Meghan markle’s decision to release her new lifestyle series instead of the California fires received hostility online but was praised by royal watchers.
Two days before “With love, Meghan” was set to premiere on Netflix, the Duchess of Sussex postponed the release of her latest venture, citing the ongoing Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in Southern California.
While keyboard warriors were quick to question Markle’s motives, experts told Fox News Digital that the delay could help improve Markle’s public reputation.
CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: ESSENTIAL TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES RESIDENTS AND HOW TO HELP THEM
Meghan Markle’s public image could benefit from delaying the release of her Netflix show, experts say. (Samir Hussein)
“It would have been wrong to launch her new show while the wildfires continue to rage through LA,” royal photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital exclusively. “I must say that this is the first time she thinks about the release date of her series. Usually she releases her work at the most inappropriate time, to the dismay and anger of the general public.”
“The public has understandably continually berated her for being tone deaf. She hopes that the public sees her in a new light as a caring, helpful and kind person, changing their current perception of her.”
MEGHAN MARKLE POSTPONES LIFESTYLE SERIES due to wildfires in California
Markle announced her new Netflix show on her recently launched Instagram page. (Netflix)
Branding expert Doug Eldridge told Fox News Digital: “Given the scale and scope of the devastation in California, this is a time to focus on the people and places that really matter in life.”
“The public has understandably continually berated her for being tone deaf. She hopes that the public sees her in a new light, as a caring, helpful and kind person, changing their current perception of her.”
“Amid this tragedy, Markle has a real opportunity to achieve the thing that has always eluded her: relatability. She doesn’t have to play a character or rehearse a script; she just has to be real.”
The Duchess of Sussex revealed on Sunday that her new series, which was set to premiere on the streaming giant on January 15, was moved to a March 4 release.
“At the request of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and with the full support of Netflix, the release of the show – a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of Southern California – has been moved from its previously announced January premiere date to March 4. to the ongoing devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires,” a Netflix representative confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Markle is shown in the kitchen while filming her new Netflix series ‘With Love, Meghan’. (Netflix)
Mindy Kaling stars in Markle’s new show, premiering in March. (Netflix)
“Amid this tragedy, Markle has a real opportunity to achieve the thing that has always eluded her: relatability. She doesn’t have to play a character or rehearse a script; she just has to be real.”
“I am grateful to my partners at Netflix for their support in delaying the launch while we focus on the needs of those affected by the wildfires in my home state of California,” said Markle.
Do you like what you read? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
However, online trolls weren’t too happy with Markle and aired their grievances on social media.
“Another statement all about Meghan in MY home state: why would they delay this garbage show, what difference will a few weeks make?” wrote one user. “Are there any other LA actors postponing their shows on Netflix? Does she have that much power to postpone a show? Why didn’t they postpone their interview with Oprah when Prince Philip was dying in the hospital? If they did this doesn’t buy, she’s plotting something.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle volunteer during the wildfires in Southern California. (Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
Another
One story, can you guess how it will go? Well done Netflix.”
Meanwhile, an industry insider explains People magazine that it was “an easy decision” for Markle. “I don’t think she can imagine launching a show that’s all about joy and hosting when so many people in her home state no longer have homes to host people in,” the source told the outlet. “I think it’s sad that critics say she’s only doing this to avoid the fires that are overshadowing her show. We’re all human and we’re dealing with a catastrophe.”
Royal expert Richard Flitzwilliams believed Netflix had “no choice” but to postpone the series.
“Harry and Meghan have been active in supporting the relief efforts and helping evacuees,” Flitzwilliams said. “This is a situation where their personal skills, which are significant, according to the mayor of Pasadena, ‘really boosted the minds of the first responders.’ It is clear that the series is of significant importance to their contract with Netflix, and we will be there will undoubtedly be able to judge at a more appropriate future time.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich echoed Flitzwilliams’ comments, telling Fox News Digital: “It would have been completely inappropriate and tone-deaf to go ahead with the original launch date. There was really no other option. How their presence at the crash site took place Although they have been received, it is quite controversial. The polarized public opinion is a clear indication of how their popularity has plummeted here in the US.”
“It would have been completely inappropriate and tone-deaf to continue with the original launch date.”
On Friday, Markle and husband Prince Harry supported victims and relief efforts during a meeting with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were volunteering in the field during the bushfires. (Fox 11 Los Angeles)
‘There have been forest fires in recent days Southern California have swept through neighborhoods, destroying families, homes, schools, medical care centers and more, affecting tens of thousands of people from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been declared,” the pair wrote on their website on Thursday.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have listed organizations on their site that are actively helping wildfire victims, including the Animal Wellness Foundation, which houses and cares for evacuated animals; Compton Cowboys, which provides emergency horse transport services, and Airbnb and 211LA, which have joined forces to, among other things, provide free temporary housing to people who have been displaced.
