Meghan Markle’s upcoming Netflix cooking series has ignited controversy, with accusations of recipe theft and borrowed aesthetics from high-society influencers.
Leading the charge is none other than Emma Thynn, the Marchioness of Bath, a stylish socialite with her lawyers seemingly on speed dial. The internet buzzed with excitement and suspicion when sharp-eyed fans noticed striking similarities between Meghan’s down-to-earth, bee-friendly cooking vibes in the trailer and Emma’s signature style, right down to flower-adorned aprons and beekeeping-themed aesthetics. This wasn’t a case of mere coincidence—it looked like a carbon copy of Emma’s well-established presence on Instagram and YouTube.
Emma, Britain’s first Black marchioness, has built a loyal following through her charming YouTube series Emma’s Kitchen, which boasts over 54,000 subscribers. Her brand, launched from the luxurious Longleat estate—home to one of the UK’s most renowned safari parks—embodies simplicity, elegance, and timeless British charm. In her videos, Emma floats through her kitchen with ease, baking delicate Victoria sponge cakes amidst fresh floral arrangements, turning classic recipes into visions of refinement. Following the release of Meghan’s trailer, Emma shared two separate videos featuring her baking a Victoria sponge—twice—an apparent nod to the uncanny parallels.
The choice of a Victoria sponge by Meghan, an American who hails from a culture not typically associated with this quintessentially British dessert, raised eyebrows. The cake is as iconic to British teatime as scones and clotted cream—far from mainstream American fare. According to a blind item circulating online, Emma is reportedly preparing to take legal action, with her team poised to target both Netflix and Meghan. Her frustration is understandable: imagine working tirelessly to break barriers as the first Black marchioness, successfully launching a culinary brand, and then watching a former actress with a polarizing reputation replicate your ideas and style for a global audience. This isn’t just a minor fashion faux pas—it’s a full-blown intellectual property controversy.
Adding fuel to the fire, Meghan’s complex relationship with the British royal family hovers over the situation. Critics speculate whether her recent actions reflect a subtle attempt to reclaim royal status or simply a bid to stay relevant. The irony of playing the British royalty card while simultaneously distancing herself from the monarchy has not gone unnoticed. Meghan’s strategy of blending royal charm with her own brand of modernity can feel contradictory, leaving onlookers questioning her true intentions.
Emma Thynn, however, isn’t backing down. Determined to protect her creative legacy, she is ready to ensure that Meghan’s royal culinary endeavors don’t devolve into blatant imitation. This battle is far more than a mere spat over aprons and sponge cakes—it’s a fierce clash of originality versus appropriation, with Emma leading the charge for justice in the ever-complicated world of celebrity branding and royal intrigue.
