Meghan Markle Accused Of Being A 'Fraud' In Blistering Remarks By Top US Brand Experts
The Duchess of Sussex officially launched the new brand in early April, and in less than an hour, multiple products were sold out.
Despite the initial success of the brand and its recent restocking of sold-out products, experts claim it lacks authenticity, suggesting that it is primarily about Meghan Markle maximizing value from her royal marriage and "Suits" fame.
Meghan Markle Is Trying To Maximise Her Fame, Says Expert
Months after Meghan launched her highly anticipated brand, As Ever, Canadian lawyer Phillip Millar and California marketing executive Camille Moore have taken aim at both the brand and its founder in a lengthy rant on their "The Art of the Brand" podcast.
Millar claimed that the lifestyle brand is being "run by a confederacy of dunces" and that the sole purpose behind it is to help Meghan get the maximum value from her "fame that came from Suits and being a part of the Royal Family."
Expanding on his criticism of Meghan, Millar dismissed her as "not substantial" before explaining the reasons behind his harsh views.
He said, "I'm agitated by her so much because it is a deliberate misrepresentation of what she is because she thinks she can pretend to be that while actually being this and sucker people into buying her stuff, and every step of the way, she's failing because it's not legitimate. It's not intelligent. It's not well executed."
The Expert Branded The Duchess Of Sussex As A 'Fraud'
Meghan's As Ever brand had launched earlier in the year, after facing multiple delays, including a name change.
Looking back on the launch, Millar claimed that there was "nothing about her brand that was good from the start to a distinguishing eye," and despite the duchess selling out most of the products, he branded her as a "fraud" who "was just using opportunities to advance herself."
"Her brand wasn't one built on substance," Millar noted, per the Daily Mail. "It was based on using people.
He added, "They're not executing anything well on any show on anything. But it shows how gullible a lot of consumers are."
Meghan Markle's Lifestyle Venture Was Labeled The 'Worst Brand Execution To Date'
After Millar's brutal rant about Meghan's business, Moore also slammed the duchess's lifestyle business, calling As Ever the "worst brand execution to date."
The marketing executive questioned the former actress's involvement in the brand creation and its running.
"She's had zero ownership in this business. It's effectively like she's just like labeling her brand," Moore said about the mother of two.
"I feel like she's doing such a brutal or good job, depending on how you're looking at it, of getting this like free PR and then absolutely sh-ting the bed," she added.
Meghan Markle Recently Restocked Her As Ever Products
Despite the criticism, As Ever has proven to be a success for Meghan, as she followed up her April launch with a restock of items last month, per the Daily Mail.
In a post teasing the launch, the former actress assured her fans that she was bringing back all her favorites, alongside "some delicious surprises."
These surprises later turned out to be two new flavors of her flagship jam: apricot spread and orange blossom hominy.
The "Suits" alum later released another product, rosé wine, which was described as having notes of stone fruit with gentle minerality.
Other products that returned to the shelves include three different herbal teas (hibiscus, lemon ginger, and peppermint), flower sprinkles, crepe baking mix, and shortbread cookie mix.
The 'Suits' Star Admitted She 'Sometimes' Misses Acting
With Meghan's life now increasingly focused on being a high-profile female founder, it seems unlikely that she would return to the big screen in a traditional acting role.
However, last month, she did admit that she "sometimes" misses her former profession when she appeared on the "Aspire with Emma Grede" podcast, per Fox News.
At the time, she also noted that her Netflix lifestyle show, "With Love, Meghan," allowed her to get back a taste of what she missed from her previous life.
"Actually, having a large team, being back on set with 'With Love, Meghan' was great because I realized how much I had missed my crew," Meghan told her host, referencing her time on "Suits.
She added, "I loved the crew. So I think for me, having the [Netflix] series, even though it wasn't scripted, was really great to get that piece back, but then also building my own business. You have a team, and that's really what I was craving as well."
