Meghan Markle’s Jam Launch Sparks Controversy and Criticism

Meghan Markle is back in the spotlight, but this time it's not for royal duties.

Instead, she's making headlines for her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which recently debuted with a rather unconventional product: strawberry jam.

Launched last month, this venture marks another step for Meghan and Prince Harry as they carve out their own path away from royal expectations.

The jam was sent out in gift baskets to 50 friends and social media influencers, creating quite a buzz.

However, not all the feedback has been positive.

Angela Lavon couldn't contain her laughter over the idea, sarcastically commenting, “Meghan has sent 50 influencers a jar of strawberry jam.

Hold the front page!” It seems that the limited edition jar, numbered 17, has become a source of amusement rather than admiration.

Among the recipients were notable figures like Delphine of Black Air and fashion designer Tracy Robbins, who took to Instagram to share their excitement.

Yet, the online reactions quickly turned critical.

Observers pointed out that the labels appeared to be peeling off the jars, leading to a flurry of comments on social media.

One user noted, “Anybody noticed the label on the promo jams Meghan Markle is sending to friends is literally peeling off?

Not a good start.” Others echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the poor quality of the product.

Adding to the scrutiny, Paula M. raised concerns about the legality of Meghan's jam.

She claimed that the U.S. Food Safety Board had not approved the product, questioning its safety for consumption.

California has strict regulations surrounding homemade goods, and according to Paula, Meghan's jam may have already faced bans due to safety issues.

This revelation only fueled the fire of criticism surrounding the launch.

In a separate commentary, Michael Cole, a correspondent for Raw, weighed in on the jam's debut.

He suggested that perhaps this was Meghan's attempt to reconnect with the British public through her culinary creation.

While he acknowledged that launching a lifestyle brand isn't inherently problematic, he speculated that it might be tied to their recent Netflix deal, which reportedly amounts to $100 million.

Cole explained that the Sussexes are now under pressure to deliver content for Netflix, implying that this jam venture could be part of a larger strategy.

He humorously remarked that while Prince Harry is busy with a polo series, Meghan's lifestyle series might not be filmed in their home but rather at a nearby location.

He quipped that the couple's rescue chickens probably wouldn't make cameos in the show.

Reflecting on Meghan's past endeavors, Cole recalled her previous lifestyle blog, The Dig, which she shuttered when she began dating Prince Harry.

He pointed out that Buckingham Palace had discouraged her from leveraging her royal status for commercial gain.

Now, with the Sussexes venturing into business independently, they seem to be embracing the marketplace more fully.

This latest move by Meghan appears to be a significant pivot from her life within the royal family.

The launch of American Riviera Orchard could signify a new chapter, one where she aims to redefine her identity outside of royal constraints.

However, the initial reception of her strawberry jam suggests that the road ahead may be fraught with challenges.

As the public watches closely, it remains to be seen how Meghan will navigate this new venture.

Will the jam controversy fade away, or will it linger as a reminder of the scrutiny that follows her every move?