In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the lifestyle entertainment world, Martha Stewart has reportedly taken issue with Meghan Markle's latest foray into the lifestyle and cooking space. The Duchess of Sussex’s new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, which is set to air on January 15, has drawn sharp criticism from Stewart, the undisputed queen of American homemaking. Stewart perceives Markle’s show as a diluted imitation of the empire she built over decades.
Sources close to Martha Stewart have revealed that the business mogul is far from impressed with what she sees as Markle’s attempt to encroach on her territory without earning the same credentials that made Martha a household name. "Martha built her empire from the ground up, starting with a catering business in her basement," says an insider who works closely with Stewart’s media team. "She didn’t marry into privilege and then decide to become a lifestyle guru."
Tension between the two women grew when advanced screenings of Meghan’s Netflix series revealed striking similarities to Stewart’s signature style. From the soft-focus camera work to the carefully curated table settings and the accessible luxury approach, the parallels were hard to ignore. What truly set Stewart off, however, was what she reportedly called a “fundamental lack of authenticity.”
Martha’s entire brand is built on genuine expertise, hands-on experience, and a deep passion for domestic life. Media analyst Jennifer Chin explains, "She sees Meghan’s show as a manufactured product rather than a natural extension of any real passion or expertise. It’s like watching someone try to play Martha Stewart without understanding what makes Martha Martha."
The Netflix series, reportedly backed by a staggering eight-figure deal, features Meghan offering cooking tips, entertaining ideas, and lifestyle advice from her luxury mansion. However, industry veterans have noted that many segments feel forced rather than organic, lacking the seamless flow that comes with years of experience.
During a private dinner, Stewart reportedly commented, "You can’t just wake up one morning and decide to be a lifestyle expert. This isn’t like hiring a ghostwriter for your memoir or having a team craft your image. People can smell inauthenticity from a mile away."
The contrast between the two women’s backgrounds couldn’t be more stark. Stewart, who learned cooking and sewing from her mother and grandmother, built her empire through hard work, innovation, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. She weathered personal and professional storms, including a highly publicized legal battle, yet emerged stronger and more respected than ever. Meghan, on the other hand, comes to the lifestyle space with a background in acting and a brief stint as a royal family member.
Critics argue that Meghan’s approach to lifestyle content feels more like a performance than a passion. “It’s as if she’s playing the role of a lifestyle expert rather than being one,” says one industry insider. Even the show’s title, With Love from Meghan, has drawn criticism, with some seeing it as an attempt to capitalize on personal branding rather than offering substantial content.
Martha’s shows and books have always been about the craft, the skill, the knowledge. They were never about Martha as a personality first, notes Chin. The controversy has sparked a broader discussion about authenticity in the lifestyle space, and the qualifications needed to be considered an expert.
Social media has been divided, with Stewart’s long-time fans defending her position while Meghan’s supporters argue that there’s room for different approaches to lifestyle content. However, Stewart’s camp maintains that the issue goes beyond competition and concerns credibility. "Martha’s concern isn’t about competition," says the insider. "It’s about maintaining standards in an industry she helped build. When someone with no real background in this space tries to position themselves as an expert, it diminishes the years of hard work put in by those who truly know their craft."
Industry experts predict that the success of Meghan’s show will depend on whether viewers connect with her approach. "The lifestyle space is ultimately about trust," says Chin. "Martha Stewart earned that trust through decades of proven expertise. Meghan is asking for that trust primarily based on her celebrity status."
As the show prepares for its launch, the tension between these two very different personalities continues to simmer. Stewart, ever the professional, has maintained a dignified public silence, letting her body of work speak for itself. However, those close to her say she views Meghan’s venture as symptomatic of a larger issue in today’s celebrity-driven culture, where fame often trumps expertise.
In a scathing display of disdain, Martha Stewart has unleashed a barrage of criticism toward Meghan Markle, accusing her of shamelessly copying the lifestyle and cooking empire Martha has built over decades. The feud has set the entertainment world buzzing, with fans and critics eagerly awaiting the fallout.
Martha, renowned for her impeccable taste, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to all things domestic, has long been the undisputed queen of the lifestyle industry. Her brand, which encompasses cookbooks, home décor, and a multimedia empire, has become a cultural touchstone, cementing her status as a household name. Meghan, on the other hand, has been steadily building her own presence in the lifestyle space, leveraging her celebrity status and personal brand to carve out a niche for herself.
As the war of words continues, the public has become increasingly invested in the outcome. Some have rallied behind Martha, praising her as the true queen of the lifestyle industry and accusing Meghan of imitation. Others have championed Meghan, applauding her for bringing a fresh perspective and a more inclusive vision to the table. The battle for supremacy in the lifestyle and cooking world is far from over.
