Meghan Markle, once the driving force behind the now-defunct lifestyle blog The Tig, has long been at the center of plagiarism accusations.
Critics allege that much of her blog's content was not wholly original but instead pieced together from ideas and phrases borrowed from various magazines, writers, and other media sources. They argue that The Tig was less a unique creation and more akin to a patchwork quilt of recycled advice and trending topics. The parallels between her blog and popular media, such as the iconic Sex and the City, have often been noted, leading some to suggest that Meghan modeled herself after Carrie Bradshaw, the fictional columnist and early influencer. By doing so, they claim, she presented herself as a modern-day lifestyle guru—a persona that some argue lacked originality.
This notion of imitation isn't a new critique of Meghan. Over the years, observers have pointed to her apparent tendency to emulate the styles, personas, and even gestures of others. From channeling Julia Roberts' charismatic charm to mirroring the late Princess Diana's timeless elegance, these comparisons have fueled a narrative that Meghan frequently borrows from well-known figures. Some detractors have gone so far as to jest that her children might have been aptly named "Prince Plagiarist" and "Princess Cosplayer" as a tongue-in-cheek nod to her alleged penchant for imitation.
The controversy surrounding her children's names, Archie and Lilibet, has only added fuel to this fire. Some critics claim the names were directly inspired by nicknames within the British royal family, further reinforcing accusations that Meghan takes inspiration—perhaps too liberally—from others. Adding to this narrative is the story that Meghan reportedly wore Princess Diana's favorite perfume to catch Prince Harry's attention early in their relationship. While supporters see this as a sentimental tribute, others view it as a calculated move, consistent with what they describe as her "copy-paste" approach to life.
The allegations extend beyond names and fashion. Meghan has also faced accusations of recycling ideas for books, speeches, and even recipes. To her harshest critics, she is seen as a figure whose originality is perpetually in question—a "human copy machine," as some have called her. Even her trademark tongue-flicking gesture, which has puzzled many, has been speculated to be either a curious quirk from her pre-royal days or, as some sarcastically suggest, an attempt to launch an unusual trend.
However, imitation and inspiration are common in the overlapping worlds of fashion, media, and lifestyle blogging. Many influencers and public figures draw heavily from existing trends and ideas, blurring the line between creativity and mimicry. The debate, therefore, is not so much about whether Meghan drew inspiration but whether her actions cross into outright copying. For her detractors, the distinction seems glaring, especially when it comes to The Tig. They argue that the blog wasn’t about sharing genuine insights but was instead a calculated platform to attract attention and elevate her personal brand.
Perhaps the most biting criticism came when Meghan reportedly referred to herself as a "fraud." While some interpreted this as a rare moment of vulnerability, others saw it as an unintentional admission that reinforced the narrative of imitation. Her decision to shut down The Tig has also been framed by skeptics as an attempt to preempt potential legal issues tied to her alleged borrowing of ideas.
Despite the relentless scrutiny, Meghan’s defenders argue that she is unfairly targeted in ways that other public figures are not. In industries where originality is often subjective, they question whether Meghan's actions are being judged more harshly simply because of her high-profile status and the polarized opinions about her. They contend that the accusations say more about societal biases and the challenges of navigating public life than about Meghan herself.
Ultimately, the Meghan Markle debate is one of perception. Is she a savvy curator of trends and ideas, skillfully blending inspiration into her personal brand? Or is she a perpetual imitator, struggling to find a voice of her own? The truth, as is often the case, likely lies somewhere in between—shaped by both public perception and the complexities of modern media culture.
