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Stanley Cup Frenzy: Meghan Markle’s Profit Share Rejected Amidst Toxic Ad Backlash
The latest trend taking the celebrity world and social media by storm isn't a high-end handbag, but rather the super-sized insulated water tumbler.
These oversized adult sippy cups have become a staple at upscale gyms, symbolizing a healthy lifestyle embraced by those who sport lululemon gear, munch on salads, and swear by Pilates.
The hashtag #StanleyCup has amassed a staggering 7 billion views on TikTok, cultivating a devoted online following with celebrities like Shay Mitchell and Molly Rae Haig singing its praises.
Available in a myriad of colors, each new release sells out within minutes, sparking frenzied demand.
The recent collaboration between Stanley and Starbucks for Valentine's Day set social media abuzz, with eager shoppers in the U.S. lining up overnight to snag the coveted £35 pink and red cups.
Videos circulated online capturing the chaos, including a scuffle over the limited edition tumblers, now fetching up to £150 each on eBay.
Amid this craze, Meghan Markle swiftly jumped on the trend, seizing an opportunity to align herself with the popular brands.
In a recent advertisement for Clever Blends coffee, a brand she invested in back in 2020, Meghan is depicted engaging in everyday office tasks, subtly showcasing the Trek tumbler from Simple Moderns, a drinkware brand known for its philanthropic ethos of donating at least 10% of profits to charitable causes.
Despite Meghan's deliberate inclusion of the tumbler in the ad to support its charitable mission, sources close to WME staff disclosed that Simple Modern overlooked her gesture, despite being aware of her endorsement on Cameo.
The brand neither engaged her nor established any formal agreements, thus declining to share profits with Meghan's company, Archewell.
Mike Beckham, co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern, expressed concerns about the backlash faced by Meghan following her involvement in the coffee commercial, attributing it to her inability to drive sales.
Critics within royal circles dismissed Meghan's appearance in the ad as a mere money-making scheme, questioning her motives and suggesting it tarnished her royal image.
Speculations arose regarding the safety standards of Clever Blends products, hinting at potential lead toxicity issues.
The irony of Meghan's association with the brand was not lost on detractors, who likened her controversial persona to the perceived toxicity of the products she endorsed.
Transitioning from royal balconies to endorsing coffee and stress-relief patches in parking lots, Meghan seems to have found her niche, embracing a newfound sense of freedom outside the confines of the monarchy.
Despite facing criticism and skepticism, Meghan's foray into the world of endorsements and advertisements reflects her evolving public image and entrepreneurial pursuits.