By rikififi90 
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has found herself at the center of a controversy involving plagiarism allegations related to the animated series “Pearl,” which was canceled by Netflix before its debut. Announced in 2021 as an ambitious project from Archewell Productions, the company founded by Meghan and Prince Harry, the show promised to tell the story of a young girl inspired by historical female figures. However, British author Mel Elliott, creator of the children’s book series “Pearl Power,” pointed out striking similarities between the proposed series and her work published years earlier. The controversy, which gained traction through interviews and legal notifications, sparked debates about originality, creative inspiration, and the challenges faced by high-profile media projects.
The issue began to take shape when Elliott, in an interview with the British newspaper Daily Mail, expressed her disappointment over the coincidences between “Pearl” and her creation. The writer, who launched her books in 2014, noted that the narrative of Netflix’s series seemed to echo the essence of her protagonist, a girl exploring female empowerment. The controversy escalated with the revelation that Elliott’s lawyers sent a formal notification to Archewell in July 2021, seeking clarification, but received no response.
Although Netflix canceled “Pearl” in 2022, alongside other animation projects, the plagiarism allegation continued to resonate, particularly because Elliott expressed a desire to have been acknowledged or included as a collaborator on the project. The situation highlights the challenges of protecting intellectual property in the creative market and the complexities of developing original content in a competitive landscape.
Origin of the controversy: similarities between the works
The series “Pearl,” as announced by Archewell Productions, would follow a 12-year-old girl who, through school projects, discovers stories of inspiring women throughout history. The proposal emphasized themes of female empowerment and diversity, with Meghan Markle and David Furnish, Elton John’s husband, as executive producers. The narrative, according to the released synopsis, aimed to inspire young viewers to recognize their potential through historical examples.
In contrast, Mel Elliott’s “Pearl Power” books, published between 2014 and 2016, also feature a protagonist named Pearl, a girl who faces challenges with confidence and learns about self-assurance and resilience. While Elliott’s books do not directly include historical figures, the author planned to adapt her work into an animated series, with episodes centered on famous women, such as tennis legend Billie Jean King. A pilot episode, available on Elliott’s social media since 2018, reinforces this vision.
The similarities noted by Elliott include the protagonist’s name, the focus on female empowerment, and the narrative structure aimed at inspiring youth. The British author emphasized that, as a feminist, she expected Meghan, known for her activism, to acknowledge any potential inspiration from her work. The lack of response from Archewell or Netflix fueled Elliott’s frustration, as she felt her creation was potentially overshadowed by a higher-profile project.
- Shared name: Both protagonists are named Pearl, a detail Elliott deemed significant.
- Empowerment theme: Both works emphasize strengthening girls through inspiring stories.
- Adaptation proposal: Elliott had already planned to turn “Pearl Power” into an animated series, with a pilot produced before “Pearl” was announced.
Impact of Pearl’s cancellation on Netflix
Netflix’s decision to cancel “Pearl” in 2022 was part of a strategic overhaul at the platform, which faced financial challenges and a decline in subscribers. That year, the company announced the termination of several animation projects, including titles from other renowned creators. The cancellation news came before “Pearl” entered significant production, limiting details about its development.
For Meghan and Harry, the cancellation was a setback in their efforts to establish Archewell Productions as a force in the entertainment market. The company, founded in 2020, had already released the documentary series “Harry & Meghan” on Netflix, which garnered significant viewership by exploring the couple’s departure from the British royal family. However, “Pearl” would have been the company’s first animated project, with potential to attract a young audience and reinforce Meghan’s image as an advocate for social causes.
The cancellation also sparked speculation about the reasons behind the decision. While Netflix cited financial constraints, some analysts suggested the plagiarism controversy may have played a role. Elliott, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction with the cancellation but lamented the lack of dialogue with Meghan’s team. The author stated she would have preferred to see the project move forward with her involvement, which could have avoided the dispute.
The legal notification and lack of response
In July 2021, Mel Elliott’s lawyers sent a formal letter to Archewell Productions, requesting clarification on the similarities between “Pearl” and “Pearl Power.” The notification was addressed directly to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry but received no reply. Elliott also attempted to contact Netflix, sending letters to the platform, but similarly received no response.
