The buzz is heating up around Meghan Markle’s upcoming Netflix culinary series, With Love, Meghan, but it seems the controversy is cooking faster than the recipes.
The show has been accused of borrowing heavily from the signature style and creative concepts of prominent British influencer Emma, the Marquess of Bath. Emma, who has built a name for herself with her sophisticated yet charming culinary aesthetic, is reportedly not taking the similarities lightly—her legal team is allegedly on high alert.
Fans of both Meghan and Emma quickly noticed striking parallels between the trailer for With Love, Meghan and Emma’s popular content. From the cozy, rustic vibes to a down-to-earth approach to British classics, the resemblance raised eyebrows across social media. Observers were particularly surprised by Meghan’s use of visual elements uncannily similar to Emma’s, including signature floral aprons and even beekeeping attire—a hallmark of Emma’s well-established brand on Instagram and her successful YouTube series, Emma’s Kitchen.
For those unfamiliar, Emma has been delighting audiences for years with her elegant yet approachable cooking videos, where she masterfully blends British tradition with modern simplicity. Her channel boasts more than 54,000 subscribers, and her culinary empire is rooted at the historic Longleat Estate—also famous for its safari park. Emma, Britain’s first Black Marchioness, has become a trailblazer, known for her graceful presence and mouth-watering takes on classics like Victoria sponge cake and other teatime treats.
Speaking of the Victoria sponge, the drama thickened recently when Emma posted two videos showcasing her version of the iconic British dessert just days after Meghan’s trailer dropped. Coincidence? Many fans think not. Given that the Victoria sponge is a quintessentially British staple, rarely found on American menus, Emma’s timing fueled speculation that her videos were a direct response to what she perceived as creative theft.
Adding even more intrigue, reports suggest that Emma is prepared to pursue legal action against both Netflix and Meghan Markle, citing blatant imitation of her work. Sources close to the Marchioness say her frustration is understandable. After all, as someone who has carved out a niche in a competitive industry while overcoming the unique pressures of public scrutiny, seeing her hard-earned brand allegedly co-opted by a former Hollywood star with a controversial past must feel like a bitter pill to swallow.
Imagine dedicating years to building a distinctive culinary persona only to have someone else package your ideas as their own—under the spotlight of one of the world’s largest streaming platforms, no less. It’s not just a matter of similar concepts; to Emma’s supporters, this is a clear-cut case of intellectual property infringement that could tarnish her reputation and dilute her creative influence.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle’s complicated relationship with the British royal family adds an extra layer of intrigue. Some speculate that With Love, Meghan is an attempt to reconnect with her royal roots, even as her public criticism of the monarchy continues to spark debate. Is Meghan trying to have it both ways—invoking royal charm while rejecting the institution? Or is this simply a new chapter in her ever-evolving public journey?
Regardless of the motivations, one thing is certain: Emma isn’t backing down. If anyone has the determination and influence to ensure that Meghan’s latest venture doesn’t devolve into a full-blown copycat scandal, it’s the Marchioness of Bath herself.
