In the city where stars shine brightest, Meghan Markle has found herself at the center of a holiday hullabaloo. Over at the trendy Kitson department store on Robertson Boulevard, owner Fraser Ross decided to spice up the season with a cheeky "holiday hypocrites" window display. Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was provocatively dubbed "villain of the year," sparking a fiery backlash from her loyal fanbase.
The display showcased Meghan, 44, sporting a Santa hat emblazoned with "Montecito Diva," alongside California's very own governor Gavin Newsom, actor George Clooney, and pop sensation Katy Perry. Evidently, not everyone was jolly about the choice. One particularly passionate fan reportedly flooded the store with over 20 calls in a day, expressing disdain for what they saw as an unfair portrayal of Meghan. The store, known for its fashion-forward offerings and celebrity sightings, found itself the target of some royal fury.
“One called the store 20 times to say we 'weren't nice'. She was deranged,” shared an exasperated Ross.
Despite the uproar, Fraser Ross stands by his decision. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he explained that the selection process for the window was democratic – followers of the store were invited to suggest "villains" and Meghan's name kept making the list. The retailer, unfazed by the backlash, hopes this cheeky display might give Meghan a dose of reality, claiming that her "yes people" are tarnishing her image.
Meanwhile, Meghan's admirers have rallied around her during recent personal challenges. With her father having recently undergone surgery, support for the Duchess has poured in from around the globe. These admirers aren't just standing up for her against the "villain" label but are also defending her against criticism of her and Prince Harry's comments about the Royal Family.
As the debate over this festive display continues to simmer, it's clear that Meghan Markle remains a polarizing figure on both sides of the Atlantic. The Duchess of Sussex, a resident of the sun-kissed enclave of Montecito, finds herself caught between public scrutiny and the unwavering support of her fans. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex dance between celebrity culture and royal intrigue in Los Angeles, a city with a flair for the dramatic.
While the "holiday hypocrites" window may eventually come down, the conversation around Meghan's public persona is far from over. For now, as the lights of Hollywood twinkle and the ocean breeze sweeps down from Malibu, the Duchess remains a headline-grabbing favorite in the ever-spinning carousel of celebrity life.