What Meghan Markle is doing with her show, “With Love, Meghan,” is really nothing new. It’s a classic lifestyle and cooking production created by a very wealthy woman. From aesthetics to prop choices to storylines, the show offers the same polished home-entertaining experience we’ve seen from the likes of Giada De Laurentiis and Ina Garten.

So why, in this instance, are so many people enraged by what the Duchess of Sussex has done? Many Black women have an idea of what the problem might be.

“They truly can’t fathom that entertaining for friends is the norm for us. They are shocked that we have nice homes and kitchens, and I truly think for some of them, it’s jealousy,” one Threads user wrote.

Code Word: Unrelatable

The user was responding to a conversation started by Eden Westbrook, the creator of the blog Sweet Tea + Thyme. Westbrook took to Threads to share her thoughts on the intense criticism of Markle’s show. Detractors have labeled it “tone-deaf” and “out of touch,” questioning its relevance and authenticity.

“When some people say MeghanSussex / Meghan Markle is ‘unrelatable’ because she’s cooking in Loro Piana and using Le Creuset cookware … I hear this: Y’all think she’s unrelatable to the audience you think she’s talking to. You think she’s not relatable to Black women or WOC,” Westbrook wrote. “That we don’t or can’t make crafts, beekeep, or buy Le Creuset. As if any of this is unattainable for us. Why would it be? We DO this in our own homes. This is many of us—you just got a glimpse and called it ‘unrelatable.’”

It’s a sentiment that many Black women agreed with. These women love what Markle is serving up on her show. The perfectly curated, well-thought-out recipes, parties, and décor align with their own passions and interests. Seeing it all come from a Black woman makes it all the more enjoyable.

“I am watching this now from my home in California, and yes, I feel seen. I love what she is doing, and she has reminded me that this is my happy place as well. This is the content I need in 2025,” Threads user Dede wrote.

The Double Standard in the Criticism

For many of the women sharing their reactions, the frustrating part is the idea that if Markle were a white woman, the response would not be the same. That’s not to say the show is perfect—but the level of vitriol being spewed feels unwarranted. Those in support of Markle believe racism is at the core of the backlash.

“Meanwhile, how many cooking shows have we watched where the host is using a Boos Block that can cost anywhere from $150 to $650 and higher??? And we’re not bothered by that. Let’s be so for real. The Le Creuset cookware is not the problem here,” one Threads user pointed out.

Markle’s Ongoing Battle With Public Scrutiny

Ever since her fallout with the British royal family following her marriage to Prince Harry, Markle has been subjected to relentless racism and media attacks. The UK tabloids frequently criticized her—from analyzing the way she held her baby bump to villainizing her for simply existing in spaces they felt she didn’t belong. The scrutiny led to Markle and Prince Harry stepping back from royal duties in 2020, seeking financial independence and a life away from the toxicity of the British press.

Even after distancing herself from royal life, the attacks haven’t stopped. From media takedowns to online message boards dedicated to tearing her down, Markle continues to face a level of animosity that many Black women recognize all too well.

Simply put, Black women are tired of the constant negativity. The new show felt like it might be a safe space – focusing on the simple joys of cooking, hosting, and crafting. But it seems no matter what Markle does, she remains a target. “With Love, Meghan” is just another example.

Black Women Are Watching, Regardless

Thankfully, the negativity surrounding the show isn’t ruining the viewing experience for many of the Black women who are watching. Le Creuset, floral arrangements, and “girly things” are dominating online discussions as women celebrate the content in real time. Some are also pointing out how themes in the show—hospitality, creativity, and craftsmanship—are central to Black culture and tradition.

“Cooking, hosting, crafting (being creative) is literally the root of our culture,” one Threads user wrote.

For those who have already binged “With Love, Meghan,” the excitement continues with the news that a second season is already in the works. It’s hard to imagine a world where the next season won’t be met with the same levels of hate. That doesn’t take away from the joy it has brought to those who appreciate seeing someone who looks like them embrace creativity and domestic bliss.

As Threads user Tanisha Watkins put it: “Meghan Markle, we love you girl. Period.”