Instagram recently sparked a wave of controversy by blocking the hashtag for Meghan Markle’s highly anticipated Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan.
Instead of simple intrigue, users searching for the hashtag were hit with a message that claimed it was linked to child sexual abuse content. What should have been a harmless foray into recipes and home cooking turned into confusion and outrage, with social media serving up its own version of shock and disbelief. According to Meta, the parent company of Instagram, the incident was nothing more than an unfortunate technical error.
A spokesperson explained that the platform automatically limits access to hashtags associated with potential child safety concerns, and this time, the algorithm got it wrong. It’s a plausible explanation—after all, automated systems aren’t perfect. But how often do they accidentally label a hashtag for a duchess’s cooking show as criminally suspicious?
Of course, not everyone is buying the innocent mistake story. The online reaction has been swift and speculative, with some users fueling conspiracy theories faster than a kitchen fire spreads. Rumors are swirling about whether this was a calculated sabotage or just another case of internet chaos. Was the hashtag deliberately hijacked by trolls hoping to damage Meghan’s image? It wouldn’t be the first time social media’s dark corners have cooked up trouble for public figures.
Others are entertaining the idea that this could be a publicity stunt gone awry. Could Meghan and Netflix have orchestrated this debacle to drum up interest in a show that critics claim no one was particularly excited about? Skeptics argue that a little controversy can sometimes be the perfect recipe for free publicity. However, if this was a ploy, it may have backfired spectacularly.
Then there’s the delicious irony of the situation. Meghan has been vocal about promoting online safety, making some detractors wonder if this blunder is the universe’s way of serving up a dish of poetic justice. The duchess has advocated for responsible digital behavior, yet her own project fell victim to Instagram’s safety algorithms. Some view it as a cosmic reminder to practice what you preach, while others see it as pure coincidence.
Meanwhile, public reaction to the show’s trailer hasn’t been much kinder. Meghan’s attempt to position herself as relatable while showcasing lavish kitchen decor and wearing diamonds didn’t exactly win over critics. Words like “out of touch,” “elitist,” and “cringeworthy” have been tossed around freely. Allegations that Netflix quietly adjusted the trailer’s dislike count and used bots to boost positive reviews have only added to the skepticism.
If that weren’t enough, Meghan’s critics have revived old controversies, including her much-criticized visit to Uvalde after the tragic school shooting. Detractors accuse her of exploiting sensitive issues for personal publicity, further fanning the flames of backlash. Reports suggest that the torrent of negativity has left Meghan visibly upset, though the storm of criticism seems far from over.
When trying to sell a show, building likability is crucial—being blocked by Instagram certainly doesn’t help. The polished vision of Meghan tossing salads and sharing heartfelt moments in designer clothes may have aimed for chic and sophisticated but has instead landed squarely in the realm of tone-deaf. The internet has been anything but forgiving.
Mistakes happen, and algorithms occasionally misfire, but nothing involving Meghan Markle ever seems simple. Whether this was an honest error or a carefully crafted PR strategy, one fact is clear—the controversy has ensured With Love, Meghan is now firmly in the public eye. The question remains: will it become a runaway success or quietly fade into the pile of forgotten Netflix projects? Only time will tell.
