Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has found herself in the spotlight once again following a new wave of allegations about her behavior. With increasing scrutiny from the media and public, experts have advised the former actress to remain silent to safeguard her personal brand and future endeavors.
The latest controversy arose after a U.S. magazine published a scathing cover story accusing Meghan of mistreating staff during her past projects, including her Spotify deal. Former staff members alleged they had to take breaks from work or even leave their jobs entirely due to the high-pressure environment. Some reportedly required long-term therapy to cope with the experience.
Prince Harry’s wife, already no stranger to criticism, has faced similar accusations in the past, notably during her time as a working royal in 2018—allegations she has strongly denied. Despite the ongoing backlash, PR expert Renae Smith offered crucial advice, urging Meghan to avoid responding publicly to these claims unless undeniable evidence demands it.
“My advice to my clients, 90% of the time, is to avoid engaging with negative news cycles unless there is direct, irrefutable evidence—like a video or hardcore proof—that demands a response,” Smith shared in an interview with Express UK. She emphasized that silence often allows public attention to shift away from controversy and back toward more constructive narratives.
As a mother of two, Meghan is also facing mounting pressure to protect her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, from the repercussions of negative media attention. Smith advised Meghan to focus on promoting her upcoming Netflix project and leveraging content that resonates with her core audience.
“By leaning into the aspirational content her core audience loves and ignoring the noise, she can maintain her brand’s strength,” Smith explained. She added that Meghan’s ability to connect with her dedicated demographic ensures that such allegations are unlikely to cause long-term harm to her reputation.
Despite the challenges, Meghan’s approach moving forward could determine how she rebuilds her public image. Experts believe that highlighting positive initiatives and avoiding unnecessary confrontations with detractors will ultimately allow the Duchess to maintain her influence and credibility. As Meghan prepares for her next steps, the world watches closely to see how she navigates this turbulent chapter.