Meghan Markle recently stirred up some online backlash by likening her Netflix partnership to that of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
The Duchess of Sussex made the comments at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, where she outlined the evolution of her entertainment partnership since stepping back from royal duties.
While discussing her Netflix deal, Meghan stated, “My husband and I were in an overall agreement with Netflix, which is akin to what Barack and Michelle Obama have with Higher Ground.” Her remarks came as she highlighted how their partnership has evolved into a new agreement that offers them greater creative flexibility.
She shared how this new “first look” deal allows them to present projects to Netflix first while also being able to seek alternative outlets for content that may not fit the streaming giant.
However, her comments did not sit well with many online observers, who quickly took to social media to mock her.
Critics were not shy in expressing their displeasure, with one user remarking that her tendency to draw comparisons indicates a lack of a defined personal identity.
Others compared her brand, Archewell, to the Obamas’ Higher Ground, suggesting that it resembles a school play when held up against a Spielberg production.
The criticism continued, with comments calling Meghan’s references to high-profile figures an attempt to showcase her prominence.
Even the former President’s distancing from her was highlighted, as one user pointedly declared, “Even Obama cut her loose.”
The negative reactions made it clear that Markle’s comments struck a nerve with many who were not ready to endorse her parallels to the Obamas.
At the summit, Meghan also expressed her gratitude for her deal with Netflix, claiming it has significantly benefited her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
She highlighted how the partnership supports her vision of blending content with commerce, allowing her to develop a team and scale her efforts creatively.
The Duchess emphasized that this collaboration is positioned to extend beyond individual series, suggesting a more sustainable model going forward.
While announcing an upcoming holiday special for her show, “With Love, Meghan,” Meghan managed to dodge questions regarding a potential third season.
This lack of clarity about her program’s future hints that all is not well with the viewership numbers, which reportedly took a dive in the show’s second season.
In exploring her journey since departing royal life, Meghan reflected on the transition time she and Harry experienced, describing it as a period of “nesting and healing.”
She reminisced about their early days trying to adjust while raising their young kids, saying, “There was no plan.
It was just about getting through those initial years.” This candidness may have resonated with some, portraying a more relatable side to the former royal.
As she continued to develop her As Ever brand, Meghan noted it emerged from her passion for sharing home-cooked meals and family experiences, not the top-tier fashion endeavor many expected.
She characterized her time at home during the pandemic as an opportunity to create products that reflect her true self, far removed from the glamorous expectations placed upon her.
The Fortune summit also allowed Meghan to showcase her entrepreneurial vision, hinting at plans for potential physical retail partnerships for her products.
She expressed a desire to establish a tactile connection with consumers, indicating this might lead to collaborations with major retailers in the near future.
Despite the ringing criticism her Netflix comments drew, Meghan remains optimistic about her brand and its future endeavors.
She expressed how the synergy between her show and the As Ever brand helps create a compelling narrative for her endeavors while maintaining her autonomy.
While her Netflix collaboration remains a focal point, Meghan is striving to leverage her status to bolster her business aspirations.
As discussions about the direction of her outputs continue, it’s clear she is determined to carve out her path outside royal shadows.
As fate would have it, Meghan’s comments at the summit coincide with a creeping skepticism around her public projects.
Time will tell if she can transform the critical noise into a supportive chorus, but for now, the comparisons to the Obamas may linger like an unwelcome ghost in her narrative.