Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been a polarizing figure since stepping away from royal duties in 2020. Her latest venture, the Netflix cooking and lifestyle show With Love, Meghan, was anticipated as a fresh chapter in her post-royal career. However, the show has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with some alleging it exposes personal “flaws” in Meghan’s character and professional abilities. From accusations of inauthenticity to claims of day-drinking, the show has fueled debates about her public persona. Adding to the intrigue, speculation abounds about how her husband, Prince Harry, perceives these revelations. Is their marriage strained, or is this just another chapter in their resilience against public scrutiny? This article delves into the controversy surrounding With Love, Meghan, explores the alleged flaws, and examines the dynamics of Harry and Meghan’s relationship amid the backlash.

The Launch of With Love, Meghan

With Love, Meghan premiered as part of the Sussexes’ lucrative multi-year deal with Netflix, signed after their departure from royal life. The show promised an intimate look into Meghan’s love for cooking, gardening, and entertaining, blending lifestyle tips with personal anecdotes. Featuring guests like comedian Mindy Kaling and, in the upcoming second season, model Chrissy Teigen and chef José Andrés, the series aimed to showcase Meghan’s warmth and creativity. Yet, despite high expectations, the first season received mixed reviews, with critics and viewers questioning its authenticity and production quality.

Posts on X and various online discussions have highlighted a particular sentiment: some viewers found the show “pretentious” and “hard to watch.” One critic, a celebrity chef, reportedly called it “terrible,” sparking a legal row with Netflix over his comments. Another point of contention was Meghan’s presentation of everyday tasks, such as plating Chinese takeaway food “beautifully” or sharing a pineapple-cutting hack that many deemed unoriginal. These moments led to accusations that Meghan was out of touch, trying to elevate mundane activities into high art.

Alleged “Flaws” Under the Spotlight

The term “tật xấu” (Vietnamese for “bad habits” or “flaws”) has been loosely associated with Meghan’s on-screen persona. Critics have pointed to several perceived shortcomings:

Inauthenticity and Over-Polishing: Some viewers felt Meghan’s polished presentation came across as staged. Her meticulous plating of food and use of edible flowers were mocked as overly extravagant for everyday cooking. One X post suggested Meghan “dislikes people having an opinion,” implying she struggles with criticism, which fueled perceptions of her as overly controlling.

Day-Drinking Allegations: A particularly inflammatory claim emerged from an X user who described Meghan as a “heavy day drinker” based on her relaxed demeanor and frequent wine references in the show. While unverified, this narrative gained traction online, with some speculating it reflected poorly on her professionalism.

Lack of Culinary Expertise: A celebrity chef publicly questioned Meghan’s cooking credentials, claiming she “cannot cook” and urging her to return to acting. This critique, while controversial, resonated with viewers who found her recipes simplistic or her techniques unimpressive.

Elitism and Disconnect: Meghan’s lifestyle, showcased through her Montecito mansion and high-profile guests, was seen by some as unrelatable. Anecdotes about her keeping to herself—such as an elderly historian being turned away at her gates—reinforced perceptions of aloofness.

These criticisms have painted a picture of Meghan as someone struggling to balance authenticity with her curated public image. But are these truly “flaws,” or are they amplified by a media and public predisposed to scrutinize her every move?

Prince Harry’s Perspective

The question of how Prince Harry reacts to these alleged flaws is central to the narrative. Publicly, Harry has remained supportive of Meghan’s endeavors. He appeared briefly in promotional materials for With Love, Meghan but is notably absent from the second season’s guest list, leading to speculation about his involvement. Some reports suggest Harry is being “cut out” of Meghan’s Netflix deal, with the focus shifting to her as the “rock star” of the partnership. This shift has sparked questions about whether Harry is comfortable with Meghan’s solo spotlight or if tensions are brewing.

