Meghan Markle 'Stung' by Martha Stewart's Lifestyle Brand Criticism, Insider Says

Meghan Markle’s Emotional Response to Martha Stewart’s Criticism

Meghan Markle has been feeling the impact of recent comments made by Martha Stewart, who questioned the authenticity of the former royal’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. The businesswoman’s remarks have left a mark on Meghan, according to a royal source who described her as “stung” by the criticism.

Martha Stewart, known for her long-standing influence in the lifestyle and business world, was asked about Meghan Markle’s entry into the lifestyle space. In response, Stewart said, “Meghan I don’t really know very well, and I hope she knows what she’s talking about.” She emphasized the importance of authenticity and knowledge when it comes to building a brand, stating, “Authenticity, to me, is everything, and to be authentic and knowledgeable about your subject matter is extremely important.”

The conversation also touched on Gwyneth Paltrow, with Stewart praising the actress and her successful brand, Goop. She noted that Paltrow had created an impressive array of businesses and highlighted her achievements, including an Oscar win. Stewart added, “She's admired. She won an Oscar, for heaven’s sake, as an actress! She’s pretty powerful.”

Despite her praise for Paltrow, Stewart expressed a lack of enthusiasm for being asked about Meghan’s ventures. A source reportedly said that Stewart has seen many individuals like Meghan come and go, all with similar self-inflated hype. According to the source, Stewart feels it is irritating and insulting to be compared to someone who lacks experience in building a brand.

Stewart has spent decades establishing her company, and she doesn’t believe Meghan can replicate that success without proper experience. “If Meghan thinks she can come along and replicate that with barely any experience simply because she’s married to a prince, she better think again,” the source said. The source also mentioned that if Meghan were to become a real competitor, Stewart wouldn’t hesitate to challenge her.

Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show: Mixed Reviews

In addition to her brand, Meghan launched a cooking show titled With Love, Meghan on Netflix in March. However, the show received mixed reviews from critics and media figures. During a Substack chat with media executive Janice Min and journalist Tina Brown, they discussed the show’s shortcomings.

Tina Brown described the series as “a cultural fossil,” comparing it to an era from 2013, specifically referencing Meghan’s blog, The Tig. She remarked, “She’s always brilliant behind the curve, Meghan. You know what I mean? This was like flashback to 2013 to the era of The Tig, her blog.”

Janice Min was even more critical, stating that the show felt like it was filmed in a mental institution for wealthy women. She added, “It kind of had that lobotomized vibe.” These comments highlight the challenges Meghan has faced in transitioning from royal life to the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

Meghan Markle’s journey into the lifestyle and entertainment industries has not been without its hurdles. From criticism by established figures like Martha Stewart to mixed reviews of her Netflix show, she continues to navigate a complex landscape. While some may question her authenticity and experience, others see potential in her ability to adapt and evolve. As she moves forward, the support and feedback from both the public and industry insiders will play a crucial role in shaping her future endeavors.