😱 MEGHAN MARKLE’S EPIC PR FAIL! 😱 Her bold move with Khloe Kardashian just backfired spectacularly, leaving the internet in a frenzy! 🔥 What went wrong in this celebrity showdown, and why is everyone talking about it? Click to dive into the drama! 👇
In the high-stakes world of celebrity branding, every move is scrutinized, and a single misstep can spark a firestorm. The latest headline rocking Hollywood claims that Meghan Markle was “DESTROYED” after a PR stunt involving Khloe Kardashian went “terribly wrong.” According to reports, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, sent a lavish gift basket from her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard (branded as “As Ever”), to Khloe during Kylie Jenner’s 28th birthday party in August 2025. The gesture, meant to boost her brand’s visibility, backfired when Khloe failed to tag Meghan or As Ever on social media, leading to accusations of a snub and a PR disaster. This article dives into the incident, examines its credibility, and explores what it reveals about Meghan’s brand struggles, the Kardashian influence machine, and the unforgiving nature of celebrity culture.
The Alleged PR Stunt
The story, first highlighted by a YouTube video on August 21, 2025, and detailed across outlets like Daily Mail and The Express, centers on a deluxe gift basket Meghan sent to Khloe Kardashian. The basket, filled with As Ever’s 2024 Napa Valley Rosé, organic orange blossom honey, and fresh produce like tomatoes and squash, was featured in Khloe’s Instagram Story during Kylie Jenner’s birthday celebration on August 10, 2025. Meghan, eager to capitalize on the Kardashian family’s massive influence, reposted the snap with a playful caption: “Hey hey, all my girls with a K,” accompanied by heart emojis. However, Khloe’s failure to tag Meghan or As Ever sparked backlash, with fans and critics labeling it an “awkward” snub.
Social media erupted with commentary. One X post noted, “Khloe did NOT tag As Ever or Meghan Markle… Meghan sent all the Kardashians press boxes hoping they would,” suggesting a calculated PR move. Another user quipped, “Kardashian followers won’t give that basket a second thought—it looks like a gift from a grandma.” Critics on platforms like X and Reddit called it a paid advertisement gone wrong, with one claiming, “Nothing is an accident with the Kardashians. Khloe was within Markle’s budget.” The narrative paints Meghan as desperate for validation, with the incident amplifying perceptions of her brand’s struggles.
American Riviera Orchard’s Challenges
American Riviera Orchard, launched in 2024, was Meghan’s bid to establish a luxury lifestyle brand, offering products like jams, teas, and rosé wine. Initially, the brand generated buzz, with limited-edition jams selling out quickly. However, the August 2025 release of the 2024 Napa Valley Rosé, priced at $30 per bottle, marked a shift—products lingered on shelves, unlike earlier sell-outs. Critics, as reported by The Drinks Business, pointed out inconsistencies, such as the wine’s labeling as Napa Valley despite being produced by Kunde Family Winery in Sonoma, sold off in 2021. This raised questions about authenticity, with some speculating the wine was “snapped up ready-made” rather than crafted to Meghan’s vision.
The Kardashian incident exacerbated these struggles. Meghan’s strategy of gifting products to influencers like Kris Jenner and Khloe aimed to leverage their reach, but Khloe’s oversight—whether intentional or accidental—undermined the effort. Daily Mail reported that Kris Jenner, unlike Khloe, tagged Meghan and As Ever when sharing her own gift of rosé, highlighting a contrast in acknowledgment. Fans noted Khloe’s lack of a personal connection, as she doesn’t follow Meghan or As Ever on Instagram, unlike Martha Stewart, fueling speculation of a paid deal. The backlash suggests Meghan misjudged her audience, with one commenter stating, “MM doesn’t even know who her own customer is.”
The Kardashian Influence Machine
The Kardashians are masters of PR, turning every post into a branding opportunity. Khloe’s Instagram Story, viewed by millions, was a prime chance for Meghan to gain exposure, but her failure to secure a tag highlights the family’s selective endorsement style. Closer reported that fans criticized the move as “paid advertising,” with one noting, “Kris said they post no products unless they’re getting paid for it. The pay is over six figures per post.” If true, Meghan’s investment didn’t yield the desired return, as Khloe’s omission left her open to ridicule.
