Meghan Markle receives flak over her new Netflix show ‘With Love, Meghan’

The Meghan Markle hate train is on full speed after the release of her new Netflix show With Love, Meghan. The Duchess of Sussex premiered her new lifestyle show earlier this week, and its safe to say that social media have been less than favourable towards her.

With Love, Meghan focuses on the former actress’ tips and tricks she uses around her kitchen while engaging in conversation and gossip with her close friends. The eight-episode show also features an appearance from her royal husband, Prince Harry.

So, what’s the hate around it? While most of the heat is steaming from X (formerly Twitter) accounts that are sworn Meghan Markle haters, one episode, in particular, is not sitting well with the audience – Episode 2: Welcome to the Party featuring actress Mindy Kaling.

Two moments in this episode have sparked debate. The first occurs when the Duchess clarifies to Kaling that her last name is Sussex, not Markle. When Kaling jokingly says, “I don’t think anyone in the world knows that Meghan Markle has eaten Jack in the Box and loves it,” to which Meghan replies, “It’s so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now.” Here’s how the internet reacted to this particular clip: 

Others were quick to defend the Duchess:

Another clip from the episode is also making rounds, being labelled as “racist” towards Kaling. In the exchange, Kaling asks “By the way Meghan, I wanna ask about your look,” but mispronounces the word “look”, leading to a confused reaction from Meghan.

“My who?” Meghan asked, prompting Kaling to repeat, “Your look”.

“Oh, my look,” Meghan said, finally comprehending Kaling’s words.

“Did I not say it right?, Kaling asked, to which Meghan responded, “I don't know, you’re much cooler than I am.” 

While much of the disdain for the Duchess of Sussex stems from her and Prince Harry’s decision to step back from their roles as working royals five years ago, the bulk of the criticism comes from royal “experts” who constantly disagree with their choices, and have vowed to oppose everything the couple does.

Despite heavy criticism, many are appreciative of Meghan’s show, calling it “refreshing” and “light-hearted”.