Gwyneth Paltrow has made it clear—she holds no animosity toward Meghan Markle or her newly launched lifestyle brand, As Ever. Despite speculation about a brewing competition between the two women in the wellness and lifestyle space, Paltrow, 52, dismissed any notion of rivalry in a recent interview with Vanity Fair on March 18.
“I don’t know Meghan and [Prince] Harry,” Paltrow clarified. “I mean, I’ve met Meghan, who seems really lovely, but I don’t know her at all.”
While the two women reside in the same area of Montecito, California, Paltrow humorously entertained the idea of making a neighborly gesture, saying, “Maybe I’ll try to get through their security detail and bring them a pie.”
Meghan Markle’s Entry into the Lifestyle Space
Paltrow and Markle, 43, have a shared interest in wellness and lifestyle branding. Paltrow’s Goop, launched in 2008, is a well-established name in the industry, known for its holistic wellness products and unconventional health advice. Markle recently entered the market with As Ever, a lifestyle brand focusing on home goods and wellness products, and debuted her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, which further explores these themes.
At the time of her Vanity Fair interview, Paltrow had not seen the trailer for Meghan’s new show. However, rather than viewing her as a competitor, she welcomed Markle’s venture with encouragement.
A Supportive Stance on Women in Business
Paltrow emphasized her belief in uplifting women rather than competing with them.
“[When] there’s noise about certain women in the culture, I do have, always, a strong instinct to stand up for them,” she said.
She further explained that she was raised to see women as allies rather than rivals.
“I was raised to see other women as friends, not foes,” Paltrow stated. “I think there’s always more than enough to go around. Everybody deserves an attempt at everything that they want to try.”
The actress also credited her mother, Blythe Danner, for instilling in her the belief that another woman’s success does not diminish one’s own. “Another woman is never your competition. … What is right for you will find you,” she recalled from her mother’s wisdom.
With Love, Meghan and Future Plans
Meghan Markle’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan premiered earlier this month after a brief delay due to California wildfires. The show features the Duchess of Sussex engaging in discussions about cooking, gardening, and home entertaining alongside high-profile guests such as Mindy Kaling and Abigail Spencer.
Despite receiving mixed reviews, the series has been renewed for a second season. Markle took to Instagram to share the news, expressing her excitement about what’s to come.
“If you’re loving Season 1, just wait until you see the fun we cooked up on Season 2!” she wrote. “Thanks for joining the party, and an endless thanks to the amazing team and crew who helped bring it all to life! @netflix.”
No Feud, Just Business
While comparisons between Goop and As Ever are inevitable, Paltrow’s comments make it clear that she sees room for everyone in the lifestyle industry. Her perspective highlights a refreshing approach—one where women in business support each other rather than fuel unnecessary rivalries.
As both Paltrow and Markle continue to build their respective brands, their shared passion for wellness and lifestyle content will likely continue to shape conversations in the industry, but not as competitors—rather, as two women carving out their own unique paths.