Meghan Markle Accused of Exploiting African Women in New Business Launch
Meghan Markle’s latest business venture with Cesta Collective has ignited a firestorm of controversy—critics claim she’s using African women as “props” to sell luxury handbags. But is this ethical entrepreneurship or commercialized poverty?
A Royal Investment Sparks a Global Debate
When Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, announced her recent investment in Cesta Collective—a New York-based luxury handbag brand that employs Rwandan women artisans—it was framed as a story of female empowerment. But what followed was anything but regal praise. From accusations of poverty porn to claims of cultural exploitation, Markle now faces a rising wave of global backlash that questions both her motives and the brand’s ethics.
In an age where ethical fashion is under the microscope, Meghan Markle’s latest move has drawn attention for all the wrong reasons.
Why Meghan Markle’s Cesta Collective Partnership Is Under Fire
The Ethical Fashion Pitch Gone Wrong
Cesta Collective describes itself as an “ethical luxury brand” that empowers women in Rwanda through fair wages and sustainable practices. But when Markle featured photos of herself with the artisans—many of whom wore traditional attire—critics say it felt more like marketing through exoticism than genuine advocacy.
“It reeks of using African women as aesthetic backdrops for Western celebrity virtue-signaling,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting a broader sentiment now echoed in global headlines.
Headlines from Around the Globe:
- USA: “Meghan Markle Accused of Poverty Porn in Cesta Collective Campaign” — New York Daily News
- UK: “British Public Slam Meghan for ‘Using African Women as Props’” — Daily Mail
- Africa (Rwanda): “African Critics Say Meghan’s Brand Lacks Transparency on Artisan Wages” — The East African Post
The “Poverty Porn” Allegations Explained
What Is Poverty Porn?
“Poverty porn” is a term used to describe the act of showcasing underprivileged communities for emotional or commercial gain, often without equitable benefit to those being portrayed.
Critics claim Markle’s promotional content dangerously borders on this tactic—glossing over the complexities of East African labor rights while leveraging the imagery of poverty to sell $500 handbags.
“It’s exploitation disguised as empowerment,” says Dr. Nandi Obuko, an East African sociologist specializing in global development ethics.
Is Cesta Collective Truly Ethical?
Brand Ethics in Question
While Cesta Collective touts its fair-trade practices, there are growing concerns about:
- Lack of wage transparency
- Unverified artisan testimonials
- Use of Western marketing narratives with minimal African agency
Even ethical fashion watchdog groups like Fashion Revolution have called for greater third-party auditing of brands like Cesta.
Global Reaction: From Royal Fans to Human Rights Advocates
Meghan Markle’s Social Media Backlash
Platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram have exploded with polarized views:
- “She’s profiting off the same people she claims to empower,” said one viral post with 2.3M views.
- On Pinterest, the phrase “Meghan Markle African women props” is now trending among social critics and watchdog bloggers.
Human Rights Groups Weigh In
Organizations such as Oxfam and Ethical Consumer UK have urged Markle and Cesta Collective to:
- Publish artisan pay structures
- Include African voices in brand leadership
- Avoid exoticizing portrayals in future campaigns
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Case Study: What Ethical Fashion Should Actually Look Like
Let’s compare with Studio 189, another African fashion brand co-founded by Rosario Dawson:
| Brand | Artisan Pay Transparency | Leadership Representation | Cultural Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cesta Collective | Unverified | Western-dominated | Questionable |
| Studio 189 | Documented | African-led | Empowering |
Studio 189 uses direct artisan interviews, offers stakeholdership, and avoids colonial imagery—elements critics say Cesta lacks.
Key Takeaways for Consumers
Before supporting celebrity fashion ventures claiming to empower artisans, ask:
- Is the labor fairly compensated and independently verified?
- Are local voices part of the business leadership?
- Does the imagery respect or exploit the culture portrayed?
Call to Action: What Do You Think?
Is this a modern form of neocolonialism or a misunderstood effort to do good?