The lack of dialogue intensified Elliott’s perception that her work was disregarded by a higher-profile production. The author noted that, as an independent creator, she faces challenges competing with influential public figures like Meghan. The legal notification, while not escalating to a lawsuit, served as a warning about the importance of protecting intellectual property in creative projects.
The case also raised questions about content development processes at Netflix. Major platforms often receive thousands of script and concept proposals, which can lead to unintentional overlaps. However, the lack of transparency in communication with Elliott drew criticism of the platform’s handling of creative disputes.
Context of the children’s animation market
Children’s animation has become a highly competitive field, with platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video heavily investing in content for young audiences. Series like “Carmen Sandiego” and “Hilda” demonstrate the potential of narratives combining entertainment with educational messages. In this context, “Pearl” aimed to stand out by addressing female empowerment, a trending theme in the industry.
Mel Elliott’s books, though less widely known, also fit into this trend. The “Pearl Power” series gained popularity in the UK for its accessible approach and positive messages, attracting readers in schools and libraries. The author invested in a pilot animation to attract producers but faced challenges securing funding for a full series, amplifying her frustration upon seeing a similar project announced by a prominent figure like Meghan.
- Genre growth: Children’s animation saw a 15% increase in global investment between 2018 and 2022.
- Empowerment focus: Series with female protagonists account for 40% of new releases on Netflix.
- Challenges for independents: Authors like Elliott face barriers to accessing major platforms.
Public reaction and Meghan’s challenges
The plagiarism allegation posed new challenges for Meghan Markle, who already faced public scrutiny for her entertainment ventures. Since stepping away from the royal family in 2020, the duchess has sought to establish herself as a producer and entrepreneur, with projects ranging from Netflix series to her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. However, controversies like this fuel criticism about her ability to manage large-scale projects.
The controversy also highlighted the pressure public figures face when entering the creative market. While Meghan aimed to promote a message of empowerment, the plagiarism allegation raised questions about the originality of her vision. The lack of response from Archewell Productions contributed to perceptions that the case was mishandled, amplifying the negative impact on the duchess’s image.
On the other hand, the situation underscored the importance of recognizing independent creators. Despite not achieving Meghan’s global reach, Elliott used the controversy to draw attention to her work, gaining support from readers and activists advocating for intellectual property protection.
The role of Archewell Productions
Archewell Productions, founded by Meghan and Harry, aims to produce inspiring and educational content. Beyond “Pearl,” the company planned other Netflix projects, including documentaries and scripted series. The cancellation of “Pearl” was a hurdle, but the company continued with initiatives like Meghan’s lifestyle series, launched in 2025, focusing on cooking and gardening.
The controversy with Elliott exposed vulnerabilities in Archewell’s project management. The lack of communication with the British author suggested gaps in the creative research and development process. To avoid future disputes, the company may need to invest in more rigorous reviews of its proposals, ensuring no overlap with existing works.
The experience also served as a lesson for the entertainment industry. Plagiarism cases, even unintentional ones, can cause significant reputational damage to producers and platforms, especially when involving high-profile figures.
Lessons for the creative industry
The dispute between Mel Elliott and Meghan Markle reflects common challenges in the media market. Protecting intellectual property is a priority for independent creators, who often lack the resources to compete with major studios. Similar cases have occurred in the industry, such as disputes over film scripts or reality show concepts, often resolved through out-of-court settlements.
For platforms like Netflix, the case underscores the need for transparent processes in project evaluation. The failure to respond to Elliott’s letters drew criticism, as the platform could have facilitated dialogue between the parties. Additionally, the situation highlights the importance of acknowledging creative influences, even when there is no intent to copy.
- Proposal review: Studios should verify project originality before announcements.
- Creator communication: Responding to legal notifications prevents unnecessary escalation.
- Support for independents: Platforms can create programs to integrate lesser-known authors.
Timeline of events
The controversy surrounding “Pearl” and “Pearl Power” followed a sequence of key events:
- 2014-2016: Mel Elliott publishes the “Pearl Power” book series in the UK.
