In a recent attempt to launch her lifestyle brand, Megan Markle sent out 50 jars of her American Riviera Orchard strawberry jam to friends and acquaintances.
This soft launch, which took place last month, was meant to generate buzz around her new venture.
So far, nine recipients have taken to social media to express their gratitude for the jam, but 41 others have yet to announce their receipt of this sweet gift.
However, not everyone is on board with Megan’s jam initiative.
According to entertainment reporter Neil Sean, at least two high-profile celebrities—one British and one American—decided to skip the jam party altogether.
They returned the baskets filled with the jam back to Montecito, suggesting they were less than impressed with the publicity stunt.
This raises an interesting point: can you really expect support without offering something in return?
It seems that these celebrities are not willing to promote a product just for the sake of it.
The reactions to Megan’s jam have been mixed, to say the least.
While some recipients have publicly thanked her, others have shown reluctance.
Speculation is swirling around who these celebrities might be, with fans guessing that one could be a British star and the other possibly Kevin Costner.
This kind of backlash indicates that Megan may need to rethink her approach if she hopes for genuine endorsements.
Adding to the drama, Megan faced some harsh criticism online after sending a basket of her jam to none other than Kris Jenner.
The basket, which included not only the jam but also wilted lemons and greenery, was showcased by Jenner on her Instagram stories to her massive following of 52 million.
While Kris appeared gracious, social media users were quick to pounce, criticizing the quality of the produce and questioning the thoughtfulness of the gift.
One Reddit user sarcastically remarked that the entire business venture seemed like a “lemon,” while another doubted whether anyone would ever take Megan’s jam seriously as a product.
Comments like these paint a picture of skepticism surrounding her brand, revealing a divide between public perception and Markle’s aspirations.
This latest endeavor follows Megan’s announcement last month about her lifestyle brand, which aims to sell a variety of home and lifestyle products.
While details remain scarce, she has hinted at expanding her offerings beyond jam to include limited-edition honey, sauces, and pestos.
However, the path ahead may not be as smooth as she hopes.
PR expert Maya Ria weighed in on the situation, predicting that while the brand could include a range of products, Megan’s use of her royal title, “Duchess of Sussex,” in the branding could land her in hot water.
Royal family regulations explicitly prohibit members from engaging in advertising or endorsements, and her new venture could be seen as crossing that line.
As the backlash continues, it’s clear that Megan’s jam-making venture is stirring up more than just curiosity.