Meghan Markle Faces Criticism Over Children’s Book Quality

Meghan Markle found herself at the center of controversy as Australian TV host Rowan Dean publicly criticized her debut children's book, The Bench, labeling it as “garbage” and “torturous.”

The Duchess of Sussex was targeted by Dean during a segment on Sky News Australia, where he slammed a video of Meghan reading her poetry, expressing his disdain for the lackluster quality of her work.

He went on to compare the experience to “waterboarding” and insisted that the video should come with a trigger warning due to its unbearable nature.

Dean didn't hold back in his scathing review, pointing out that Meghan's poetry lacked rhyme and coherence, describing it as “boring as bat droppings.”

He questioned the decision to subject viewers to such subpar content, emphasizing the negative impact it could have on one's mental well-being.

The Sky News Australia host's critique highlighted the polarizing reception of Meghan's venture into children's literature.

In a promotional video for the Brightly Storytime channel, Meghan shared her inspiration behind The Bench, revealing that it was initially written as a poem for her husband and son before evolving into a published book.

Despite the backlash, she expressed her joy in sharing the story with a wider audience, encouraging viewers to find their own special place to connect with loved ones.

This incident is not the first time Meghan has faced scrutiny over her book readings.

In a separate event at a school in Harlem, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex engaged with second graders, further promoting The Bench.

However, the reception wasn't always positive, as evidenced by the laughter from Australian TV hosts during a segment on the Today show, where Meghan's reading elicited amusement among the hosts.

Despite the mixed reactions, Meghan has been commended for her philanthropic efforts tied to The Bench.

Fans lauded her decision to ensure that a portion of the book's proceeds would benefit children's charities.

Notably, 2,000 copies were distributed to schools and libraries in the US, with one institution in Los Angeles receiving a copy for each child under their care.

The Assistance League of LA, a longstanding organization dedicated to supporting at-risk children and families, expressed gratitude to Meghan for her contribution.

The controversy surrounding Meghan Markle's foray into children's literature underscores the complexities of navigating public perception and artistic endeavors.

While criticism may persist, the Duchess remains steadfast in her commitment to using her platform for charitable initiatives.

As discussions around The Bench continue, it serves as a reminder of the intersection between creativity, philanthropy, and the challenges of public reception in the realm of celebrity-authored works.