John Stewart recently delivered a scathing critique of Meghan Markle's latest lifestyle brand, calling it "the worst brand ever."
His sharp remarks quickly ignited a heated debate across social media, with many questioning both the authenticity and direction of Meghan’s business ventures. Stewart’s criticism wasn’t just a casual jab; it was a pointed commentary on what he perceives as the superficiality and lack of originality in her brand. “If this is her idea of a lifestyle, I’ll stick to my chaotic, unbranded existence,” he quipped, echoing a sentiment shared by many who feel her endeavors often seem like calculated attempts to remain relevant.
The rebranding of Meghan’s lifestyle venture from American Riviera Orchard to "As Ever" has been met with widespread skepticism. Critics argue that this shift reflects a broader identity crisis, with Meghan constantly oscillating between a polished image and a more relatable, down-to-earth persona. Bethenny Frankel, a well-known figure in the lifestyle industry, weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Meghan’s desire to be universally liked creates an inconsistency that alienates her audience. “Her branding lacks a clear vision—it feels like she’s repackaging trends rather than offering something original,” Frankel noted. This inconsistency has led many to question whether Meghan’s new venture has any real substance or if it’s merely another attempt to capitalize on fleeting trends.
Further complicating the brand’s reception are allegations of plagiarism. The logo for "As Ever" bears a striking resemblance to the coat of arms of Petra, a town in Mallorca, Spain. This similarity has sparked legal concerns and raised questions about the originality of the brand and Meghan’s creative integrity. These accusations are not new—her previous ventures have also faced scrutiny over borrowed ideas and lack of authenticity. When a brand is built on repackaged concepts rather than genuine innovation, it inevitably struggles under public scrutiny. The backlash against "As Ever" is not just about a logo; it reflects a recurring pattern of Meghan presenting ideas that fail to offer anything truly new.
Stewart’s critique also touched on the broader issue of celebrity-driven brands. “Since when did being a royal mean launching a jam line?” he joked, highlighting the disconnect between Meghan’s royal background and her current business pursuits. His observation underscores a growing perception that Meghan’s branding efforts feel forced, as though she is trying to mold herself into a lifestyle mogul without the depth of experience or passion that others in the industry possess. Unlike figures such as Gwyneth Paltrow, who have spent years cultivating a consistent and recognizable lifestyle brand, Meghan appears to be chasing an aesthetic rather than building a business rooted in authenticity. If a brand is perceived as a vanity project rather than a reflection of genuine expertise, consumers are quick to see through the façade.
One of Meghan’s biggest challenges is maintaining credibility. She wants to be taken seriously as both a businesswoman and an activist while simultaneously selling home goods and artisanal jam. “It creates a credibility gap that audiences are struggling to ignore,” Stewart remarked. This conflict in branding raises doubts about whether her ventures are driven by passion or simply by the desire to remain in the public eye. Adding to the controversy is her decision to forgo a potential Suits reboot in favor of launching "As Ever." Industry experts believe that reprising her role in the beloved series could have strengthened her connection with American audiences. Instead, her current projects, including a Netflix deal that has failed to meet expectations, have struggled to gain traction. This strategic misstep has led to speculation about whether she truly understands her audience and what they want from her.
The criticism surrounding "As Ever" goes beyond the brand itself—it is a reflection of the growing public skepticism about Meghan’s authenticity and long-term vision. While she has positioned herself as a champion of individuality and empowerment, her business ventures often come across as carefully curated attempts to stay relevant rather than organic expressions of her values. As Stewart pointed out, the disconnect between her royal persona and her entrepreneurial efforts is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Whether "As Ever" can overcome these hurdles remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Meghan Markle’s journey from royal family member to lifestyle entrepreneur has been anything but smooth.
