Former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown takes aim at Meghan Markle's latest venture into streaming entertainment with harsh criticism of the duchess's new series.
According to Page Six, Brown blasted Markle's Netflix show "With Love, Meghan" in her Substack newsletter "Fresh Hell," describing it as a display of "fake perfection" that misreads the current cultural climate.
The scathing review particularly targeted the show's opening sequence, which features Markle in a veiled beekeeper's outfit discussing the wonders of beekeeping. Brown argued that this scene sets a tone of artificiality that pervades the entire series, suggesting that the duchess has lost touch with authentic storytelling.
Brown's criticism extends beyond the show's content to the broader context of the Sussexes' departure from royal duties. The former editor suggests that their timing was premature and strategically flawed.
The veteran journalist contends that waiting until after Queen Elizabeth II's passing in 2022 would have provided the couple with more advantageous opportunities. This perspective stems from her analysis of the royal family's power dynamics and succession planning.
Brown elaborates on the missed opportunities, noting that Prince William's elevation to Prince of Wales would have naturally created new global platforms for the Sussexes had they remained within the royal fold.
The criticism doesn't stop at the Netflix series. Brown voiced concerns about Markle's recent business endeavors, including her American Riviera Orchard brand launch.
In her newsletter, Brown addressed Markle's approach to business, stating:
With her unerring instinct for getting it wrong, Meghan has come out with a show about fake perfection just when the zeitgeist has turned raucously against it. [She] has never figured out a convincing persona. Masquerading as an influencer, she's the ultimate follower, which inevitably means she is behind the curve.
The former editor points to trademark issues with American Riviera Orchard as evidence of what she describes as rushed and poorly planned business decisions. She suggests these problems stem from Markle's impatience and eagerness to maintain public relevance.
Despite the harsh criticism from Brown and UK critics, the Netflix series has achieved notable success in viewership metrics. The show has secured a position in Netflix's global Top 10 rankings.
The streaming platform has already renewed "With Love, Meghan" for a second season, indicating strong viewer engagement despite critical reception. This development suggests a disconnect between critical opinion and audience interest.
These contrasting responses highlight the ongoing polarization surrounding the Sussexes' post-royal endeavors. While some media figures continue to scrutinize their choices, their content continues to find an audience.
Tina Brown, a respected voice in media and royal coverage, has delivered a comprehensive critique of Meghan Markle's latest streaming venture, "With Love, Meghan." The former Vanity Fair editor's analysis questions not only the show's content and presentation but also the broader strategy behind the Sussexes' post-royal career choices. The Netflix series, despite facing criticism from media veterans and UK critics, has managed to secure both commercial success and a second season order. This development indicates that while the duchess may face continued scrutiny from traditional media figures, she maintains a significant audience base interested in her content and personal brand.