- 2018: Elliott releases an animated pilot for “Pearl Power,” focusing on Billie Jean King.
- July 2021: Archewell Productions announces “Pearl” as a Netflix project.
- July 2021: Elliott’s lawyers send a notification to Archewell, with no response.
- 2022: Netflix cancels “Pearl” and other animation projects.
- 2023: Elliott speaks publicly about the controversy in a Daily Mail interview.
Long-term impacts
The plagiarism controversy, while not escalating to a lawsuit, left a mark on Meghan Markle’s entertainment career. The duchess faced additional criticism at a time when she was working to establish herself outside the royal sphere. For Archewell Productions, the case served as a warning about the need for greater care in selecting and developing projects.
For Mel Elliott, the controversy brought visibility to her work, albeit indirectly. The author continued to promote “Pearl Power,” using the dispute to highlight the importance of protecting independent creations. Her books gained renewed attention, particularly among readers interested in empowering children’s narratives.
The entertainment industry, meanwhile, faces the challenge of balancing innovation with respect for intellectual property. Cases like this emphasize the need for open dialogue among creators, studios, and platforms to ensure original ideas are valued and protected.
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has found herself at the center of a controversy involving plagiarism allegations related to the animated series “Pearl,” which was canceled by Netflix before its debut. Announced in 2021 as an ambitious project from Archewell Productions, the company founded by Meghan and Prince Harry, the show promised to tell the story of a young girl inspired by historical female figures. However, British author Mel Elliott, creator of the children’s book series “Pearl Power,” pointed out striking similarities between the proposed series and her work published years earlier. The controversy, which gained traction through interviews and legal notifications, sparked debates about originality, creative inspiration, and the challenges faced by high-profile media projects.
The issue began to take shape when Elliott, in an interview with the British newspaper Daily Mail, expressed her disappointment over the coincidences between “Pearl” and her creation. The writer, who launched her books in 2014, noted that the narrative of Netflix’s series seemed to echo the essence of her protagonist, a girl exploring female empowerment. The controversy escalated with the revelation that Elliott’s lawyers sent a formal notification to Archewell in July 2021, seeking clarification, but received no response.
Although Netflix canceled “Pearl” in 2022, alongside other animation projects, the plagiarism allegation continued to resonate, particularly because Elliott expressed a desire to have been acknowledged or included as a collaborator on the project. The situation highlights the challenges of protecting intellectual property in the creative market and the complexities of developing original content in a competitive landscape.
Origin of the controversy: similarities between the works
The series “Pearl,” as announced by Archewell Productions, would follow a 12-year-old girl who, through school projects, discovers stories of inspiring women throughout history. The proposal emphasized themes of female empowerment and diversity, with Meghan Markle and David Furnish, Elton John’s husband, as executive producers. The narrative, according to the released synopsis, aimed to inspire young viewers to recognize their potential through historical examples.
In contrast, Mel Elliott’s “Pearl Power” books, published between 2014 and 2016, also feature a protagonist named Pearl, a girl who faces challenges with confidence and learns about self-assurance and resilience. While Elliott’s books do not directly include historical figures, the author planned to adapt her work into an animated series, with episodes centered on famous women, such as tennis legend Billie Jean King. A pilot episode, available on Elliott’s social media since 2018, reinforces this vision.
The similarities noted by Elliott include the protagonist’s name, the focus on female empowerment, and the narrative structure aimed at inspiring youth. The British author emphasized that, as a feminist, she expected Meghan, known for her activism, to acknowledge any potential inspiration from her work. The lack of response from Archewell or Netflix fueled Elliott’s frustration, as she felt her creation was potentially overshadowed by a higher-profile project.
- Shared name: Both protagonists are named Pearl, a detail Elliott deemed significant.
- Empowerment theme: Both works emphasize strengthening girls through inspiring stories.
- Adaptation proposal: Elliott had already planned to turn “Pearl Power” into an animated series, with a pilot produced before “Pearl” was announced.
