Meghan Markle might seem poised to retreat into a serene Montecito mansion, enjoying fresh fruit and flowers, but she repeatedly pops back into the headlines with tales that spark controversy.
The latest? Meghan is reportedly pointing fingers at her legal team for tarnishing her reputation. According to Radar Online, Meghan has allegedly threatened to dismiss her high-powered attorney, Marjorie Witter Norman, over a string of missteps tied to her attempt at launching the "American Riviera Orchard Lifestyle" brand.
Meghan’s vision is to build her own version of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop empire, complete with artisanal jellies and gourmet dog treats. However, her journey to crafting a $250 million lifestyle brand seems to have stumbled right out of the gate. Instead of wellness candles and luxury products, her efforts have reportedly resulted in a modest batch of jelly jars and canine snacks. The road to branding success typically starts with trademarking, but Meghan's team apparently overlooked crucial steps. Her application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office was riddled with errors: it was unsigned, underfunded, and filled with vague product descriptions, such as "gardening equipment" and "soap dispensers." To top it off, a trademark protest was filed by the owners of Royal Riviera, a brand established in 1934, citing potential consumer confusion.
Instead of reflecting on these setbacks, Meghan allegedly lashed out at her legal team, blaming them for making her a laughingstock among California’s elite. Ironically, the jelly jars and legal debacle were already fueling public amusement. To salvage the situation, her legal representatives filed for a six-month extension to fix the errors. If the revised application isn't submitted by the new deadline, the trademark will be deemed abandoned. Officials have reportedly instructed Meghan to provide additional funds, clarify her vague claims, and disclaim exclusive rights to the term "American Riviera," as no one can own an entire geographical region.
In true Meghan fashion, the blame appears to fall on everyone but her. This narrative fits seamlessly into her pattern of avoiding accountability, seen in ventures ranging from her failed podcast to other Sussex-related projects that have flopped. A source claimed Meghan felt she was made a "laughingstock," but critics argue her attempts at a lifestyle empire had already invited secondhand embarrassment long before this trademark fiasco.
The incident adds fuel to claims of Meghan’s alleged reputation as a challenging figure to work with. Threatening to fire her legal team, raging over delays, and casting herself as the victim all seem to follow a familiar script. Perhaps the California elite are marveling less at her business acumen and more at her ability to weaponize a laptop in the middle of the night.
Meanwhile, one can’t help but wonder if Meghan and Prince Harry ever pause to reflect on their mounting list of failed ventures. From Netflix flops to a Spotify deal that fizzled out, their track record has been riddled with unmet expectations. Meghan's inability to stick the landing on anything of substance has led critics to question whether self-awareness is even on her radar.
Naturally, the mishaps surrounding her trademark application couldn’t possibly be her fault. Forget the missing signature or insufficient filing fees—Meghan is simply a misunderstood visionary. Yet, for all their talk of empowerment and independence, the Sussexes’ ventures often come across as desperate grasps for relevance.
What Meghan does excel at is turning mundane endeavors into headline-grabbing spectacles. While the world may not be clamoring for her jelly, they’re certainly here for the drama. Perhaps it’s time for Meghan to reconsider her path. A pivot to another Oprah interview—or even a fruit basket—might fare better than her faltering lifestyle empire.
