In a candid interview that's sending shockwaves through celebrity circles, domestic doyenne Martha Stewart has taken aim at two of Hollywood's most prominent lifestyle entrepreneurs - Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow.
The 82-year-old business magnate didn't mince words when assessing the Duchess of Sussex's American Riviera Orchard venture and Paltrow's Goop empire during her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
'They're Not Serious Businesswomen'
When Fallon asked Stewart about today's crop of celebrity entrepreneurs, her response was characteristically blunt: "They could use some business lessons."
Stewart, whose own Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia became a billion-dollar enterprise, suggested both women lack the hands-on approach needed to build enduring brands. "Real business requires more than just slapping your name on products," she remarked pointedly.
Meghan's Jam Controversy
The criticism comes at an awkward time for Meghan Markle, whose fledgling lifestyle brand recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Duchess sent 50 jars of strawberry jam to influencers in ornate baskets - a move that backfired spectacularly when recipients pointed out the $9.99 price tag still attached.
Industry insiders have questioned whether American Riviera Orchard can transition from celebrity curiosity to viable business. Stewart's comments will likely fuel these doubts.
Goop's 'Pseudoscience' Problem
Paltrow's Goop has faced its own challenges, with medical professionals repeatedly criticizing the company for promoting questionable wellness products and treatments. While the brand has cultivated a devoted following, Stewart implied this success owes more to Paltrow's fame than business savvy.
The contrast between Stewart's traditional approach and these celebrity-driven ventures couldn't be starker. Where Stewart built her empire through decades of meticulous recipe testing and product development, today's star entrepreneurs often leverage their existing fame as the primary business asset.
Social Media Reacts
The interview has sparked fierce debate online, with opinions sharply divided:
- Stewart's supporters applaud her for calling out "celebrity privilege" in business
- Markle and Paltrow fans argue their brands successfully tap into modern consumer desires
- Business analysts note the different generational approaches to entrepreneurship
One thing's certain - in the high-stakes world of celebrity branding, Stewart has thrown down the gauntlet. Whether Markle and Paltrow prove her wrong remains to be seen.
