Meghan Markle Faces Backlash Over Designer Dress in Netflix Promo
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has found herself embroiled in yet another controversy, this time surrounding a green one-shoulder gown worth approximately Rs 1.5 lakh ($1695) that appeared in a promotional trailer for her Netflix show.
The Allegations and the Dress in Question
Reports surfaced claiming that the former Suits actor kept a designer dress from a 2022 photoshoot with Variety magazine without proper authorization. The specific garment is identified as the Galvan 'Ushuaia' dress. In the recently released trailer for the holiday special of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, Markle is seen wearing this very dress while lighting candles, a brief appearance that ignited significant media speculation.
The Royal Spokesperson's Firm Rebuttal
Responding to the growing rumours, a spokesperson for the Duchess gave a statement to People magazine, vehemently denying all allegations. The representative labeled the claims as "completely fabricated" and "highly defamatory." The official statement clarified, "The insinuation that any items were taken without the full knowledge and agreement of the on-set stylists or their respective teams is not only categorically false but also highly defamatory. Any items kept were done so in total transparency and in accordance with contractual arrangements."
Industry Norms and Royal Protocols
An industry insider provided context to the situation, explaining that it is a common practice for celebrities to retain certain items from photoshoots. This is often done as a precautionary measure to prevent unauthorized resale of the items on online auction portals. Furthermore, there are strict rules governing working members of the Royal Family, who are not permitted to accept clothing for free. This is a tradition Markle is familiar with, having famously paid for her entire wardrobe in the lead-up to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.
The holiday special of With Love, Meghan is scheduled to begin streaming on Netflix from December 3, ensuring the spotlight on the Duchess and her projects remains bright.
