Meghan Markle is facing significant backlash after revelations surfaced that handbags promoted as “ethical” through her online lifestyle shop were being manufactured by women paid shockingly low wages—as little as 10 pence per hour. The discovery has sparked intense criticism, questioning Markle’s commitment to ethical fashion and her stated values of women’s empowerment and fair labor practices.
The controversy emerged after an investigation revealed that the artisans making these “ethically sourced” bags, marketed through Markle’s online store, were enduring harsh working conditions and severely inadequate compensation. The women producing the bags, many of whom work in developing countries, reportedly faced excessively long working hours and were paid well below a living wage, despite the products being sold at premium prices.
Markle, who has frequently positioned herself as a champion for women’s rights and ethical consumerism, is now being called out by critics for hypocrisy. Her brand had explicitly marketed these handbags as sustainable and empowering to the female artisans creating them, leading customers to believe their purchases were supporting fair wages and decent working conditions. The stark contrast between the marketing narrative and the reality on the ground has generated widespread anger and disappointment among consumers and advocates alike.
The findings highlight broader issues within the ethical fashion industry, where transparency and accountability often remain elusive. Critics have urged Markle and her brand to take immediate responsibility, conduct thorough audits of their suppliers, and ensure genuine compliance with ethical labor standards.
In response to the backlash, Markle’s representatives stated they were “deeply concerned” about the allegations and would urgently investigate the claims, promising to address any ethical violations uncovered. However, this incident has ignited a wider debate about the ethical responsibilities of celebrities who promote and profit from sustainability and social justice initiatives.
As the controversy unfolds, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in ethical branding, raising questions about how consumers can ensure their purchases genuinely support fair and humane conditions for workers around the world.