Social media erupts over Paltrow’s breakfast video—was it a parody of Meghan Markle’s Netflix show?
A seemingly innocent breakfast video has ignited a storm of speculation, with social media users accusing Gwyneth Paltrow of subtly mocking Meghan Markle’s new cooking series. The Oscar-winning actress, known for her wellness brand Goop, posted a video on Instagram showing herself dancing around her kitchen in pyjamas while making breakfast. The clip, however, quickly became a lightning rod for controversy.
The timing of Paltrow’s post raised eyebrows, coming just weeks after Markle launched her Netflix show With Love, Meghan. The Duchess of Sussex’s series, delayed due to California wildfires, received mixed reviews, with many critics calling it overly curated and lacking authenticity. Markle’s lifestyle brand, much like Paltrow’s Goop, had long drawn comparisons, and now fans believe Paltrow has entered the conversation—perhaps not in a flattering way.
Adding fuel to the fire, Paltrow’s video features This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole, the same song heard in promotions for Markle’s series. Coincidence? Some fans think not. The comments section lit up with speculation.
“This is how you do relatable, Meghan!” wrote one user, celebrating Paltrow’s casual, no-frills approach. Another added, “No fake house, fake kitchen, fake hair extensions, fake friends. Just pure, natural Gwyneth.” Others were less amused, accusing Paltrow of feeding into the narrative of women being “pitted against each other.”
One critic fumed, “It’s bad enough when the media does this, but when women do it to each other? Disappointing.” Another commenter dismissed the uproar, saying, “It’s just a funny coincidence. Not everything is about Meghan Markle.”
Despite the backlash, Paltrow denied any hidden message behind the clip. Speaking to Vanity Fair last week, she claimed she had never watched Markle’s trailer and had no ill intentions. “I don’t know Meghan and Harry,” she said. “I mean, I’ve met Meghan, who seems really lovely, but I don’t know her at all. Maybe I’ll try to get through their security detail and bring them a pie.”
Interestingly, Paltrow also expressed sympathy for Markle’s media struggles. “When there’s noise about certain women in the culture, I always have a strong instinct to stand up for them,” she said.
But with fans already drawing their battle lines, her comments may not be enough to put out the fire. Was this an innocent breakfast moment, or a pointed jab at Markle’s latest venture? The debate rages on.