“She said NO to Meghan!” 😲 Drew Barrymore’s bold move to shut down Meghan Markle’s massive wine promotion request has everyone talking! What sparked this shocking clash?
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been making waves with her lifestyle brand, As Ever, particularly with the launch of her rosé wine in July 2025. However, a recent high-profile encounter with talk show host Drew Barrymore has sparked controversy, with reports claiming Meghan was left furious after Barrymore boldly rejected her request for a major promotional segment on The Drew Barrymore Show. This clash, detailed in various sources, highlights tensions between Meghan’s ambitions for her brand and the dynamics of Hollywood endorsements. This article explores the incident, its context within Meghan’s business ventures, the public reaction, and the broader implications for her brand’s trajectory, offering a comprehensive look at a moment that has ignited heated discussion.
The Context: Meghan’s As Ever Wine Launch
Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand, launched in 2024, has positioned itself as a premium lifestyle venture, offering products like jams, honey, and, most recently, a rosé wine. The wine, released on July 1, 2025, was marketed as a Napa Valley-crafted product, retailing at $30 per bottle with a minimum purchase of three bottles, plus $20 shipping. While earlier As Ever products sold out rapidly, the wine faced criticism for its pricing and bulk purchase requirement, with some fans calling it a “scam” on platforms like X. Despite mixed reception, Meghan aimed to elevate the wine’s profile through high-profile endorsements, setting the stage for her approach to Drew Barrymore.
The Drew Barrymore Show, known for its warm, celebrity-driven format, seemed like an ideal platform for Meghan to promote her wine. Barrymore, a beloved figure with a reputation for her tactile, enthusiastic hosting style, has featured stars like Reese Witherspoon and Paris Hilton. Meghan, fresh off the launch of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan on March 5, 2025, appeared on the show on March 6 to discuss her brand and personal life. However, behind-the-scenes tensions reportedly arose when Meghan pitched a major promotional segment for her wine, only to be met with a firm rejection from Barrymore.
The Incident: Drew’s Bold Rejection
According to sources, including a YouTube video titled “Meghan Markle FURIOUS After Drew Barrymore SHUTS DOWN Her BIG Wine Promotion Request!” and reports from The Florida Scene, Meghan approached Barrymore with a proposal for an extensive segment to showcase As Ever’s rosé wine. The pitch reportedly included a live tasting, product placement, and a dedicated discussion about the wine’s “curated aesthetics” and “artisan claims.” Meghan, known for her strategic branding, hoped Barrymore’s platform would amplify her wine’s exclusivity and appeal to a broader audience.
However, Barrymore, described as “uncompromising,” declined the request, citing concerns about the show’s format and audience expectations. Sources suggest Barrymore felt the segment leaned too heavily into commercial promotion, clashing with her show’s focus on authentic, heartfelt conversations. One insider claimed, “Drew wasn’t having it. She’s all about connection, not pushing products, and Meghan’s team came on strong.” The rejection was reportedly delivered politely but firmly, leaving Meghan “furious” and feeling snubbed by a fellow Hollywood figure she viewed as an ally.
The tension was compounded by an already awkward interview dynamic. During Meghan’s appearance, she made a subtle six-word jab at Barrymore’s tactile style, saying, “I hear you like to connect,” followed by a softening gesture of holding Barrymore’s hand. Body language expert Judi James noted Meghan’s reserved demeanor, describing her as “emotionally distant” compared to Barrymore’s “relentlessly clingy” approach. This underlying unease may have amplified Meghan’s frustration over the rejected wine promotion.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The news of Barrymore’s rejection quickly spread, fueling online debates and media coverage. On X, fans and critics weighed in, with some praising Barrymore for standing her ground. One user posted, “Drew’s show isn’t a QVC slot. Good for her for saying no to Meghan’s pushy pitch!” Others sympathized with Meghan, arguing that her brand deserved a chance to shine. “Meghan’s just trying to build her business. Why the hate?” another user wrote.
