This particular coffee brand chose to spotlight Meghan as a somewhat unconventional employee in a social media video shared on People Clever's Instagram page. The video, notably, focused more on Meghan's appearance than on the coffee brand itself, with a caption that humorously read, "Dang, you're keeping us busy right now. Had to call in some reinforcements."
In the video, Clever's co-founder, Hanan Andoa, welcomed viewers and expressed gratitude to their dedicated team. In a somewhat playful tone, she introduced the crew responsible for packing boxes, including Meghan, whom she affectionately described as "the very smart, only slightly nerdy digital team." This unexpected cameo by Meghan in the ad quickly garnered attention and sparked criticism from numerous netizens who found it embarrassing.
Social media users didn't hold back their opinions, with some expressing disbelief that Meghan had transitioned from the royal family to featuring in a marketing skit. Others questioned why she had chosen this particular endeavor, with one individual even joking that at least she had managed to find some work for the year. It became evident that many believed Meghan's career trajectory had taken an unexpected and somewhat puzzling turn.
Adding to the critique, some pointed out that the coffee company in question had received an F rating with the Better Business Bureau in the USA and allegedly had no physical office or store, contributing to the overall skepticism surrounding Meghan's involvement. In the aftermath of the backlash, the Clever coffee brand experienced a significant setback, suffering a substantial 30% decline in revenue following Meghan's public appearance in the ad.
Hannah Mendoza, the CEO and co-founder of the company, expressed her frustration at the financial downturn and attributed it to Meghan's association. She highlighted the risks involved when a small business like Clever Coffee collaborates with someone of Meghan's stature, emphasizing that it could spell the end for businesses like theirs.
Furthermore, rumors began to circulate, suggesting that Meghan had been dropped by talent agency WME, which had previously represented her. Critics speculated that Meghan's unpredictable career choices and actions may have led to her parting ways with the agency. Some commentators on Reddit pointed out that Meghan's appearance in the coffee ad was a departure from her previous endorsements and indicated a shift in her approach to social media influence and brand representation.
In summary, Meghan Markle's unexpected cameo in a coffee company's advertisement has left many questioning her career trajectory and the implications of her choices, while also shedding light on the challenges faced by businesses that associate with high-profile figures.