Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has once again found herself at the center of a media storm, this time over allegations that her Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, has copied significant portions of its content, with claims suggesting up to 40% of the show draws heavily from existing works. The accusations, which have ignited widespread debate, come from multiple sources, including a British author who claims her intellectual property was mirrored in a previously canceled Meghan project, as well as critics comparing the show’s format and aesthetics to other lifestyle programs. As whispers of an investigation into these claims grow louder, the controversy threatens to overshadow Meghan’s carefully curated return to the public eye. What’s behind these allegations, and could they jeopardize her multimillion-dollar Netflix deal? Let’s dive into the drama that’s got everyone buzzing.
The saga began with With Love, Meghan, a lifestyle show that premiered on Netflix on March 4, 2025, after a delay due to wildfires in California. The series, filmed in a luxurious Montecito estate (not the Sussexes’ actual home), features Meghan sharing cooking tips, hosting advice, and heartwarming moments with celebrity friends like Mindy Kaling and Roy Choi. Marketed as a celebration of joy over perfection, the show aims to showcase Meghan’s relatable side as a mother and entrepreneur. However, its debut was met with mixed reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes score languishing at 33%. Critics have called it tone-deaf, pointing to scenes like Meghan repackaging store-bought pretzels or crafting elaborate fruit platters as out of touch with everyday viewers. Social media reactions have been equally polarizing, with some praising the show’s calming aesthetic and others mocking its perceived lack of authenticity.
The plagiarism allegations, however, have escalated the controversy to new heights. The most prominent claim originates from British author Mel Elliott, who alleges that Meghan’s canceled animated series Pearl, announced in 2021 but scrapped in 2022, bore striking similarities to her Pearl Power children’s book series. Elliott’s books, published between 2014 and 2016, follow a young girl learning about equality and empowerment. In 2019, Elliott pitched an animated series where her character would interact with historical women like Billie Jean King, a concept she claims was publicly available online. Meghan’s Pearl, described as a story of a 12-year-old girl inspired by influential women in history, allegedly overlapped with Elliott’s premise, particularly in its focus on female empowerment and historical figures. Elliott and her legal team sent letters to Meghan’s Archewell Productions and Netflix in 2021, highlighting potential copyright infringement, but received no response. While Pearl never aired, Elliott’s public statements in April 2025 reignited scrutiny, with some speculating her complaints contributed to the project’s cancellation.
Adding fuel to the fire, critics have accused With Love, Meghan of borrowing heavily from other lifestyle shows, most notably Pamela Anderson’s Pamela’s Cooking With Love. Observers have pointed to similarities in the shows’ formats, from their focus on cooking and hosting to specific visuals, like high-fiving guests on set. Some have even suggested that Meghan’s beekeeping scenes echo those of Catherine, Princess of Wales, who is known for her beekeeping hobby. Online sleuths have further claimed that recipes featured in the show, such as a ladybug appetizer, resemble those found on platforms like Pinterest or published in magazines years earlier. While the 40% figure cited in allegations remains unverified, it has become a lightning rod for critics who argue Meghan’s projects lack originality.
The controversy has sparked speculation about an investigation, though no official probe has been confirmed. Posts on X in late May 2025 amplified the narrative, with users sharing YouTube videos claiming “the secret is out” and suggesting Netflix is distancing itself from Meghan. These posts, while not definitive, reflect a growing sentiment that the streaming giant may be reevaluating its $100 million deal with the Sussexes, signed in 2020. The deal has produced mixed results: the 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan was a hit, but subsequent projects like Polo and With Love, Meghan have faced criticism, and Pearl’s cancellation raised eyebrows. Some industry insiders suggest Netflix is frustrated with the couple’s output, particularly after reports of disagreements over creative control and scheduling.
Meghan’s defenders, however, argue she’s being unfairly targeted. Supporters point out that lifestyle shows often share similar formats, and recipes or hosting tips are rarely wholly original. The beekeeping comparison to Catherine, they argue, is a stretch, as the practice is common among environmentally conscious celebrities. Regarding Pearl, some note that Meghan was in talks with Netflix about the project as early as 2018, potentially predating Elliott’s animated pitch. Fans have taken to social media to praise Meghan’s warmth and authenticity, with one X user writing, “I’m watching With Love, Meghan and it’s delightful. I will never understand the people whose entire personalities are hating her.” Others argue the plagiarism claims are part of a broader pattern of scrutiny Meghan faces, echoing her 2020 comments about “almost unsurvivable” media hostility during her time as a royal.
The allegations also tie into broader questions about Meghan’s creative process. Her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has faced its own copycat accusations, with the town of Porreres, Spain, claiming the brand’s logo resembles its historic coat of arms. Similarly, her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder drew comparisons to an existing show, Confessions of a CEO. While these incidents don’t directly relate to With Love, Meghan, they contribute to a narrative that Meghan struggles to carve out a unique creative identity. Critics argue she leans too heavily on established formats, while supporters see her as a savvy entrepreneur drawing inspiration from a competitive industry.
The fallout from these allegations could have significant implications. Netflix’s decision to renew With Love, Meghan for a second season suggests some confidence in the project, but persistent negative buzz could shift priorities. The streaming industry is notoriously cutthroat, with platforms quick to ax underperforming shows. If the plagiarism claims gain traction or an investigation materializes, it could strain Meghan and Harry’s relationship with Netflix, potentially shelving future projects. For Meghan, who has positioned herself as a lifestyle guru akin to Gwyneth Paltrow, the stakes are high. A tarnished reputation could hinder American Riviera Orchard’s launch, which is closely tied to the show’s branding.
Meghan has responded to some criticism, emphasizing her desire to live a normal life despite her high-profile status. In a statement to a U.S. publication, she described connecting with “stay-at-home moms and working women with normal jobs” in Montecito, attending yoga classes, and fostering community ties. These remarks aim to counter perceptions of being out of touch, but they’ve done little to quell the plagiarism debate. For now, the controversy remains a mix of speculation and unverified claims, with no concrete evidence of the 40% figure or an official investigation.
As the dust settles, the situation underscores the challenges Meghan faces in navigating public life. Her every move is dissected, from her recipes to her guest interactions, with critics quick to pounce on perceived missteps. Yet, her resilience is evident: despite the backlash, she continues to build her brand and pursue creative ventures. Whether the allegations prove to be a minor hiccup or a major setback, they’ve undeniably thrust With Love, Meghan into the spotlight, for better or worse. For now, the world watches to see how Meghan will respond to this latest chapter in her polarizing journey—and whether she can turn the narrative in her favor.