However, those close to the couple argue that Harry is unfazed by the criticism. Sources describe him as approachable and grounded, contrasting with Meghan’s more reserved nature. His absence from the show may reflect a deliberate choice to let Meghan shine independently, especially as their Netflix deal reportedly faces renegotiation. The couple’s history of weathering public storms— from their royal exit to their tell-all Oprah interview—suggests a resilience that likely extends to this controversy.

On the flip side, some narratives paint Harry as embarrassed by Meghan’s perceived missteps. An X post referenced a “dirty habit” Meghan wants to avoid, though details were vague. Others point to moments where Harry appeared uneasy, such as during discussions of Meghan’s pre-royal life. Yet, these claims lack concrete evidence and may be exaggerated by detractors. Harry’s continued public appearances with Meghan, including recent family photos shared on Instagram, indicate a united front.

The Broader Context: Media Scrutiny and Public Perception

The backlash against With Love, Meghan cannot be separated from the broader context of the Sussexes’ relationship with the media. Since their marriage in 2018, Harry and Meghan have faced intense scrutiny, often tinged with racial and cultural undertones. Meghan, a biracial American actress, has been a lightning rod for criticism, from her fashion choices to her parenting decisions. The cooking show, intended as a soft rebrand, has instead become another battleground.

Critics argue that Meghan’s every move is dissected unfairly. For instance, her influence on culture is undeniable—products featured in her projects, like a Hermes blanket in their documentary, sold out globally. Yet, this influence is often framed negatively, with Meghan accused of “turning the spotlight” on herself during royal events. The Sussexes’ timing of announcements, such as Meghan’s podcast or Harry’s philanthropy work, is frequently criticized as calculated, yet this overlooks the reality of their need to maintain relevance in a competitive media landscape.

Netflix’s Stance and Future Prospects

Netflix’s relationship with the Sussexes is another layer of the story. Despite the mixed reception of With Love, Meghan, the streaming giant is reportedly renewing its deal with Meghan, albeit on potentially reduced terms. The focus on Meghan, rather than the couple, suggests a strategic pivot, with Netflix banking on her star power. The inclusion of high-profile guests like Chrissy Teigen in season two indicates an effort to boost the show’s appeal.

However, the financial stakes are high. The Sussexes’ original $100 million deal has produced mixed results, with With Love, Meghan being their fifth project. Some commentators have called the partnership a “business risk,” citing the show’s lukewarm ratings. Others, including Netflix’s CEO, remain optimistic, nicknaming Meghan a “rock star” and praising her cultural impact. The success of season two will likely determine the longevity of their Netflix partnership.

Cultural and Personal Implications

The controversy surrounding With Love, Meghan raises broader questions about celebrity, authenticity, and redemption. Meghan’s attempt to carve out a new identity as a lifestyle guru echoes the paths of figures like Martha Stewart or Gwyneth Paltrow, yet her royal background and public baggage make her journey uniquely fraught. The allegations of “flaws” reflect not just personal critiques but societal expectations of women in the public eye—particularly women of color.

For Harry, the situation underscores his role as a supportive partner navigating a complex media landscape. His absence from the show may be a strategic move to avoid further scrutiny, but it also highlights the couple’s evolving dynamic. As they balance parenthood, philanthropy, and media ventures, Harry and Meghan remain a lightning rod for debate, with With Love, Meghan serving as the latest flashpoint.

Conclusion

With Love, Meghan was meant to be a love letter to fans, showcasing Meghan Markle’s passion for cooking and connection. Instead, it has exposed her to a new wave of criticism, with alleged “flaws” dominating headlines. From accusations of inauthenticity to whispers of day-drinking, the show has fueled speculation about her character and her marriage to Prince Harry. Yet, the couple’s history suggests they are adept at weathering storms. As Meghan prepares for season two and Harry stands by her side, their story remains one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless public fascination. Whether With Love, Meghan becomes a triumph or a footnote, it has undeniably sparked a global conversation—Discover Why This Is Trending Now!