During a recent episode of The View, Whoopi Goldberg delivered a scathing critique of Meghan Markle’s latest projects, leaving her co-hosts—Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Joy Behar—visibly stunned.
The usually lively studio atmosphere grew tense as Goldberg dissected Markle’s recent endeavors with unflinching honesty. The sharp contrast between the show’s typical energetic discussions and the uncomfortable silence in the studio underscored the gravity of the moment. Goldberg’s pointed remarks left a lasting impression, making it clear that Markle’s recent ventures are not beyond criticism.
Goldberg’s critique focused primarily on Markle’s upcoming Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, which has drawn notable comparisons to Pamela Anderson’s Pamela’s Cooking with Love. Both shows showcase a similar rustic aesthetic, featuring cozy kitchen settings where the hosts cook with friends and harvest fresh produce from their gardens. The striking resemblance between the two series has led to allegations of plagiarism, with critics noting that Markle’s trailer closely mirrors Anderson’s earlier release. Goldberg did not hold back in expressing her disapproval, condemning what she viewed as a lack of originality. In an era where content is constantly evolving, Goldberg argued that creativity is a crucial asset. However, Markle’s approach appeared to imitate existing concepts rather than introduce fresh ideas. According to Goldberg, this lack of innovation not only undermines Markle’s credibility but also reinforces the perception that she struggles to offer anything truly unique to the public.
Adding to Markle’s challenges, reports have surfaced indicating that talent agency WME has severed ties with her, allegedly due to her demanding and difficult nature. While the agency has officially denied these claims, insiders suggest that tensions between Markle and WME executive Ari Emanuel reached a breaking point following a contentious meeting in January 2024. Goldberg highlighted these reports, questioning Markle’s professionalism and ability to maintain positive relationships within the industry. In Hollywood, where reputation is everything, the decision of a top agency to part ways with a high-profile client speaks volumes. Goldberg emphasized that if Markle hopes to sustain a successful career, she must adapt and navigate the entertainment industry’s high expectations more effectively.
Further compounding her struggles, Markle’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has faced significant backlash, including allegations of logo plagiarism from a major Canadian town’s coat of arms. Critics argue that Markle’s efforts to compete with established lifestyle brands such as Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop and Kourtney Kardashian’s Poosh may be misplaced. Instead of attempting to rival these well-established names, Goldberg suggested that Markle should focus on carving out a distinctive niche for herself. Authenticity, Goldberg argued, is key to success in the saturated lifestyle industry. Consumers seek innovation, not rebranded concepts that merely mimic existing trends. Without a clear point of differentiation, Markle’s brand risks losing credibility and failing to establish a strong market presence. If her goal is to position herself as an influential and independent entrepreneur, Goldberg’s criticisms about her lack of originality become particularly relevant.
Goldberg’s unfiltered commentary extended beyond Markle’s business ventures. She also addressed resurfaced allegations of bullying, referencing reports from former employees who described a toxic work environment. Some staff members even claimed they required therapy due to the stress of working with Markle. These accusations gained renewed attention following a Vanity Fair article detailing claims that Markle exhibited behavior reminiscent of the film Mean Girls. Goldberg emphasized the seriousness of these allegations, suggesting they contradict Markle’s public image as an advocate for kindness and inclusivity. For someone who has built her brand around empowerment and compassion, such claims could be particularly damaging to her reputation.
Goldberg’s critique on The View was not just about Markle’s latest projects—it was a broader analysis of her career trajectory and public image. From plagiarism accusations and reports of a toxic workplace to professional struggles and uninspired branding efforts, Markle’s recent moves have raised critical questions about her ability to sustain long-term success in the entertainment and lifestyle industries. As Goldberg pointed out, originality and authenticity are essential for building a lasting brand. Without them, even the most high-profile ventures can fall flat. If Markle hopes to regain credibility and public trust, she may need to make a significant shift in strategy moving forward.
