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Martha Stewart Criticizes Meghan Markle’s Brand Shift After Netflix Split

8/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Martha Stewart said she met Meghan Markle at a dinner after the duchess’s Highgrove visit.
Stewart called Markle’s shift from actress to homemaking guru illogical, noting she had just returned from the palace.
Netflix ended its partnership with Markle’s As Ever brand in March 2026, leaving the brand to continue independently.
Stewart said authenticity is everything.

History

Historical Context

The Martha Stewart Living show, which debuted in 1993, paused in 2004 after Stewart’s conviction and resumed after her 2005 release, when she signed a home-goods partnership with Kmart under CEO Michael MacDonald. The deal echoed her 2007 value-marketed wine line with Gallo sold at Kmart, showing how celebrities use mass-retail channels. Stewart’s critique of Meghan Markle’s As Ever line continues the debate over celebrity brand authenticity.

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Story summary

Martha Stewart said she met Meghan Markle at a dinner after the duchess’s Highgrove visit.
Stewart called Markle’s shift from actress to homemaking guru illogical, noting she had just returned from the palace.
Netflix ended its partnership with Markle’s As Ever brand in March 2026, leaving the brand to continue independently.
Stewart said authenticity is everything.

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