If Meghan Markle thought this week would bring a smooth run for her lifestyle empire, she couldn’t have been more wrong. Instead, the Duchess of Sussex has found herself at the center of what some PR experts are already calling her “most embarrassing week yet” — a whirlwind of bad press, brand confusion, and an internet storm over something as bizarre as alleged leaked photos of her feet.
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It all started with the much-hyped launch of the latest product under her lifestyle brand — a premium organic wine range said to be “inspired by California’s natural elegance.” Early reviews, however, were far from elegant. Wine critics slammed the debut bottles for being “overpriced and underwhelming,” with one even comparing the taste to “a supermarket blend at five times the cost.” Social media quickly picked up the story, with hashtags like #MeghansMerlotFail trending as disappointed buyers shared videos pouring the wine down the sink.
But the bad news didn’t end in the vineyard. Industry insiders revealed that Meghan’s wider brand strategy has been plagued by behind-the-scenes confusion. From overlapping product launches to mixed messaging about whether she’s focusing on luxury goods, activism, or entertainment projects, even loyal fans are admitting the brand “feels all over the place.” Analysts warn that without a clear, consistent identity, the Sussex business ventures risk becoming scattered side hustles rather than a sustainable empire.
And then came the strangest twist of all — an online frenzy over what users claimed were leaked “feet pics” of Meghan. While some dismissed it as a silly internet rumor, others swore the images were real, sparking a wave of gossip and memes that only added to the chaos. Meghan’s team has refused to comment, which only seems to be fueling curiosity.
PR watchers say the timing couldn’t be worse. “One misstep is manageable,” said a Los Angeles brand consultant. “But when you’ve got a product flop, brand confusion, and viral gossip all hitting in the same week, you’re dealing with a compounded reputational problem.”
For Meghan, this week may be a harsh reminder that the internet has a short memory for wins and a long memory for fails. Unless she can quickly pivot — with a successful product relaunch, a clear brand statement, or even a high-profile charity win — this string of misfires could stick to her public image longer than she’d like.
And as for the “feet pics” saga? In the world of celebrity PR, sometimes the silliest rumors are the hardest to shake off.