Meghan Markle finds herself under scrutiny once again, but this time it’s with her former ally, Mindy Kaling.
Once an enthusiastic supporter, Mindy seems to have moved on, focusing on her next Netflix venture without Meghan. Mindy, who appeared in Meghan's upcoming Netflix cooking show With Love, Meghan, made headlines recently while attending the Golden Globes. When Variety’s Mark Malkin asked her about the backlash surrounding the show, Mindy offered a nonchalant response: "I just feel like people get mad about stuff that feels unnecessary and a waste of time." The subtext was clear—Mindy wanted no part in the drama.
Meghan’s Netflix project hasn’t exactly been met with rave reviews. The show’s premise features Meghan channeling her “domestic goddess” persona, showcasing her culinary skills in an opulent, luxury kitchen—one that reportedly isn’t even hers. Mindy played her part, offering glowing praise about Meghan’s “thoughtful and creative ideas” and even mentioning her “legitimate gardens.” Apparently, owning a garden now qualifies one as a culinary expert. Critics, however, have slammed the show as tone-deaf, especially given its release amid Southern California wildfires that have left families devastated. The juxtaposition of baking donuts in a lavish mansion while others face real-life crises has struck many as insensitive and out of touch—akin to hosting a yacht party during a hurricane.
For Mindy, the timing of her association with the show couldn’t have been worse. Some speculate she might be regretting the gig entirely, hoping Netflix delays the release and praying the backlash doesn’t tarnish her reputation. Meghan, on the other hand, seems unbothered by the criticism. Known for embracing controversy as if it were a badge of honor, she continues to attract headlines—though not always the flattering kind.
Adding to the intrigue, Mindy’s next project, Running Point, is already generating buzz without Meghan’s involvement. Scheduled for a February premiere, the Netflix comedy stars Hollywood heavyweights like Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, and Jay Ellis. Noticeably absent are Meghan, her gardens, and anything remotely donut-related. This shift makes it clear where Mindy’s priorities lie, and they don’t seem to include Montecito.
The irony of this situation hasn’t been lost on fans. Mindy has been a loyal ally to Meghan over the years. She appeared on Meghan’s Archetypes podcast in 2022, participated in the cooking show while managing postpartum life, and even supported Prince Harry’s BetterUp campaign. Yet, despite this, Meghan was conspicuously excluded from Mindy’s new project. This perceived “snub” has fueled fan speculation, with some joking that Mindy has been “Markled”—a term used to describe individuals who collaborate with Meghan only to be ghosted or dragged into controversy later.
Fans have also ridiculed Mindy’s previous praise of Meghan’s gardens, pointing out how irrelevant such details seem. One fan sarcastically remarked, “And she has gardens? She legitimately has gardens? That sent me into orbit.” Others questioned Mindy’s friendship with Meghan, with one quipping, “Does Mindy even know where Meghan actually lives?” The consensus among some observers is that the friendship gives off “major fake vibes,” a hallmark of Hollywood’s obsession with appearances.
While Mindy may have played along with Meghan’s project, it’s clear she’s distancing herself from the Duchess at lightning speed. Her focus has shifted toward collaborations with established Hollywood stars, which seems like a calculated move. And can anyone blame her? Meghan’s track record with maintaining friendships appears as unstable as a house of cards in a windstorm.
As for Meghan, the snub is unlikely to sit well. Losing the spotlight to someone like Kate Hudson, combined with Mindy’s evident shift in allegiance, is bound to sting. This latest saga underscores a recurring theme in Meghan’s narrative: Hollywood alliances can be as fleeting as her public goodwill. One moment, you’re celebrated for being “thoughtful and creative,” and the next, you’re on the outside looking in.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Mindy may have hoped to ride the Markle wave to greater success, but instead, she seems to have been caught in its undertow. Meanwhile, Meghan’s ability to spark controversy, for better or worse, continues to dominate headlines, leaving Hollywood to navigate the fallout in her wake.
