Meghan Markle, known as the Duchess of Sussex, encountered a wave of disapproval and scorn when she unveiled her latest podcast, Archetypes 2.0, on Tuesday.
The former actress, who parted ways with Spotify last year following a lackluster first season of her original podcast Archetypes, has reportedly inked a new deal with a competing platform, Podbean.
However, the public’s response to her latest endeavor has been far from welcoming, with many accusing her of hypocrisy, deceit, and a thirst for fame.
In her new podcast, co-hosted with her friend and former Suits co-star, Sarah Rafferty, Meghan aims to provide a platform for women to share their stories, insights, and wisdom.
The podcast features interviews with notable figures from the realms of celebrity, activism, and expertise, delving into topics such as mental health, feminism, and social justice.
Additionally, the podcast highlights Meghan’s own philanthropic efforts, including her support for SmartWorks, a charity aiding women in securing employment, and her involvement in the Girl Up Leadership Summit, an initiative empowering young women to assume leadership roles.
Critics have lambasted the podcast as a self-serving and disingenuous attempt to salvage Meghan’s tarnished reputation and influence post her controversial departure from the royal family and the explosive Oprah Winfrey interview in March 2020.
During the interview, Meghan and her husband Prince Harry levied accusations of racism and neglect against the royal family, disclosing their struggles with mental health and suicidal ideation.
The fallout from the interview triggered a global backlash and internal strife within the monarchy, resulting in the couple relinquishing their royal titles and patronages.
Doubts surrounding Meghan’s credibility and intentions have only intensified, particularly in light of the underwhelming performance of her previous podcast, Archetypes, which Spotify axed after just one season.
Despite being part of a lucrative deal with the streaming platform, the podcast’s limited content output and lukewarm reception failed to justify the investment.
With a mere 12 episodes released in 2020, the podcast elicited mixed reviews, with some applauding Meghan’s candid discussions while others criticized her for coming across as preachy and self-centered.
Meghan’s decision to launch her new podcast on Podbean, a smaller and less prominent platform, has been perceived by some as a desperate and defiant maneuver.
Critics argue that Meghan is capitalizing on her celebrity status while disregarding the expectations of both the royal family and the public.
They also highlight the irony of Meghan championing women’s empowerment while seemingly neglecting her estranged father, Thomas Markle, who has been pleading for reconciliation with his daughter.
The unveiling of Meghan’s new podcast sparked a storm of negativity on social media, with numerous users expressing anger and disdain towards the Duchess.
Some resorted to booing and mocking her, urging her to relinquish her title and lead a more private and modest life.
Comparisons were drawn between Meghan and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, with the latter being lauded for her graceful and dignified conduct as a future Queen Consort.
Despite the uproar surrounding her new podcast, Meghan has refrained from addressing the criticism or controversy.
A spokesperson for the Duchess clarified that the podcast was intended to provide accurate updates on her endeavors and not as a direct response to external factors.
The spokesperson emphasized Meghan’s respect and admiration for the royal family, expressing hope for continued collaboration and support in the future.