Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has rebuffed renewed bullying allegations by highlighting her positive treatment of staff during the filming of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. The controversy resurfaced following a critical Vanity Fair article earlier this year accusing her of mistreating employees, claims she has consistently denied.
Crew members involved in Markle's Netflix project have publicly praised her generosity and approachable demeanor, countering previous portrayals of the Duchess as demanding and difficult. A production team member described the Duchess as an inclusive leader who created a uniquely positive environment, according to statements provided to People magazine.
Markle reportedly spent hundreds of pounds on personalized gifts for the show's production crew, including custom-engraved spoons reading "Thank you, crew" and products from the high-end kitchenware brand Our Place, known for their cookware priced around $160 AUD. One anonymous crew member described Markle's efforts as creating a distinctly inclusive atmosphere, stating: "In this show, we were part of it. We were included. It was a very unique and refreshing experience."
Addressing the atmosphere on set, the same crew member elaborated: "Meghan made us feel seen. Whether it was a coffee cart in the morning or there was one day where the forecast called for rain and she had a shaved ice truck for us at lunch." The staffer further praised the duchess for being "warm" and "approachable," noting she frequently engaged crew members about their personal lives and preferences.
Markle's production, which emphasizes communal and accessible cooking, contrasts sharply with the depiction put forward by Vanity Fair. The January feature, titled "American Hustle," alleged Markle had repeatedly mistreated staff during her tenure as a working royal and afterwards. According to that report, a former employee described Markle as initially "effusive" but eventually mistreating staff, while characterizing Prince Harry as largely "well-meaning but dangerously dim-witted."
The Vanity Fair article, spanning 8,000 words, drew significant attention by reiterating claims that Markle maintained strict hierarchical demands, reportedly insisting on being addressed as "ma'am" even after stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Markle and Prince Harry left official roles within the British royal family amid widespread public and media scrutiny.
These allegations were not the first Markle faced; she has been battling claims of bullying since a highly publicized accusation surfaced following her exit from royal life. Markle consistently denied such allegations, previously dismissing them as part of an orchestrated "smear campaign" against her.
In defending herself against these renewed criticisms, Markle pointed to her inclusive and respectful approach on the set of her Netflix series. Describing the filming atmosphere, Markle said, "It ended up feeling so communal, and that's the spirit of the show." Crew members echoed these sentiments, noting their involvement as distinctive compared to typical Hollywood productions.
Craig Robinson, executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and others within Markle's circle have also praised her interactions with the crew. Robinson, co-hosting a separate podcast with his sister, former First Lady Michelle Obama, emphasized Markle's genuine care and consideration toward staff.
The defense from Netflix staff contrasts sharply with claims from former palace employees who accused Markle of creating a toxic workplace. These accusations, originally detailed in leaked internal palace documents and later amplified by media reports, continue to follow the duchess despite her strong denials.
Addressing Markle's work ethic, series crew described her as actively involved in even the smallest details. "Between takes, if something was ready to eat, she'd cut it into bite-sized pieces and serve it to us," one crew member noted, emphasizing her generosity and hands-on approach.
