In a recent interview for Vanity Fair’s April 2025 cover story, Gwyneth Paltrow shared her thoughts on Meghan Markle’s latest ventures, offering a heartfelt endorsement of the Duchess of Sussex’s lifestyle pivot. Paltrow, the founder of Goop, expressed her support for Markle’s decision to launch her new brand, As Ever, and explore her passion for creating content with her upcoming Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. While Paltrow admitted she hasn’t seen the trailer for Markle’s show, her comments reflected a broader philosophy of empowerment and solidarity among women. “Everybody deserves an attempt at everything that they want to try,” she said, emphasizing her belief in celebrating other women’s endeavors rather than viewing them as competition.
Paltrow’s comments were not just a simple expression of encouragement; they were deeply personal. The actress, who has built a reputation as a trailblazer in the lifestyle space with her Goop brand, reflected on the values instilled in her by her mother, Blythe Danner. “Another woman is never your competition,” Danner once told her. “What is right for you will find you.” These words of wisdom have clearly shaped Paltrow’s approach to both her career and her interactions with other women in the public eye. She confessed that she has a “strong instinct to stand up for” Markle, particularly when the Duchess faces criticism or scrutiny. Paltrow’s sentiment speaks to a larger cultural conversation about female solidarity and the need to uplift one another in a world that often pits women against each other.
Despite her vocal support for Markle, Paltrow clarified that the two women are not close friends. While they both reside in Montecito, California, Paltrow revealed that she has only met Markle briefly and doesn’t know her well. “I’ve met Meghan, who seems really lovely, but I don’t know her at all,” she said with a touch of humor, adding, “Maybe I’ll try to get through their security detail and bring them a pie.” This lighthearted comment underscores Paltrow’s down-to-earth personality and her desire to connect with others, even if their paths don’t cross frequently. The two women have crossed paths at least once before, however, during a high-profile dinner in London in May 2023. Paltrow and her husband, Brad Falchuk, joined Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, for a sushi dinner that also included Cameron Diaz, Benji Madden, and Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd. The gathering highlighted the intersection of Hollywood glamour and royal intrigue, but Paltrow’s focus remains on supporting Markle’s professional endeavors.
Markle’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, has been a subject of both excitement and controversy. Initially launched under the name American Riviera Orchard, the brand underwent a rebranding in February 2025 after encountering trademark issues. The Duchess has been vocal about her vision for the brand, which reflects her personal style and commitment to quality. However, not everyone has been quick to embrace her new venture. UK critics and even some of her estranged family members have been vocal in their skepticism, with some questioning the originality of her brand. These criticisms were further fueled by comparisons to Pamela Anderson’s recent lifestyle project, Pamela’s Cooking with Love, which debuted in February 2025. While some have accused Markle of copying Anderson’s concept, Markle’s team has pushed back against these claims, emphasizing the unique aspects of her brand.
Paltrow, who has faced her own share of challenges in the lifestyle industry, offered a pragmatic perspective on the situation. She acknowledged that building a brand requires resilience and adaptability, particularly in the face of criticism. “We are not doing this because the business is faltering,” she said of her own company, Goop, which has recently undergone restructuring. “Case in point, we’re still here. We just had our best year.” Paltrow’s comments suggest that success in the lifestyle space is not just about innovation but also about staying focused and weathering storms. While Goop has faced layoffs and headlines about its financial health, Paltrow remains confident in its future. “We’ve gotten bloated,” she admitted. “We need to focus. Unfortunately, we had to do a reorg.” Her honesty about the challenges of running a business serves as a reminder that even the most successful entrepreneurs face setbacks.
In the end, Paltrow’s endorsement of Markle’s endeavors is less about the specifics of As Ever or With Love, Meghan and more about the broader idea of women supporting women. In a world that often amplifies negativity and competition, Paltrow’s message of solidarity feels both refreshing and necessary. By encouraging Markle to pursue her passions and standing up for her in the face of criticism, Paltrow is modeling a values-driven approach to success—one that prioritizes collaboration over competition and mutual respect over rivalry. As both women continue to navigate their respective paths in the public eye, their shared commitment to empowerment serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that women can have when they choose to uplift rather than undermine one another.
