Meghan Markle appears to be in full damage control mode following the recent wave of unflattering Hollywood headlines that painted her as a difficult figure behind the scenes.
In an apparent effort to salvage her image, anonymous crew members have suddenly emerged to sing her praises. First, a director was seemingly compelled to defend her, and now, out of nowhere, these unnamed individuals are stepping forward to describe her as a generous and caring presence on set. Their proof? Brace yourself—she provided them with Cheetos and drinks. Yes, that’s the grand gesture being touted as evidence of her kindness. Is this really supposed to be impressive? Has the standard for decency fallen so low?
A widely circulated photograph shows Meghan hugging a crew member, and upon closer examination, the man’s expression speaks volumes. Does he look overjoyed? Does he appear to be receiving a warm embrace from a compassionate leader? Absolutely not. Instead, his body language conveys discomfort, confusion, and perhaps even mild alarm. It’s as if he’s wondering what is happening and how quickly he can extract himself from the situation.
These anonymous claims deserve a closer look. According to these unnamed sources, Meghan took care of the crew by providing snacks and beverages. A millionaire with a $100 million Netflix deal managed to buy chips and soda—stop the presses! Some have even suggested she should be applauded for arranging a shaved ice truck on a hot day. But when you’re leading a multi-million-dollar production, isn’t basic hospitality expected? Offering refreshments is not a grand act of generosity; it’s simply common courtesy.
Then, there’s the story about a bespoke ice cream cart filled with locally made treats, supposedly brought in weekly. How convenient that such claims emerge just in time to counteract the negative press. This entire narrative feels eerily similar to a previous report about Meghan gifting crew members autographed cooking pans. Yes, signed pans—because nothing quite says “I appreciate your hard work” like a kitchen utensil bearing your boss’s personal signature. Can you imagine Catherine, Princess of Wales, doing something so self-indulgent? Or King Charles, Queen Camilla, or Prince William? Of course not. True appreciation is demonstrated through respect, fair treatment, and genuine relationships—not through autographed cookware and the occasional snack.
Meghan’s approach to reputation management appears transparent. These stories make her seem transactional, as if she believes material gifts can erase past reports of difficult behavior. But being a good leader, a respectful colleague, or simply a decent human being isn’t about occasional grand gestures. It’s about consistently treating people with kindness, dignity, and professionalism.
Another detail worth noting is her insistence on inserting her calligraphy-style signature everywhere, from her brand logos to these supposed gifts. Half the time, it’s completely illegible, yet it serves as another way to ensure she remains at the center of attention in every situation. Compare this to the bullying allegations made by former palace staff—individuals who weren’t anonymous and who risked their careers to share their experiences.
By contrast, Prince William and Princess Catherine are known for their loyalty to staff, reflected in their team’s notably low turnover rate. Former employees continue to speak highly of them, even years after leaving their service, because they are genuinely respected and appreciated. That kind of admiration isn’t bought with ice cream and souvenirs—it’s earned through consistent, thoughtful leadership.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of these PR stunts is how insulting they are to the public’s intelligence. Are we really expected to forget years of reports about Meghan’s alleged bullying simply because she handed out some snacks? Do they think we won’t notice that these glowing testimonials conveniently appear whenever she faces backlash? If Meghan genuinely wanted to change public perception, she wouldn’t need these transparent tactics—she would let her actions speak for themselves. The fact that her team keeps resorting to such strategies suggests either a lack of faith in her ability to change or a belief that the public is too gullible to see through the façade. Neither possibility reflects well on her.
What’s most disappointing is that things didn’t have to unfold this way. When Harry and Meghan first stepped into the royal spotlight as a couple, there was real excitement about the fresh perspective they could bring. Instead, they chose commercial deals, self-focused content, and constant image rehabilitation over meaningful service. Meanwhile, the working royals continue to lead by example, demonstrating dignity, humility, and a commitment to their duties—without needing Cheetos or signed pans to prove their worth.