This incident also reflects the Kardashians’ guarded approach to alliances. While Kris Jenner’s polite acknowledgment softened the blow, Khloe’s silence spoke volumes. The family’s history of strategic gifting—seen when Kris received As Ever jam in April 2024—shows they’re open to partnerships, but only on their terms. Meghan’s attempt to align with their brand may have been seen as opportunistic, especially given her lack of a personal bond with Khloe, as evidenced by their non-existent social media connection.
Hollywood’s Ruthless Dynamics
This PR mishap underscores Hollywood’s brutal power dynamics. For Meghan, a former royal navigating a new identity, every move is a gamble. Her post-royal ventures, from Netflix’s With Love, Meghan to Archewell Productions, have faced mixed success. The Mirror noted that her Netflix deal is “on shaky ground,” amplifying the pressure to make American Riviera Orchard a hit. The Kardashian snub, whether intentional or not, signals her struggle to secure A-list support, a critical currency in Hollywood. As one X post put it, “Meg’s trying to get in on everyone. Time to take note.”
The media’s portrayal of Meghan as “destroyed” also reveals a gendered lens. Her enthusiasm—reposting Khloe’s Story with a playful caption—was spun as desperation, while male celebrities like David Beckham face less scrutiny for similar moves. The Kardashian family, despite their own controversies, maintain a Teflon image, with Khloe’s silence framed as a power play rather than a misstep. This double standard, evident in X comments like “Take a hint Megsy. Nobody likes you,” highlights the challenges Meghan faces as a polarizing figure.
Fact or Fiction?
The “PR stunt gone wrong” narrative is rooted in real events but exaggerated for effect. Khloe’s failure to tag Meghan is verifiable via Instagram Stories, and the backlash on X and news outlets is well-documented. However, the claim that Meghan was “destroyed” is hyperbolic, relying on speculative comments rather than evidence of her emotional state. The story’s viral spread, fueled by YouTube videos and tabloids, reflects a media ecosystem eager to capitalize on Meghan’s polarizing image. The Express noted fans’ skepticism, with one stating, “The PR team did everything on both sides. These ladies don’t do s**t,” suggesting a manufactured drama.
Moreover, the financial angle is questionable. Meghan and Harry’s resources, including a $100 million Netflix deal, make a six-figure payment to Khloe plausible but not desperate. The real issue lies in execution: Meghan’s reliance on influencer marketing misfired in a world where authenticity reigns. The Kardashian brand thrives on curated relatability, while Meghan’s regal persona struggles to connect with their audience.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the challenges of celebrity branding. Meghan’s ambition to build American Riviera Orchard is bold, but her missteps—overpriced products, inconsistent messaging, and failed influencer partnerships—reflect a brand still finding its footing. The Kardashians, by contrast, have mastered the art of controlled exposure, turning even snubs into PR wins. Meghan’s royal exit promised independence, but every setback is magnified, as seen in X posts mocking her “grandma” basket.
Public reaction is split. Supporters on X praise Meghan’s resilience, with one writing, “She’s fighting a media machine and still standing.” Critics, however, see her as out of touch, with comments like, “My girls with a K? Is she 9?” The drama also underscores the Kardashians’ untouchable status, as they navigate the incident without a scratch.
Conclusion
The Meghan Markle-Khloe Kardashian PR saga is a tale of ambition, miscalculation, and media amplification. While the gift basket incident is real, the narrative of Meghan being “destroyed” is a tabloid exaggeration, fueled by a polarized public and a hungry press. American Riviera Orchard faces genuine hurdles, but Meghan’s resilience suggests she’ll pivot. The Kardashians, meanwhile, reinforce their dominance, proving that in Hollywood, control is everything. This drama, though fleeting, reveals the high stakes of fame and the power of perception. Want the full scoop? Click to explore the buzz!