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Chicago Tribune
2 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
How a major Mexican tomato exporter is affected by Trump's 17% tariff
AJUCHITLAN, Mexico — The Trump administration's decision to impose a 17% duty on fresh tomatoes imported from Mexico has created a dilemma for the country providing more tomatoes to U.S. consumers than any other. The import tax that began July 14 is just the latest protectionist move by an administration that has threatened dozens of countries with tariffs, including its critical trading partner Mexico. It comes as the Mexican government tries to also negotiate its way out of a 30% general tariff scheduled to take effect Aug. 1. While the impacts of the tomato tariff are still in their infancy, a major grower and exporter in central Mexico shows how a tariff targeting a single product can destabilize the sector. Green tomato plants stretch upward row after row in sprawling high-tech greenhouses covering nearly six acres in the central state of Queretaro, among the top 10 tomato producing states in Mexico. Climate controlled and pest free, Veggie Prime's greenhouses in Ajuchitlan send some 100 tons of fresh tomatoes every week to Mastronardi Produce. The Canadian company is the leading distributor of fresh tomatoes in the U.S. with clients that include Costco and Walmart. Moisés Atri, Veggie Prime's export director, says they've been exporting tomatoes to the U.S. for 13 years and their substantial investment and the cost to produce their tomatoes won't allow them to make any immediate changes. They're also contractually obligated to sell everything they produce to Mastronardi until 2026. 'None of us (producers) can afford it,' Atri said. 'We have to approach our client to adjust the prices because we're nowhere near making that kind of profit.' In the tariff's first week, Veggie Prime ate the entire charge. In the second, its share of the new cost lowered when its client agreed to increase the price of their tomatoes by 10%. The 56-year-old Atri hopes that Mastronardi will eventually pass all of the tariff's cost onto its retail clients. Experts say the tariff could cause a 5% to 10% drop in tomato exports, which last year amounted to more than $3 billion for Mexico. The Mexican Association of Tomato Producers says the industry generates some 500,000 jobs. Juan Carlos Anaya, director general of the consulting firm Grupo Consultor de Mercados Agrícolas, said a drop in tomato exports, which last year amounted to more than 2 billion tons, could lead to the loss of some 200,000 jobs When the Trump administration announced the tariff, the Commerce Department justified it as a measure to protect U.S. producers from artificially cheap Mexican imports. California and Florida growers that produce about 11 million tons would stand to benefit most, though most of that production is for processed tomatoes. Experts believe the U.S. would find it difficult to replace Mexico's fresh tomato imports. Atri and other producers are waiting for a scheduled review of the measure in two months, when the U.S. heads into fall and fresh tomato production there begins to decline. In reaction to the tariff, the Mexican government has floated the idea of looking for other, more stable, international markets. Mexican Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué said Thursday that the government is looking at possibilities like Japan, but producers quickly cast doubt on that idea, noting the tomatoes would have to be sent by plane, raising the cost even more. Atri said the company is starting to experiment with peppers, to see if they would provide an option at scale. President Claudia Sheinbaum said recently her administration would survey tomato growers to figure out what support they need, especially small producers who are already feeling the effects of a drop of more than 10% in the price of tomatoes domestically over fears there will be a glut in Mexico.
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Newsweek
WWE's Chelsea Green Says She Received Death Threats After Hulk Hogan Tribute
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Chelsea Green is stepping away from social media after receiving death threats in response to her tribute to Hulk Hogan, the late wrestling icon whose legacy remains deeply polarising. The Canadian WWE star said the backlash to her comments—made during a televised segment and later reiterated online—quickly escalated into harassment, forcing her to take a break from social media for her mental well-being. Newsweek contacted WWE via email for comment on Sunday outside of usual working hours. WWE's Chelsea Green announces a Seattle Seahawks pick during the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 26, 2025. WWE's Chelsea Green announces a Seattle Seahawks pick during the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 26, It Matters Green said she is stepping back from social media following "the name calling, the death threats, the faceless accounts" in response to her remarks about Hogan. The controversy began after Green, 34, appeared on CBS News 24/7 on Thursday, shortly after news broke of WWE legend Hogan's death, on July 24, 2025, at age 71. In the live interview, she praised his legacy and reflected on her positive personal experiences with him, while briefly noting his "polarising political views." Hogan had been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump prior to his death. As reported by Wrestling News, her remarks, along with the now-deleted social media post, drew criticism from some fans who felt she downplayed the more controversial parts of Hogan's history, including the racism scandal that led to his temporary suspension from WWE in 2015. As reported by Newsweek, in July 2015, Hogan was suddenly removed from all WWE programming and erased from the company's website after he was revealed to have used racist slurs in a private conversation. The scandal re-emerged following Hogan's death, reigniting debate over his complicated legacy. The offensive remarks came to light as part of an investigation into a leaked sex tape that was central to Hogan's legal battle with Gawker Media. Hogan was found to have repeatedly used the n-word and made racially charged comments about his daughter's dating life. WWE swiftly terminated his contract and released a statement reaffirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Hogan later issued a public apology, calling his language "unacceptable" and stating it was "not who I am." His removal marked a turning point for professional wrestling's engagement with issues of racism and accountability. As one of the sport's most iconic figures, Hogan's fall from grace sent shockwaves through the industry and sparked wider conversations about how entertainment companies handle misconduct involving high-profile stars. What to Know Green faced intense backlash following her live TV interview and social media post in which she spoke respectfully about the late Hogan's impact on professional wrestling, while acknowledging his controversial political history. "Polarizing political views aside, he was an absolute icon," Green told CBS News 24/7. "If it weren't for Hulk Hogan, there are many of us in the wrestling industry that absolutely would not be here. He inspired a massive generation, so it's a loss that we are feeling deeply in the wrestling community. "I think all of the '80s and '90s babies really grew up with Hulk as their idol in one way or another," Green added later. "And I can't imagine what his family is feeling right now, but it's amazing to see the community—and not just the wrestling community, but the community—come together and honor an American icon." Green echoed the same sentiment in a now deleted follow-up tribute shared on social media, as per the Irish Star. "Political views aside, Hulk Hogan's influence on the wrestling world was clearly undeniable," she wrote. "He inspired millions and shaped an entire generation of fans, my husband included. We are mourning the loss of an icon... a legend. My love goes out to his family." Green was accused of minimizing Hogan's past racism and not adequately condemning it. In a follow-up statement on X, Green emphasized her anti-racism stance. "A significant part of my role at @WWE involves engaging w the public & responding to questions, often on live platforms. "Yesterday, I was asked to comment on Hulk Hogan on live tv. Let me be clear: my stance on racism is unwavering. I do not condone it—period." However, the criticism escalated to personal attacks, name-calling, and death threats from anonymous online accounts. In a post on her X account on Saturday, Green said: "I've tried to keep my page positive and comedic, but today, a lot changed... and it hit harder than I expected. The name calling, the death threats, the faceless accounts. "Social media was supposed to be a fun place and it hasn't been for a while. It's been overwhelming and I need to step away for a little bit." The post has since had 1.1 million views. What People Are Saying In a previous X post before leaving the platform, Green said: "If my response (or tweet) seemed dismissive of real concerns, I sincerely apologize. That was never my intention. I tried to acknowledge a death respectfully, even when the legacy is complicated. I am learning one day at a time and will continue to learn." What Happens Next Green is currently on a social media hiatus and has not announced when she plans to return.
