Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been dismissed from her role as the ambassador of Zara, the renowned Spanish fast fashion brand.
This decision comes after a highly criticized advertising campaign that sparked outrage and boycotts not only in the Middle East but also worldwide.
The campaign, which was launched in late November 2023, coincided with the anniversary of the United Nations resolution that divided Palestine into two states in 1947.
Despite its intention to promote inclusivity and diversity with the slogan “Zara, a brand for all people,” the campaign instead ignited anger and resentment among Palestinians and their supporters.
Many accused Zara and Markle of being insensitive and ignorant about the history and struggles of the Palestinian people.
What exacerbated the backlash was Markle’s silence on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The conflict had escalated in October 2023 when Hamas launched a series of rocket attacks on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 civilians and injuring more than 2,700.
In response, Israel bombed the Gaza Strip and imposed a blockade that deprived the besieged territory of electricity, water, and medical supplies, leading to the deaths of over 900 Palestinians and leaving around 5,600 wounded.
Critics accused Markle of hypocrisy and opportunism, claiming that she used her royal status and celebrity influence to endorse a brand that profited from the oppression and suffering of the Palestinians.
Some also highlighted that Markle had previously distanced herself from Zara during her pre-royal days.
Reports suggest that she even hosted a “Sayonara, Zara” party after landing her role in the TV show “Suits,” where she gave away lower-priced Zara clothes from her closet to her guests.
The controversy quickly spread across social media platforms, with hashtags like #BoycottZara, #ZaraSupportsApartheid, and #MegziFromZara going viral.
Thousands of users called for a boycott of Zara and its products, sharing images and videos of themselves burning or trashing Zara items.
Influential figures such as Rihanna and Gigi Hadid also joined the campaign.
Rihanna posted a video of herself wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh while singing “We Found Love in a Hopeless Place,” and Gigi Hadid shared a photo holding a sign that read “Free Palestine.”
The negative publicity and public pressure had a significant impact on Zara’s sales and reputation, particularly in the Middle East, where the brand operates over 200 stores and has a loyal customer base.
Inditex, Zara’s parent company, reported a 50% drop in Zara’s sales in the region in December 2023, resulting in a loss of $50 million.
Additionally, Zara’s global brand value declined by 20%, and the company faced numerous complaints and lawsuits from customers, suppliers, and partners.
In an effort to rectify the situation, Zara issued a statement expressing apologies for the unintended offense caused by the campaign.
They announced the immediate termination of their contract with Markle and emphasized their commitment to respecting the diversity and dignity of all people.
Furthermore, Zara pledged to donate $10 million to humanitarian organizations working in the Gaza Strip.
The fallout from the Zara debacle has dealt a significant blow to Meghan Markle’s image and influence.
It has raised concerns about her future prospects and collaborations, as many brands and organizations may now hesitate to work with or endorse her.
One fashion expert bluntly stated that Markle has not only lost her fashion credibility but also millions of dollars.
She has become a liability and an outcast in the industry.
To regain her standing, serious damage control is necessary; otherwise, she risks fading into obscurity.