Meghan Markle's decision to pull her new lifestyle series instead California fires It was met with hostility online but won praise from royal watchers.
Two days ago “With love, Megan” It was scheduled to premiere on Netflix, but the Duchess of Sussex delayed the release of her latest project, citing the ongoing Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in Southern California.
While keyboard watchers were quick to question Markle's motives, experts told Fox News Digital that the delay could help improve Markle's public reputation.
Experts say Meghan Markle's public image may benefit from a delay in the release of her Netflix show. (Samir Hussein)
“It was a mistake to launch her new show while the wildfires continue in Los Angeles,” royal photographer Helena Chard exclusively told Fox News Digital. “I have to say that it is the first time, she is thinking about the release date of her series. She usually releases her works at the wrong time, which arouses the dissatisfaction and anger of the general public.”
“The public has constantly berated her for being deaf. She hopes that the public will see her in a new light as a caring, helpful and kind person, thus changing their current perception of her.”
Meghan Markle postpones release of lifestyle series due to California wildfires
Markle announced her new Netflix show via her recently launched Instagram page. (Netflix)
“Given the scope and scale of the devastation in California, this is a good time to focus on the people and places that really matter in life,” branding expert Doug Eldridge told Fox News Digital.
“The public has constantly berated her for being deaf. She hopes that the public will see her in a new light, as a caring, helpful and kind person, thus changing their current perception of her.”
“In the midst of this tragedy, Markle has a real opportunity to achieve the one thing that has always eluded her: the ability to communicate. She doesn't need to play a character or rehearse a script, she just needs to be real.”
the Duchess of Sussex She revealed on Sunday that her new series, which was scheduled to premiere on January 15 on the streaming giant, has been rescheduled for a March 4 release.
“At the request of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and with the full support of Netflix, the release of the show – a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of Southern California – has been moved from its previously announced January premiere date to March 4, due to the ongoing devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires.” ,” a Netflix representative confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Markle is seen in the kitchen while filming her new Netflix series “With Love, Meghan.” (Netflix)
Mindy Kaling appears on Markle's new show, which premieres in March. (Netflix)
“In the midst of this tragedy, Markle has a real opportunity to achieve the one thing that has always eluded her: the ability to communicate. She doesn't need to play a character or rehearse a script, she just needs to be real.”
“I am grateful to my partners at Netflix for their support in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those affected by the wildfires in my home state of California,” Markle said.
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However, online trolls weren't too happy with Markle, and aired their complaints on social media.
“Another statement regarding Meghan in my home state – why are they postponing this rubbish show, what difference will a few weeks make?” one user wrote. “Have any other LA actors postponed their Netflix shows? Did they have that much leverage to postpone the show? Why didn't they postpone their interview with Oprah when Prince Philip was in the hospital dying? Don't believe it, she's up to something.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle volunteer during wildfires in Southern California. (Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
Another user wrote to X: “Yes because LA will still be devastated in 3 months! It will take years to recover. What a joke.”
One user “Good job Netflix.”
Meanwhile, an industry insider says People magazine That it was an “easy decision” for Markle. “I don't think she can imagine doing a show that focuses on joy and hosting when so many people in her home state no longer have homes to host people,” the source told the outlet. “I think it's sad that critics say she's just doing it to avoid fires overshadowing her show. We're all human, dealing with disaster.”
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes Netflix has “no choice” but to postpone the series.
“Harry and Meghan have been active in supporting relief efforts and helping evacuees,” Fitzwilliams said. “This is a situation where their personal skills, which are significant, have lifted the morale of first responders, according to the mayor of Pasadena. The series is clearly of great importance to their contract with Netflix, and we will undoubtedly be able to judge it at a more appropriate future time.” “
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Royal expert Hilary Fordwich echoed Fitzwilliams' comments, telling Fox News Digital: “It was completely inappropriate to go ahead with the original launch date. There was really no other option. How did they show up at the disaster site? Despite this, polarized public opinion It's a clear indication of how low her popularity has become here in the United States.
“It would have been completely inappropriate to move forward with the original launch date.”
On Friday, Markle and her husband Prince Harry Supporting victims and relief efforts during his meeting with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were in the field as volunteers during the bushfires. (Fox 11 Los Angeles)
“In the past few days, forest fires have broken out Southern California It has ravaged neighborhoods, families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been issued,” the couple wrote on their website on Thursday.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have listed organizations on their site that are actively helping bushfire victims, including the Animal Health Foundation, which houses and cares for evacuated animals; Compton Cowboys, which provides emergency transportation services for horses, and Airbnb and 211LA, which have joined forces to offer free temporary housing to displaced people, among others.