Hamilton Spectator
6 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
As Trump's trade deal deadline approaches, his tariffs face legal pushback in court
WASHINGTON - Donald Trump's plan to realign global trade faces its latest legal barrier this week in a federal appeals court — and Canada is bracing for the U.S. president to follow through on his threat to impose higher tariffs. While Trump set an Aug. 1 deadline for countries to make trade deals with the United States, the president's ultimatum has so far resulted in only a handful of frameworks for trade agreements. Deals have been announced for Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and the United Kingdom — but Trump indicated last week that an agreement with Canada is far from complete. 'We don't have a deal with Canada, we haven't been focused on it,' Trump told reporters Friday. Trump sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney threatening to impose 35 per cent tariffs if Canada doesn't make a trade deal by the deadline. The White House has said those duties would not apply to goods compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade. Canadian officials have also downplayed expectations of a new economic and security agreement materializing by Friday. 'We'll use all the time that's necessary,' Carney said last week. Countries around the world will also be watching as Trump's use of a national security statute to hit nations with tariffs faces scrutiny in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled in May that Trump does not have the authority to wield tariffs on nearly every country through the use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act of 1977. The act, usually referred to by the acronym IEEPA, gives the U.S. president authority to control economic transactions after declaring an emergency. No previous president had ever used it for tariffs and the U.S. Constitution gives power over taxes and tariffs to Congress. The Trump administration quickly appealed the lower court's ruling on the so-called 'Liberation Day' and fentanyl-related tariffs and arguments are set to be heard in the appeal court on Thursday. The hearing combines two different cases that were pushing against Trump's tariffs. One involves five American small businesses arguing specifically against Trump's worldwide tariffs, and the other came from 12 states pushing back on both the 'Liberation Day' duties and the fentanyl-related tariffs. George Mason University law professor Ilya Somin called Trump's tariff actions a 'massive power grab.' Somin, along with the Liberty Justice Center, is representing the American small businesses. 'We are hopeful — we can't know for sure obviously — we are hopeful that we will continue to prevail in court,' Somin said. Somin said they are arguing that IEEPA does not 'give the president the power to impose any tariff he wants, on any nation, for any reason, for as long as he wants, whenever he feels like it.' He added that 'the law also says there must be an emergency and an unusual and extraordinary threat to American security or the economy' — and neither the flow of fentanyl from Canada nor a trade deficit meet that definition. U.S. government data shows a minuscule volume of fentanyl is seized at the northern border. The White House has said the Trump administration is legally using powers granted to the executive branch by the Constitution and Congress to address America's 'national emergencies of persistent goods trade deficits and drug trafficking.' There have been 18 amicus briefs — a legal submission from a group that's not party to the action — filed in support of the small businesses and states pushing against Trump's tariffs. Two were filed in support of the Trump administration's actions. Brent Skorup, a legal fellow at the Washington-based Cato Institute, said the Trump administration is taking a vague statute and claiming powers never deployed by a president before. The Cato Institute submitted a brief that argued 'the Constitution specifies that Congress has the power to set tariffs and duties.' Skorup said there are serious issues with the Trump administration's interpretation of IEEPA. 'We don't want power consolidated into a single king or president,' he said. It's expected the appeals court will expedite its ruling. Even if it rules against the duties, however, they may not be immediately lifted. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said the Supreme Court should 'put an end to this.' There are at least eight lawsuits challenging the tariffs. Canada is also being hit with tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles. Trump used different powers under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to enact those duties. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 27, 2025.
