In a shocking exposé that has sent shockwaves through the literary and blogging world, multiple writers and content creators are accusing Meghan Markle of plagiarism. The Duchess of Sussex allegedly copied extensive content for her now-defunct lifestyle blog The Tig and her latest venture, American Riviera Orchard (ARO). The controversy, which has been quietly brewing for years, came to a head when veteran lifestyle writer Katherine Hendon discovered a strikingly similar article she had written for Ill Magazine in 2013 that appeared to be almost verbatim on The Tig in 2014.
Hendon, visibly frustrated, shared that the similarities went beyond just the ideas—it was word-for-word copying in some sections, with only minor tweaks to make it appear original. As news of Hendon’s discovery spread, other writers came forward with their own allegations of plagiarism, creating what one industry insider has described as a "tsunami of copied content."
These accusations paint a picture of a content creation strategy that heavily relied on reusing existing material from established publications and writers. Sarah Mitchell, a former food and wine blogger, claims she recognized her own wine-tasting guide almost verbatim on The Tig. "I spent years developing my expertise, traveling to vineyards, and crafting my unique perspective on wine appreciation," Mitchell said. "To see it lifted and presented as original content by someone with such a massive platform was heartbreaking."
The controversy has sparked a broader discussion about authenticity in the digital age, especially in light of Meghan's carefully crafted image as a lifestyle guru. Marketing expert James Crawford points out the irony of The Tig being marketed as "authentic living through Meghan’s lens," only for it to emerge that the lens might have been focused on other people’s work.
The plagiarism allegations don't just end with lifestyle tips or wine recommendations. Fashion writer Lauren Peters claims that entire segments about sustainable fashion on The Tig appeared to be lifted from her 2012 blog series. "The language, the examples, even the structure of the arguments—it was like reading my own work, with just enough words changed to avoid immediate detection," Peters explains.
These accusations suggest a pattern of behavior that continues into Meghan’s latest venture, ARO. Social media users have already pointed out striking similarities between ARO's brand messaging and that of other established lifestyle brands. This has led to speculation about whether Meghan has learned from her past controversies. "It’s not just about copying content," says digital media analyst Patricia Wong. "It’s about the systematic way in which existing ideas are repackaged and presented as original thoughts."
Former staff members of The Tig, speaking anonymously, have shared that there was constant pressure to produce content quickly. "We were often told to research existing articles and reimagine them for The Tig's audience," one former contributor said. This revelation further raises questions about the authenticity of the content that appeared on Meghan’s blog.
The scandal has also brought attention to Meghan’s previous claims about her writing process. In a 2015 interview, Meghan described The Tig as "a labor of love and a genuine expression of my passions." Now, these statements face intense scrutiny in light of the plagiarism allegations. Literary agent Maxwell Richardson says, "What’s particularly troubling is the scale of the alleged copying. We’re not talking about occasional inspiration or similar ideas, which naturally occur in the lifestyle space. We’re seeing allegations of systematic content appropriation."
For Meghan, the timing of these revelations couldn’t be worse. She has been positioning herself as a lifestyle authority with the launch of ARO. Brand strategist Victoria Wells observes that this scandal seriously undermines her credibility in the lifestyle space. "How can consumers trust the authenticity of ARO when there are serious questions about the authenticity of a previous venture?"
Social media has quickly responded to the allegations, with hashtags like #TigGate and #CopyCatMeghan trending. Royal watchers and critics have seized upon the controversy as further evidence of a broader narrative surrounding Meghan and Harry’s authenticity since stepping down from royal duties. Royal commentator Andrew Pierce suggests this is just another example of their ongoing struggles with truthfulness.
Legal implications are also part of the discussion. Intellectual property lawyer Jennifer Morrison explains, "While The Tig is no longer active, there could still be potential legal consequences if these allegations are proven true. Copyright infringement is a serious matter, even if the content is no longer publicly available."
This controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the influence and accountability of digital influencers in the age of social media. Media ethics professor Dr. Robert Thompson observes that this case highlights the fine line between inspiration and appropriation in the digital age. "The pressure to produce constant content can lead to ethical shortcuts," he adds.
Former magazine editor Grace Williams also criticizes Meghan, saying, "What’s particularly disappointing is that Meghan had the resources and platform to create truly original content. Instead, these allegations suggest she chose the easier path of recycling others' work."
The scandal has also disillusioned those who previously defended Meghan. Lifestyle blogger Emma Chen admits, "I used to admire The Tig and defended it against critics. Finding out about these allegations has been disillusioning. It makes you question everything else."
As the controversy continues to unfold, questions are being raised about the future of ARO and Meghan’s credibility in the lifestyle space. Brand consultant Thomas Wright suggests that recovering from this kind of scandal will require "complete transparency and accountability," something that hasn’t been the Sussexes’ strong suit.
These allegations have reignited discussions about privilege and accountability in the digital age. Social media analyst Rachel Cooper points out the irony that someone with such immense privilege and resources is allegedly copying content from smaller creators who work hard to develop their expertise.
Despite multiple requests for comment, Meghan’s representatives have remained silent on the allegations. Crisis management expert Michael Bonds suggests that Meghan’s silence only fuels speculation, making damage control increasingly difficult as time passes.
As the story continues to develop, it’s clear that Meghan Markle’s image as a lifestyle guru and authentic voice is facing its biggest challenge yet. Whether she can overcome these allegations and rebuild trust in her brand remains to be seen, but the damage to her reputation as a content creator may be irreparable.
Launched in 2014, The Tig was Meghan Markle’s brainchild, a lifestyle blog aimed at inspiring and empowering readers with tips on food, travel, fashion, and beauty. The blog quickly gained a loyal following, with readers resonating with Meghan’s personal touch and seemingly authentic voice, despite her celebrity status.
However, as The Tig grew in popularity, so did scrutiny. Critics began to notice striking similarities between content on The Tig and that of other lifestyle blogs and magazines. Whispers of plagiarism began circulating but were largely dismissed as coincidences or the inevitable overlap in the lifestyle genre. But when several writers and bloggers came forward, claiming their work had been copied without credit, the allegations gained traction.
One of the most damning pieces of evidence came when a post on The Tig titled "How to Host the Perfect Dinner Party" was compared to an article from a popular lifestyle magazine. The similarities were undeniable, with entire sections lifted word for word. Another example involved a travel guide on The Tig that mirrored a blog post from a well-known travel writer. The travel writer took to social media to share side-by-side comparisons, and the internet buzzed with the news.
The public began to question Meghan’s authenticity as the evidence continued to mount.
