Meghan Markle is intensifying her efforts to reestablish herself within Hollywood's elite, targeting newly relocated Montecito neighbor Jennifer Aniston with gifts and invitations in hopes of sparking a high-profile friendship and securing a coveted appearance on her podcast. Sources say the Duchess of Sussex has been "love-bombing" the Friends actress with artisanal jam and luxury wellness products, though Aniston is reportedly not reciprocating.
"Meghan is thrilled that Jennifer is moving to Montecito," one insider told RadarOnline.com. "She's been trying to get closer to her for years, and now that they're neighbors, she sees this as the perfect opportunity."
Aniston, who purchased a $14.8 million estate from Oprah Winfrey in 2022, moved to the California enclave following a security breach at her Bel Air property, where a stalker reportedly crashed into her gates. The traumatic incident prompted her to enhance security and seek more privacy.
But Markle's overtures appear to be falling flat. "Jen appreciates the gestures but is focused on settling into her new home and prioritizing her safety," a source said. "She also sees Meghan as poisonous and wants nothing to do with the drama she creates around herself and with the royal family."
Multiple sources say Markle has quietly attempted to recruit Aniston for her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, which has faced lackluster reviews since its debut. Critics described the first episode, featuring Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd, as "stomach-turning" and "an inane stream of mindless aphorisms."
"Meghan is hoping Jen will be there for her - as soon as possible - as a guest," a Hollywood business source told the Daily Mail. "Meghan knows she needs a major A-list name to bounce back fast after such a mixed start."
Spokespeople for both women declined to comment, and a source said only "tentative talks" have occurred so far. Aniston is said to have "quietly binned" Markle's gifts and ignored all invitations. "She doesn't want her jam - or her friendship," one source stated.
Despite rebuffs, Markle reportedly continues to seek alliances with other A-listers, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, Kerry Washington, Priyanka Chopra, Serena Williams, and Montecito residents Oprah Winfrey, Katy Perry, and Kevin Costner.
"Jen is at the top of Meghan's wish list as a BFF," one insider said. "She has so much influence and prestige in the business and is on first-name terms with all the big power players." Another added: "If Meghan can find a way to ride Jen's coattails and get the rubber stamp into Team Aniston, it's her ticket to the very top in Hollywood."
