Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are buckling up on the streaming supergiant Netflix for a comeback. But it’s not the kind of show that will open a can of worms. The Duchess is due to host a new cooking show, but there’s some controversy brewing over the chosen filming location. The Sussexes has opted for a cannabis farm in California that’s causing a bit of a stink in the local community. Will it spark yet another controversy?
Meghan Markle: The New Cooking Project Attracts Controversy
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been making waves with their new ventures. Firstly, they launched their lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and now they’re jumping back into the world of media. Moreover, the former suits actress is filming at a $5 million mansion in Montecito, California, owned by Tom and Sherrie Cipolla. The 14-acre farm property belongs to the Van Wingerden family, known for their legal cannabis cultivation.
However, things aren’t all sunshine and rainbows as the locals continue to clash with the property owners. They have been at odds with them due to the pungent smell of cannabis in the area. The Vanwingerden, the largest legal cannabis supplier nearby, converted their flower farm into a marijuana operation in 2015. The establishment has been a source of disputes with neighbours not long after its inception.
The series focuses on Meghan Markle, celebrating the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship. There’s talk that the Sussexes might face backlash from the local community if tensions flare up again. Reportedly, the US-based royals have sealed deals for two shows with Netflix. The first will showcase Meghan’s love for cooking, while the other will highlight Harry’s passion for polo.
Back to the recent turmoil, the residents of nearby Carpinteria have filed around 2,340 complaints about the strong odour. In September 2023, several neighbouring residents filed a lawsuit against marijuana farms (unrelated to the Wingerden family’s). Furthermore, they claimed the overpowering smells were causing property values to plummet. Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will head to Nigeria next month for their commitments to the Invictus Games.
However, the Duchess won’t be joining Harry on his trip to the UK to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. This decision comes in the wake of Harry’s lost legal battle over security concerns against the UK court. Could Meghan’s cooking show face a storm of criticism before it even airs? Tell us in the comments. In the meantime, keep reading TV Season & Spoilers to catch the latest tea on royal dramas!