In a bold move that has left many scratching their heads, Meghan Markle has launched her own lifestyle brand, debuting with a product that’s certainly sweet but facing some bitter backlash.
The former actress, known for her royal ties as the Duchess of Sussex, recently introduced a limited edition jam under her new venture, American Riviera Orchard.
However, the excitement surrounding this launch has quickly soured due to some unexpected complications.
Fans were buzzing with anticipation as Markle unveiled her first product—jars of strawberry jam, which she claimed to have crafted herself.
But the initial enthusiasm took a hit when it became apparent that purchasing options were nonexistent on her website.
This hiccup raises questions about the viability of her latest entrepreneurial endeavor.
It seems that while Meghan is eager to carve out her own niche, the road ahead may be rockier than expected.
Speculation about Markle’s aspirations has been rife for some time now.
From whispers of her ambition to rival Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop empire to comparisons with the legendary Martha Stewart, it seems everyone has an opinion on her latest venture.
Yet, despite the buildup, the rollout of her jam has not gone as smoothly as planned, leading to doubts about whether this project can truly flourish.
The buzz around her jam reached a fever pitch when Markle sent out 50 limited edition jars to influencers as part of her promotional strategy.
However, eagle-eyed fans quickly pointed out that the jam might not be her own creation after all.
Allegations surfaced claiming that she had purchased jars from At Small Batch Jam Co. at a local farmers market, merely rebranding them with her label.
This revelation has cast a shadow over her authenticity, leading to further skepticism among potential customers.
Social media reactions have been swift and scathing.
Many fans expressed their disinterest in purchasing Markle’s jam once it hits the shelves.
A recent survey conducted by Express revealed that a staggering 98% of respondents—out of nearly 14,000 votes—indicated they would not buy a jar of her product.
Only a minuscule 1% showed any inclination to make a purchase, while another small fraction remained undecided.
Critics have taken to social media to voice their disdain, with some labeling her efforts as “grifters on overdrive.” One commenter humorously noted that they could whip up a batch of jam for just a few dollars, questioning how much Markle would charge for her version.
Others went so far as to suggest that her actions reflect poorly on her character, branding her a cautionary tale of what happens when ego and greed overshadow opportunity.
The backlash highlights a growing divide between Markle and her audience.
While she attempts to establish a brand that resonates with consumers, the initial reception suggests that many are not buying into her vision—figuratively and literally.