Expert: Meghan Markle's postponement of Netflix show may help her 'tone-deaf' reputation
Meghan Markle's decision to pull her new lifestyle collection in response to the California fires has been met with hostility online but also praise from royal watchers.
Two days before “Love, Meghan” was set to premiere on Netflix, the Duchess of Sussex postponed the release of her latest film, citing the ongoing Palisades and Eaton fires in Southern California.
While keyboard warriors were quick to question Markle's motives, experts told Fox News Digital that the delay could help boost Markle's public reputation.
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Meghan Markle's public image could benefit from a delay in the Netflix show's release, experts say. (Samir Hussain)
“It’s a mistake to launch her new show while the wildfires continue to rage in Los Angeles,” royal photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital exclusively. “I have to say, this is her first time Thinking about release dates for her series. She often releases her work at the most inappropriate times, much to the dismay and anger of the public.”
“The public continues to accuse her of being tone-deaf, which is understandable. She hopes the public will see her in a new light as a caring, helpful and kind person, thus changing their current view of her.”
Meghan Markle delays lifestyle collection launch due to California wildfires
Markle announced her new Netflix show on her recently launched Instagram page. (Netflix)
Brand expert Doug Eldridge told Fox News Digital, “Given the scope and scale of the devastation in California, now is the time to focus on the people and places in our lives that really matter.”
“The public continues to accuse her of being tone-deaf, which is understandable. She hopes the public will see her in a new light as a caring, helpful and kind person, thus changing their current view of her.”
“In the midst of this tragedy, Markle has a real chance to achieve the one thing that has eluded her: relevance. She doesn't need to play a character or rehearse a script; she just needs to be authentic.”
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this Duchess of Sussex It was revealed on Sunday that her new series, originally scheduled to premiere on the streaming giant on January 15, 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 postponed from its previously announced January premiere date to March 4 ” due to the ongoing damage caused by the Los Angeles wildfires,” a Netflix representative confirmed to Fox News Digital.
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Markle was in the kitchen filming her new Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan.” (Netflix)
Mindy Kaling appears on Markle's new show, which premiered in March. (Netflix)
“In the midst of this tragedy, Markle has a real chance to achieve the one thing that has eluded her: relevance. She doesn't need to play a character or rehearse a script; she just needs to be authentic.”
“I'm grateful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the release as we focus on meeting the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,” Markle said.
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However, trolls weren't too happy with Markle and took to social media to express their displeasure.
“Another statement about Meghan being in my hometown – why are they delaying this piece of garbage to show what will change in a few weeks?” one user wrote. “Is there any other actor in Los Angeles who has postponed a show on Netflix? Does she have that much influence to postpone a show? Why didn't they postpone the Oprah interview when Prince Philip was dying in the hospital? She doesn't believe this, she What are you plotting?”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle volunteer during Southern California wildfires. (Keith Birmingham/Media News Group/Pasadena Star News via Getty Images)
Another X user wrote: “Yeah because LA will still be destroyed in 3 months! It will take them years to recover. What a joke.”
One Well done to Netflix, guess what?”
Meanwhile, an industry insider told People magazine that it was “an easy decision” for Markle. “I don't think she could have imagined that she could have a show that was centered around fun and hosting when so many people in her hometown no longer have homes to host people in,” the source told the outlet. “I think the critics To say she did this just to avoid the fire overshadowing her performance is a shame that we are all human and we are dealing with a disaster.”
Royal expert Richard Fritz-Williams believes Netflix has “no choice” but to postpone the show.
Fritz Williams said: “Harry and Meghan have been actively supporting rescue efforts and helping evacuees.” The Pasadena mayor said: “Their people skills are quite high in this situation, and it's really inspiring '” It's clear that this show is important to their contract with Netflix, and we'll no doubt be able to tell at a more appropriate time in the future. “
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Royal expert Hilary Fordwich echoed Fritz Williams' comments, telling Fox News Digital: “It would be completely inappropriate and tone-deaf if the original launch date were to go ahead. There's really no other choice. How was their presence at the scene of the disaster?” Despite their popularity, the polarization of public opinion clearly shows how their popularity in the United States has plummeted. “
“It would be completely inappropriate and tone-deaf to go ahead with the original release date.”
On Friday, Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, supported the victims and rescue efforts during a meeting with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle volunteer at the scene during wildfires. (Fox 11, Los Angeles)
“In recent days, wildfires Southern California The virus has swept through communities, destroying families, homes, schools, health centers and more, affecting tens of thousands of people from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been issued,” the pair wrote on their website Thursday.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex list on their website organizations active in helping wildfire victims, including the Animal Health Foundation, which houses and cares for evacuated animals; Compton Cowboys, which provides emergency transportation services for horses; Airbnb and 211LA team up to provide free temporary housing for displaced people and more.