Meghan Markle's Latest Product Sparks Backlash For Being 'Out of Touch' Yet Again
Meghan Markle is never beating the 'out of touch' allegations as she announces a new product launch sending the internet into a twist.
Meghan Markle is no stranger to digital brickbats, but the one claim that has followed her like a shadow ever since she launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, last year is that she is “out of touch”. On Wednesday, the Duchess of Sussex reignited those accusations, both literally and figuratively, by teasing her newest product ― a sleek box of matchsticks featuring the brand's logo. The matchbox has already generated a massive buzz on social media, though likely not the kind Markle had hoped for.
Within 24 hours, social media lit up with a barrage of opinions on Markle’s new product announcement. “She's so insanely out of touch it's ridiculous. The 10% of the population that could afford her stuff has been so put off they'll never buy. Who knew you had to be authentic and likeable to peddle products?...Too many missteps,” one user on X said,while another remarked, "I thought someone was joking she was selling matches."
Adding fuel to the fire, when As Ever announced the new matchbox, the brand posted a link on their Instagram Stories to join a product waitlist ― prompting social media users to further criticise the move. "I love the “waitlist” lol. Meanwhile, there’s apparently a massive warehouse full of stock," a third netizen quipped. "Insane to sign up for the ’waitlist’ for matches," another joked. One of the main reasons behind the criticism towards Markle's products is their premium price points. The 'Fell Asleep Here' leather bookmarks she previously sold were reportedly priced at $18 and given this price point, social media users believe the new matchsticks will be quite expensive as well.
While the cost of a standalone matchbox has not yet been revealed, it is currently listed on the As Ever website as part of a special bundle alongside her four signature scented candles. The full collection is priced at $256, while individual candles retail for $64 each.The scents are named after significant milestones in Markle's life, including her own birthday, the birthdates of her two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet and her wedding anniversary with Prince Harry. Each candle also features a unique ingredient that serves as a subtle, clever nod to the specific family member.
Recently, however, even the candles have faced intense criticism online following reports that they were delivered without wicks, essentially rendering them useless. Users on X quickly seized on the irony, slamming the Duchess and wondering what one is supposed to do with matchsticks when the candles themselves cannot be lit. "Why is she selling matches when her candles don't have wicks!" one user exclaimed. "Why do you even need them? it’s not like the candles have wicks." another wrote.
This wave of speculation follows persistent reports suggesting that the Sussexes are navigating a financial crisis, leaving Markle to hold down the fort through a steady stream of new business ventures.
