Meghan Markle’s Netflix project “Pearl” remains in the headlines, but not for reasons she’d prefer, as plagiarism accusations echo louder than ever.
At a Glance
- Meghan Markle is facing plagiarism claims regarding her scrapped Netflix series “Pearl.”
- British author Mel Elliott claims “Pearl” had significant similarities to her book series “Pearl Power.”
- Elliott’s attorney contacted Markle and Netflix about the similarities but received no response.
- “Pearl” was canceled in May 2022, and Elliott hoped to collaborate on the project.
- Elliott criticized Markle for claiming to support women while allegedly taking others’ creative ideas.
The Plagiarism Allegations
Meghan Markle finds herself entangled in allegations of plagiarism related to her axed Netflix series, “Pearl.” British author Mel Elliott contends Markle’s program is disconcertingly similar to her own established series, “Pearl Power,” which features a little feminist icon leading the depiction. Elliott, unnerved by the evident conceptual overlaps, sought legal recourse to alert Netflix and Markle’s Archewell Productions. Her outreach, unfortunately, went unanswered, leaving her with an unresolved grievance amid the project’s eventual cancellation.
Elliott explains the striking resemblances weren’t simply coincidental. She further expressed disappointment that both Netflix and Archewell neither addressed her concerns nor acknowledged her communication. Elliott had aspirations to collaborate and contribute her ideas, seeing a golden opportunity to build something meaningful together. However, the silence she received dashed those hopes, cementing her frustration and casting doubt on Markle’s professed advocacy for women’s creativity.
That even the usually Sussex friendly PEOPLE Magazine is reporting on Meghan Markle's alleged plagiarism with her show "Pearl" shows how Harry & Meghan's bad behavior can no longer be brushed aside. Still no statement from the cosplay royals or Netflix.https://t.co/XnQ7AYTBnL
— Royal News Network (@RNN_RoyalNews) April 22, 2025
Scrutiny of Markle’s Actions
Elliott’s attorney argued the similarities between the two projects were too numerous and striking to dismiss as mere coincidence, suggesting an infringement of intellectual property rights. Elliott’s dismay extends beyond the unacknowledged concerns as she confronts the broader implication that Markle’s series possibly hindered her own project’s potential future due to any perception of copying. As of May 2022, Netflix officially ended “Pearl,” leaving Elliott in a complex, unfulfilling predicament.
“The similarities between your proposed animation series and my client’s work appear to be too many and too striking to be mere coincidence.” – Elliott’s lawyer
This isn’t the first time Markle’s creative endeavors have sparked accusations of plagiarism. Her podcast and TV shows faced similar claims, extending to allegations that even her lifestyle brand’s logo bears familiarity with a historical Spanish coat of arms. Such repeated allegations raise questions about consistency in Markle’s creative practices, considering her vocal persona as a feminist and advocate for female creatives. Elliott questions whether Markle’s popular rhetoric aligns with her actions.
A Clash with Creative Values
Elliott interprets the situation as contradictory to Markle’s public advocacy for women’s creativity. She feels slighted — not only because the opportunity to collaborate was overlooked — but due to a growing disillusionment with figures in power allegedly taking ideas without sufficient credit. Elliott voices her dissatisfaction, reflecting on the broader message contrasting what she perceived Markle stood for and the reality she encountered.
“It’s a shame, really, There’s so many brilliant creative people out there who really need the work, and yet you have someone in this high profile position who just feels she can take.” – Mel Elliott
More than a creative clash, Elliott’s experience illustrates the challenges independent creators face against powerful figures. The unresolved matter continues to underscore the necessity of vigilant enforcement of intellectual property rights, along with transparent, respectful communication in the creative industry sphere. Whether or not Markle responds to these allegations, the narrative has already influenced public perception about this contentious saga.
