Taylor Swift subtly hinted at disposing of a gift from Meghan Markle, which was speculated to be a jar of strawberry jam, during her appearance on The Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon.
The seemingly casual conversation between Swift and Fallon took an unexpected turn, stirring controversy as viewers dissected Swift's remarks, pondering if she indirectly criticized Markle. While no confirmation has been made, let's delve into the interview segment that ignited such speculation.
In a light-hearted exchange, Fallon inquired about Swift's habit of re-recording her old albums. Known for her quick wit, Swift cleverly responded, implying the necessity of standing up for oneself in creative endeavors, even if it means starting afresh. However, it was Swift's pause and subsequent comment that piqued interest. With a hint of sarcasm, she remarked, "Or write an open letter." This seemingly innocuous phrase set social media abuzz.
The focus on open letters in 2019 draws parallels to Meghan Markle's bold move of penning an open letter to a British tabloid addressing her struggles with media scrutiny. Swift, too, has faced her share of public battles, notably with music executive Scooter Braun. Many interpreted Swift's comment as a subtle jab at Markle, suggesting that writing an open letter, as Markle did, might be perceived as seeking sympathy rather than taking assertive action, akin to Swift's decision to re-record her music.
Furthermore, a source close to Taylor Swift hinted at the possibility that she received a jar of jam from Meghan Markle. Reportedly, the jars are part of a limited run, with only six recipients sharing snaps of the gift so far. However, Swift allegedly chose to disregard Markle's gift, possibly due to her desire to distance herself from Markle. This incident coincided with criticism directed at Markle's new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, particularly its inaugural product, the jam.
Among those who received the jam was Abigail Spencer, Markle's former "Suits" co-star, who shared a picture on social media posing with the condiment. However, commentators criticized the product, with some describing it as "ridiculous." Observations were made about the scarcity of strawberries, raising questions about the brand's sustainability and its target audience. Critics also questioned the authenticity of Markle's transition into a lifestyle influencer, suggesting that jam might not align with her persona.
As discussions surrounding Markle's brand and product intensified, opinions varied, with some questioning the practicality and authenticity of her venture. The brand's official launch, expected later in the spring, will likely face continued scrutiny and debate.