The incident also reignited scrutiny of As Ever’s business model. Critics on X highlighted the wine’s failure to sell out within 24 hours, a departure from the rapid sell-outs of earlier products like jams and honey. GB News reported that this marked a “huge blow” for Meghan, with one commenter noting, “Her wine’s not moving like she hoped, and now Drew’s snub? Ouch.” Meanwhile, supporters defended Meghan’s ambition, pointing out that scaling a business involves setbacks and that her wine’s quality, sourced from Napa Valley, deserved recognition.
The Broader Implications for As Ever
Meghan’s clash with Barrymore underscores the challenges of navigating celebrity endorsements in a competitive market. As Ever’s rosé wine launch was already under scrutiny, with fans criticizing the $90 minimum purchase for three bottles and accusations that the wine was merely rebranded from an existing label. PR consultant Mark Borkowski, quoted in Newsweek, suggested that As Ever’s limited inventory reflects a “lack of confidence” in the brand, as Meghan’s team prioritizes quality over mass production. An insider countered, telling Newsweek that the slow sell-out was due to a deliberate focus on maintaining high standards, not a lack of demand.
Barrymore’s rejection may have long-term implications for Meghan’s brand strategy. Hollywood endorsements are crucial for lifestyle brands, and a high-profile snub could deter other celebrities from partnering with As Ever. However, Meghan’s resilience is well-documented. Her Netflix series, despite a low 11% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and harsh reviews calling it “gormless lifestyle filler,” demonstrates her willingness to push forward amid criticism. The Barrymore incident could prompt Meghan to pivot to alternative platforms, such as social media influencers or direct-to-consumer marketing, to promote her wine.
The Dynamics of Meghan and Drew’s Interaction
The clash also sheds light on the contrasting public personas of Meghan and Barrymore. Meghan, known for her polished, regal demeanor, has faced accusations of being overly calculated in her branding efforts. Her With Love, Meghan series, described by Variety as a “Montecito ego trip,” has struggled to resonate with audiences, with IMDb ratings at a dismal 2.6/10. Barrymore, on the other hand, is celebrated for her authenticity and warmth, though her tactile hosting style has drawn mixed reactions, with some guests finding it “clingy.”
During their March 6 interview, these differences were evident. Meghan’s reserved body language—keeping her hand in her pocket during a hug and using “subtle barrier rituals” like touching her hair—suggested discomfort with Barrymore’s effusive approach. Barrymore, undeterred, leaned into her signature style, wrapping her arms around Meghan in a “partial koala embrace.” This dynamic may have contributed to the tension over the wine promotion, as Meghan’s team may have underestimated Barrymore’s commitment to her show’s organic vibe.
Meghan’s Next Steps
Despite the setback, Meghan remains focused on growing As Ever. Her team has teased new product drops, and her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show included heartfelt moments, such as discussing Prince Harry’s vow to “always date” her, which resonated with some viewers. Meghan’s ability to navigate public scrutiny, honed during her time as a working royal, suggests she will adapt to this challenge. Potential strategies include leveraging her Instagram platform, where she has millions of followers, or partnering with smaller, niche influencers to promote her wine authentically.
The incident also highlights the broader challenges of celebrity-driven brands. As Ever’s high pricing and limited inventory have drawn comparisons to other celebrity ventures, with critics arguing that Meghan’s products rely on “mystique” rather than accessibility. Moving forward, Meghan may need to balance exclusivity with broader appeal to sustain her brand’s momentum.
Conclusion
Meghan Markle’s reported fury over Drew Barrymore’s rejection of her wine promotion request is a compelling chapter in her ongoing journey as a businesswoman and public figure. The clash, rooted in differing visions for The Drew Barrymore Show, underscores the complexities of celebrity endorsements and the challenges of building a lifestyle brand in a skeptical market. While Meghan’s As Ever wine has faced criticism, her determination to succeed remains evident. Barrymore’s bold stance, meanwhile, reinforces her reputation as a host who prioritizes authenticity over commercialism. As this drama unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the high stakes and higher emotions in Hollywood’s spotlight, leaving fans eager to see how Meghan will navigate her next move.