, With Love, Meghan is not just another streaming series but a crucial launchpad for her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which is set to begin selling products soon. “The stakes are even higher as With Love, Meghan is intended to act as a launchpad for her American Riviera Orchard brand, which is expected to start selling its first products imminently, despite ongoing niggles over copyright,” he wrote.
Meghan’s new business venture reportedly involves a partnership with Netflix, but as Eden pointed out, she will need to convince the streaming giant that her vision is worth their investment. “She will need to sell her vision to make them buy into it,” he noted.
Despite the ambitious plan, the project has already drawn criticism. Some commentators argue that With Love, Meghan lacks originality, while others point out that the show marks a sharp shift from the Duchess’s previous emphasis on philanthropy and activism.
“Some critics complain the show is not original, others that it’s quite a pivot for Meghan, who has talked numerous times about her ‘higher purpose’ in life,” Eden observed. However, the criticism extends beyond questions of creativity. Many are questioning the appropriateness of launching a high-end lifestyle brand at a time when much of the world is facing financial hardship.
“Some think that launching any aspirational lifestyle show is tone-deaf as many across the world struggle with the cost of living crisis,” Eden added. Meghan’s business decisions have frequently sparked debate, and With Love, Meghan appears to be no exception. While she hopes to position herself as a tastemaker and entrepreneur, the Duchess is once again at the center of controversy over whether her ventures align with public sentiment.
As anticipation builds for the launch of both her show and brand, the reaction from audiences—and whether they embrace her latest reinvention—remains to be seen.