Reality Star Calls Meghan Markle a 'Control Freak'
Meghan Markle, 2016. Photo courtesy of M Doucette Production under CC BY 3.0.
Stassi Schroeder's loyalty to Meghan Markle has officially hit a breaking point. The former "Vanderpump Rules" star, once a vocal defender and self-proclaimed "number one fan" of the Duchess of Sussex, has publicly slammed Meghan for snubbing her in the recent "As Ever" PR box gifting. What started as a hopeful gesture of fandom has spiraled into a bitter feud, exposing the fragile dynamics of celebrity loyalty, perceived status, and the razor-thin line between adoration and resentment in Hollywood's glittering circles.
From Devoted Fan to Vocal Critic
Stassi Schroeder's frustration boiled over on her "Stassi" podcast, where she revealed feeling deeply hurt and unappreciated after Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand, "As Ever," failed to include her in its PR gifting campaign. Schroeder claimed she had gone above and beyond to defend Meghan when others wouldn't, even filming videos and publicly supporting the Duchess through thick and thin, as reported by Page Six. She said her own PR team had reached out to Meghan's camp, only to be met with silence. This perceived snub was the final straw for Schroeder, who declared she was done watching Meghan's Netflix series "With Love, Meghan" and unfollowed her on Instagram.
The reality TV alum expressed that Meghan might still see her as a "lowly reality person," stuck in a 2017 mindset that undervalues Schroeder's support, as reported by Page Six. This sense of being dismissed by someone she once admired has transformed Schroeder from a "toxic fan" into what she now calls a "toxic hater." The emotional shift highlights how celebrity fandom can quickly sour when loyalty feels unreciprocated.
The PR Box That Sparked the Fire
The drama centers on Meghan's "As Ever" brand, which recently sent out PR boxes to select influencers and media personalities. While Schroeder was left out, the boxes found their way to critics like Claudia Oshry and Jackie Oshry, hosts of the "Toast" podcast, who have publicly questioned Meghan's actions and motives. Schroeder found this especially galling, accusing Meghan of sending gifts to people who "talk sh-t" about her while ignoring longtime supporters, as reported by Page Six.
This move, whether strategic or accidental, has been interpreted by Schroeder as a betrayal and a sign that Meghan is more focused on controlling the narrative than appreciating her fans. Schroeder even labeled Meghan a "control freak," as reported by Page Six, suggesting the Duchess's approach to managing her public image is rigid and exclusionary.
One-Sided Feud or Genuine Rift?
Despite Schroeder's fiery declarations, insiders suggest this feud is totally one-sided. Meghan Markle reportedly has no idea who Stassi Schroeder is, and the PR gifting decisions were handled by Meghan's marketing team, not the Duchess herself. According to a source cited by entertainment commentator Rob Shuter, Meghan is not personally involved in the minutiae of who receives promotional items. The source described Schroeder's expectations as "delusional," as reported by Cosmopolitan — implying that Schroeder may be overestimating her importance in Meghan's world.
This disconnect between Schroeder's perception and Meghan's awareness underscores the often-unbalanced nature of celebrity fandom. While fans may feel deeply connected and entitled to recognition, celebrities and their teams operate on a different scale, often unaware of individual supporters unless they reach a certain level of influence.
A History of Controversy
Stassi Schroeder's own past adds another layer to this unfolding drama. The former "Vanderpump Rules" star was famously fired from the show after being involved in a scandal where she and a co-star falsely accused a fellow castmate of a crime. This history of controversy has made Schroeder a polarizing figure, and some observers suggest that her current feud with Meghan might be viewed through the lens of her past missteps.
This context complicates the narrative, as Schroeder's grievances may be seen by some as less about genuine hurt and more about a desire for attention or validation in the celebrity ecosystem.
The Thin Line Between Fandom and Grudges
At its core, this feud is a story about loyalty and perceived hierarchy in celebrity culture. Schroeder's sense of betrayal stems from feeling overlooked by someone she supported when few others did. Meghan's alleged decision to send PR boxes to critics rather than loyal fans like Schroeder has been interpreted as a slight, igniting a public spat that blurs the line between fandom and grudges.
This drama reveals how celebrity relationships are often transactional and fraught with unspoken expectations. Fans invest emotionally and expect acknowledgment, while celebrities must balance public relations, marketing strategies, and personal boundaries. When these elements clash, the fallout can be explosive.
What Happens Next?
For now, Schroeder has vowed to stop supporting Meghan Markle, unfollowing her on social media and refusing to watch her Netflix series. Whether Meghan will respond or even acknowledge the feud remains uncertain. Representatives for both women have not commented publicly on the situation.
This episode adds another chapter to Meghan's complex relationship with the public and her former supporters. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the volatile nature of celebrity fandom, where admiration can quickly turn to animosity when expectations are unmet.
References: Stassi Schroeder turns on Meghan Markle for being 'unappreciative' | Stassi Schroeder's Feud with Meghan Markle, Explained
