In the ever-evolving saga of Meghan’s post-royal career, a fascinating dichotomy has emerged in how her ventures are perceived and portrayed across different media landscapes. Recent developments highlight this division more clearly than ever.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Meghan’s Netflix show “With Love, Meghan” has generated impressive business metrics that contradict narratives of failure. According to Launchmetrics data, her lifestyle brand As Ever earned $10 million in media impact value from the show. Additionally, brands featured in her episodes saw significant returns:

• Loro Piana: $1 million in media impact value
• Zara: $973,000
• Jenni Kayne: $497,000
• Emilia Wickstead: $362,000

These figures demonstrate Meghan’s continued influence in the lifestyle and fashion spaces, suggesting her business acumen may exceed critics’ assessments.

The Double Standard Question

A particularly revealing point has emerged in public discourse: the apparent double standard in how Meghan’s ventures are received compared to other celebrities. As one social media commentator noted, Pamela Anderson simultaneously maintains multiple projects—including a movie, cooking show, cookbook, and skincare line—without facing accusations of overextension or criticism for “doing too much.”

This observation has resonated widely, with thousands supporting the sentiment that Meghan faces disproportionate scrutiny for similar or even more modest professional endeavors. The contrast is striking: Anderson’s diverse portfolio is celebrated as a renaissance, while Meghan’s cooking show and podcast announcement trigger waves of criticism.

Many observers attribute this discrepancy to factors beyond business metrics:

1. Gender and racial dynamics that subject Meghan to heightened scrutiny
2. Lingering expectations about royal behavior despite her departure from official duties
3. The commodification of criticism itself, where content about Meghan generates clicks

The Cultural Critique

In stark contrast to the positive business metrics, media figures like Tina Brown have offered scathing evaluations of Meghan’s ventures. Brown’s recent newsletter characterized “With Love, Meghan” as “a testament to how far the beleaguered Duchess of Sussex has rowed herself backward in time,” suggesting Meghan has failed to read the cultural moment correctly.

The Bigger Picture

The polarized response to Meghan’s professional endeavors reflects broader tensions in media and public discourse. While traditional cultural critics may prioritize certain markers of authenticity and cultural relevance, business metrics and social media support suggest Meghan has found her audience regardless.

As one Twitter user aptly noted, “These people have an option, don’t watch don’t listen, it’s very simple.” Yet the conversation continues, with another pointing out that Meghan “is not tax funded to go out and cut ribbons every 3 months.”

For now, the data suggests Meghan’s business ventures are resonating with consumers, even as the cultural conversation around her remains divided. Perhaps the most telling insight comes from Netflix’s decision to renew her show for a second season before the first had even aired—a vote of confidence in her commercial appeal that speaks volumes in an industry driven by results.