On a recent episode of The View, Whoopi Goldberg didn’t hold back as she delivered a scathing critique of Meghan Markle’s latest projects, leaving her co-hosts Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Joy Behar visibly stunned. The usually lively studio atmosphere turned tense as Goldberg dismantled Markle’s recent endeavors with unflinching honesty. The uncomfortable silence among the co-hosts was a stark contrast to the show’s typically energetic discussions, highlighting just how serious the topic had become.
Goldberg’s sharp words cut through the air, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the studio. It was a moment that made it clear: Meghan Markle’s recent ventures are far from beyond reproach.
Goldberg’s critique centered on Meghan’s upcoming Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, which has drawn striking comparisons to Pamela Anderson’s Pamela’s Cooking with Love. Both shows feature a similar rustic aesthetic, with scenes of the hosts in cozy kitchens, cooking with friends, and harvesting produce from their gardens. The uncanny resemblance between the two series has sparked allegations of plagiarism, with critics pointing out that Meghan’s trailer mirrors Anderson’s earlier release.
Goldberg didn’t mince words, expressing her disapproval of what she sees as a lack of originality in Meghan’s concept. In a world where content is constantly evolving, Goldberg’s harsh judgment wasn’t unfounded. Originality is a rare commodity, yet Meghan’s attempts seem to mimic existing formats rather than push boundaries. Goldberg emphasized how this unoriginality not only diminishes Meghan’s credibility but also perpetuates the narrative that she struggles to offer anything fresh or exciting to the public eye.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports have surfaced suggesting that talent agency WME has severed ties with Meghan, citing her demanding and difficult nature as the primary reasons for the split. Despite official denials from the agency, insiders claim that Meghan’s interactions with WME’s Ari Emanuel have been strained, particularly following a contentious meeting in January 2024.
Goldberg highlighted these reports, questioning Meghan’s professionalism and her ability to maintain positive working relationships within the industry. The agency’s reported dissatisfaction with Meghan’s approach to her career only underscores the idea that she has struggled to forge lasting partnerships in a business where reputation is everything. With talent agencies constantly searching for new faces and opportunities, leaving Meghan in the dust speaks volumes about her difficulties in navigating the industry’s high demands.
Goldberg, known for her no-nonsense attitude, emphasized that Meghan’s career choices need to evolve if she is to avoid falling into the category of someone who can’t sustain long-term success.
Further compounding Meghan’s challenges, her lifestyle brand, As Ever, has faced significant backlash, including allegations of logo plagiarism from a major Canadian town’s coat of arms. Critics argue that Meghan’s focus on competing with established lifestyle brands like Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop and Kourtney Kardashian’s Poosh may be misguided. Instead of trying to outdo these giants, Meghan should carve out her own unique niche.
To Goldberg, this represents an issue of authenticity. She emphasized that in a saturated market like the lifestyle industry, consumers are looking for something truly innovative rather than repackaged ideas. Meghan’s attempt to capitalize on a trend without any substantial differentiation from other established brands could be seen as a move that undermines her credibility and diminishes her brand value. If Meghan’s goal is to present herself as an influential, independent figure, then Goldberg’s critique about her lack of originality in this space couldn’t be more pertinent.
Goldberg’s unfiltered commentary didn’t stop there. She also addressed recent allegations of bullying against Meghan, referencing reports that former employees have described a toxic work environment. Some staff members reportedly required therapy due to the stress of working with her. These accusations resurfaced following a Vanity Fair article detailing claims of Meghan exhibiting behavior reminiscent of the film Mean Girls.
Goldberg underscored the gravity of these allegations, suggesting that they reflect poorly on Meghan’s character and leadership style. For someone who has positioned herself as a champion of kindness and inclusivity, these claims are particularly damaging.
Goldberg’s critique on The View wasn’t just about Meghan’s latest projects—it was a broader commentary on her career trajectory and public image. From allegations of plagiarism and toxic workplace behavior to struggles with talent agencies and lackluster branding efforts, Meghan’s recent moves have raised serious questions about her ability to sustain long-term success in the entertainment and lifestyle industries.
As Goldberg pointed out, originality and authenticity are key to building a lasting brand. Without them, even the most high-profile ventures can fall flat. For Meghan, the road ahead may require a significant shift in strategy if she hopes to regain credibility and public trust.
