.Meghan Markle is involved in another plagiarism row with published British author Mel Elliot, who found “striking similarities” between Meghan’s dropped Netflix animated show, “Pearl,” and her own children’s books.
Mel’s Pearl Power Had Been Created Seven Years Prior To Meghan’s Pearl Series
Elliot revealed that she sent a legal letter to point out these likenesses and suggested potential copyright infringement. Meghan’s “Pearl” was announced in July 2021.
The premise was a little girl who travels through time and seeks inspiration from influential women throughout history.
Elliott, who wrote and illustrated the book Pearl Power, explained, “Meghan is a feminist who sticks up for other women, so I was disappointed and confused to see how similar Netflix’s proposed show, ‘Pearl’, was to my own Pearl Power, which had been created seven years earlier.”
While Mel’s Pearl didn’t feature any historical context, the book focused on equality and female empowerment, two subjects that Meghan has always been a significant promoter of. Elliot’s “Pearl Power” was inspired by her daughter.
“Of course, I can’t know if anyone on her team had seen it and been inspired by it, but the similarities were too great for me to ignore.”
She admitted.
Elliot says it’s “quite common” for those in positions of power to copy off lesser-known creatives. This is with the thought in mind that no one would notice.
However, some celebs are aware of Elliot’s work, as some enjoy her adult coloring books, including Ryan Gosling, Victoria Beckham, and Kate Winslet.
Elliot’s creative efforts are sold in the UK at stores like WHSmith and Tesco. In the US, the books are sold at stores like Barnes & Noble and Bloomingdale’s.
Elliot Hopes She Had A Hand In Meghan’s Show Being Dropped
In 2021, Elliot’s lawyers wrote to Meghan to call her attention to the similarities that Mel claimed couldn’t be mere coincidence. Later, in 2021 and in 2022, she sent letters to Archewell and Netflix but never received a reply.
In 2022, Pearl was dropped from the streaming service due to a decline in customers, which led to cutbacks.
Elliot said,
“I am glad that Meghan’s ‘Pearl’ show was dropped, and I hope that I had something to do with it.”
However, she also said that the ideal solution would have been for a collaboration between them or an invitation to help with the series.
Pearl was a project she had hoped to reprise, but she elected not to continue with it. Ironically, she did not because she didn’t want it to look like she was copying Meghan Markle.
She also didn’t intend to make her accusations public for fear of facing the wrath of the “Sussex Squad.” They bully anyone who they perceive as attacking the Duchess.
Mel was also diagnosed with breast cancer and felt she didn’t have the strength to be the victim of online bullying.
However, she now sees others who have come after Meghan for plagiarism and feels more secure in speaking out.
Meghan Markle Has Previously Been Accused Of Copying A Published Children’s Author
This isn’t the first time Meghan Markle has been accused of copying a published children’s author. In 2021, Meghan wrote her own children’s book, “The Bench,” which was about the bond shared between her husband, Prince Harry, and their son, Archie.
However, prior to the book’s release, it was mired in controversy due to similarities to an existing book written in 2018 called The Boy on the Bench by Corrine Averiss and Gabriel Alborozo. Their story also carried a similar theme of the bond between father and son.
The two books also featured similar artwork. Meghan’s blatant plagiarism triggered an uproar as some called for a boycott of Meghan and her book.
Mel Elliot has continued her work writing for children. And she shouted out to anyone who could potentially help her bring her work to life.
“I still believe Pearl Power would make a brilliant and inspirational cartoon series for kids, so if any producer would like to work on this idea with me, do get in touch,”
She exclaimed.
So, there you have it. What did you think about this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. If you enjoyed this article, check out our other stories on the Daily Soap Dish.
