The Duchess of Sussex has been criticised for her response to comments made by lifestyle guru Martha Stewart, with a TalkTV presenter saying she "makes herself look stupid".
Martha Stewart's claims about dinner with Meghan
Last week, the 85-year-old attended a dinner party with Meghan and claimed she heard her speak about her trip to the UK last month. Meghan, 45, her husband Prince Harry, 41, and their two children were hosted at Highgrove House by King Charles and Queen Camilla in July.
No images of the meeting were released, and few details have emerged about the private gathering. Martha said: "I had dinner with Meghan Markle the other night. We were both guests at a dinner party in California. And she had just gotten back from the palace. I didn't talk to her really more than to say a couple words, but I know she was talking about it."
Meghan's response and backlash
A source close to the Duchess immediately dismissed the claims and dubbed Martha "confused". They told the Mirror: "Meghan was asked by someone else about her European vacation and said it was nice, and that was the extent of it. I think (Ms Stewart) must have been confused."
Meghan's new war of words was discussed by TalkTV presenter Mark Dolan and broadcaster Rupert Bell, who questioned what reason Martha would have for telling a version of events that was not true.
Of Meghan's response, he said: "All she should have done is just left it alone. But Meghan can't resist clapping back and just makes herself look stupid. So who do we believe? Well I don't know. I wasn't there. But most people are probably more inclined to think Martha Stewart might be talking right because what's Martha Stewart got to gain for not selling what exactly happened."
He added: "Again, it's an unnecessary war of words and once again potentially reflects badly on the Duchess of Sussex."
Impact on Meghan's character
It's hard to disagree with Rupert here. I will admit that I sometimes feel Meghan can't win, but by challenging Martha's version of events, you are, in so many words, calling her a liar.
All that does is invite people to question Meghan's character because, as Rupert pointed out, why would a well-respected figure in Hollywood who has built a successful career over several decades have any reason to exaggerate a story about Meghan?
