Martha Stewart is publicly complimenting Meghan Markle's new lifestyle firm. However, sources tell In Touch that the cookbook author is not a fan of Prince Harry's wife and is excited to celebrate the Duchess of Sussex's demise.
Meghan, 42, has launched her new personal brand American Riviera Orchard, and reports suggest the former Suits actress intends to offer crockery, serving ware, table linens, and dog food in conjunction with a cookery show, In Touch Weekly reported.
“Martha has seen hundreds of Meghan types come and go — and says they all come in with the same self-inflated hype, only to find out it’s a whole new ball game when it comes down to brass tacks,” says an insider. “She’s tired of being quizzed by people over how she feels about Meghan’s venture because, honestly, it’s irritating and insulting to her that she’s being compared to a rookie!”
This isn't the first time Martha has spat with a competition; the homemaking queen has already criticized Goop mastermind Gwyneth Paltrow. Stewart, 82, accused the Oscar winner, 51, of attempting to emulate her, saying, “She just needs to be quiet. She’s a movie star. If she were confident in her acting, she wouldn’t be trying to be Martha!”
According to the insider, Meghan should be prepared now that she’s stepping on Martha's turf.
“Martha spent decades building her brand from a foundation of raw talent, hands-on hard work, and an original vision. If Meghan thinks she can come along and replicate that with barely any experience simply because she’s married to a prince, she better think again,” the source stated.
“Martha doesn’t put a whole lot of faith in her succeeding. But if she does prove to be any competition, Martha won’t hold back in trying to take her down. She’s still just as competitive as she’s ever been!” it went on.
Martha's previous judgmental digs have not been confined to Gwyneth; she has also been critical of TV chef Rachael Ray and talk show personality Kelly Clarkson. “She plays nice for the cameras — but behind the scenes she’s vicious,” the source said.
Insiders, however, claim that the possibility of earning Stewart's wrath is unlikely to derail Meghan's goals, as she sees her latest initiative as a make-or-break opportunity to finally prove herself in Hollywood.
However, her endeavor appears to have hit a speed bump. Meghan failed to make a self-declared public statement about her brand on April 7, prompting critics to question if royal family problems blocked the launch.
“That would be a total disaster! She’s poured so much money and time into this. Her whole brand and reputation are on the line,” the insider said.
According to sources, Meghan and Harry left their palace duties and went to Montecito in the hopes of becoming power players, but they have not made the mark — or the money — they expected.
Their podcast arrangement with Spotify was canceled, and they were labeled "lazy" by a corporate executive. According to reports, the couple's alleged $100 million deal with Netflix may not be renewed since they have overstayed their welcome.
“Meghan is under a massive amount of pressure to make this work. She and Harry have overspent and are living this lavish lifestyle beyond their means,” the insider shares. “If they don’t turn this around, they could end up in the poorhouse. Martha can be as nasty as she likes. Meghan will just keep plowing ahead — she’s got no choice!”
Business Times has reached out to Meghan Markle for comments.
