Meghan Markle has no shortage of public attention, but an expert claims that visibility is not necessarily helping her Hollywood ambitions. Her latest project, Cookie Queens, reportedly received a mixed reception, with some critics questioning the documentary’s presentation. According to a branding professional, the bigger issue may be how audiences perceive the Duchess. That perception, the expert suggests, could continue to overshadow her work unless her public image evolves.
Expert claims Meghan Markle has a ‘perception problem’ affecting her Hollywood dreams
Branding expert Rebecca May suggested that Meghan Markle has a strong public profile but faces a different challenge when it comes to Hollywood. Speaking to the Daily Mail, May claimed that Markle “doesn’t have a visibility problem” but instead has “a perception problem.”
The expert believes that distinction could play an important role in Markle’s future projects. In May’s view, public interest in the Duchess of Sussex often centers more on her personal life than on the work she is trying to promote.
According to May, that creates a challenge for any personal brand. She explained that if someone wants to build an image that feels “wholesome, warm and aspirational,” ongoing controversy can make it difficult for audiences to separate the individual from the project.
May also pointed to the attention surrounding the “Suits” actor’s relationship with the Royal Family. She believes the continued discussion about “Megxit” and tensions involving Prince Harry and his relatives have influenced how Markle’s brand is perceived.
However, the expert does not believe that revealing every detail of her private life is the solution. Instead, she suggested that being more open in certain areas could make Markle’s public image appear more authentic. “There needs to be some vulnerability and something that feels less practiced and managed,” May said. At the same time, she acknowledged that the Duchess can still maintain her privacy.
There is another issue, too. According to the branding expert, Markle’s public profile can become so prominent that it overshadows the projects associated with her. “The person continually risks becoming bigger than the product itself,” she said.
So, what could change the situation? May suggested that the mom of two may need to focus on reputation management before pursuing more major opportunities. She argued that constantly moving from one project to another may not solve the problem if public perception remains unchanged. “You can’t keep changing the project if the public perception of the person behind it stays the same,” the expert said.
Originally reported by Zahrah Patel on RealityTea.