Impact of Pearl’s cancellation on Netflix
Netflix’s decision to cancel “Pearl” in 2022 was part of a strategic overhaul at the platform, which faced financial challenges and a decline in subscribers. That year, the company announced the termination of several animation projects, including titles from other renowned creators. The cancellation news came before “Pearl” entered significant production, limiting details about its development.
For Meghan and Harry, the cancellation was a setback in their efforts to establish Archewell Productions as a force in the entertainment market. The company, founded in 2020, had already released the documentary series “Harry & Meghan” on Netflix, which garnered significant viewership by exploring the couple’s departure from the British royal family. However, “Pearl” would have been the company’s first animated project, with potential to attract a young audience and reinforce Meghan’s image as an advocate for social causes.
The cancellation also sparked speculation about the reasons behind the decision. While Netflix cited financial constraints, some analysts suggested the plagiarism controversy may have played a role. Elliott, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction with the cancellation but lamented the lack of dialogue with Meghan’s team. The author stated she would have preferred to see the project move forward with her involvement, which could have avoided the dispute.
The legal notification and lack of response
In July 2021, Mel Elliott’s lawyers sent a formal letter to Archewell Productions, requesting clarification on the similarities between “Pearl” and “Pearl Power.” The notification was addressed directly to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry but received no reply. Elliott also attempted to contact Netflix, sending letters to the platform, but similarly received no response.
The lack of dialogue intensified Elliott’s perception that her work was disregarded by a higher-profile production. The author noted that, as an independent creator, she faces challenges competing with influential public figures like Meghan. The legal notification, while not escalating to a lawsuit, served as a warning about the importance of protecting intellectual property in creative projects.
The case also raised questions about content development processes at Netflix. Major platforms often receive thousands of script and concept proposals, which can lead to unintentional overlaps. However, the lack of transparency in communication with Elliott drew criticism of the platform’s handling of creative disputes.
Context of the children’s animation market
Children’s animation has become a highly competitive field, with platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video heavily investing in content for young audiences. Series like “Carmen Sandiego” and “Hilda” demonstrate the potential of narratives combining entertainment with educational messages. In this context, “Pearl” aimed to stand out by addressing female empowerment, a trending theme in the industry.
Mel Elliott’s books, though less widely known, also fit into this trend. The “Pearl Power” series gained popularity in the UK for its accessible approach and positive messages, attracting readers in schools and libraries. The author invested in a pilot animation to attract producers but faced challenges securing funding for a full series, amplifying her frustration upon seeing a similar project announced by a prominent figure like Meghan.
- Genre growth: Children’s animation saw a 15% increase in global investment between 2018 and 2022.
- Empowerment focus: Series with female protagonists account for 40% of new releases on Netflix.
- Challenges for independents: Authors like Elliott face barriers to accessing major platforms.
Public reaction and Meghan’s challenges
The plagiarism allegation posed new challenges for Meghan Markle, who already faced public scrutiny for her entertainment ventures. Since stepping away from the royal family in 2020, the duchess has sought to establish herself as a producer and entrepreneur, with projects ranging from Netflix series to her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. However, controversies like this fuel criticism about her ability to manage large-scale projects.
The controversy also highlighted the pressure public figures face when entering the creative market. While Meghan aimed to promote a message of empowerment, the plagiarism allegation raised questions about the originality of her vision. The lack of response from Archewell Productions contributed to perceptions that the case was mishandled, amplifying the negative impact on the duchess’s image.
On the other hand, the situation underscored the importance of recognizing independent creators. Despite not achieving Meghan’s global reach, Elliott used the controversy to draw attention to her work, gaining support from readers and activists advocating for intellectual property protection.
The role of Archewell Productions
Archewell Productions, founded by Meghan and Harry, aims to produce inspiring and educational content. Beyond “Pearl,” the company planned other Netflix projects, including documentaries and scripted series. The cancellation of “Pearl” was a hurdle, but the company continued with initiatives like Meghan’s lifestyle series, launched in 2025, focusing on cooking and gardening.
The controversy with Elliott exposed vulnerabilities in Archewell’s project management. The lack of communication with the British author suggested gaps in the creative research and development process. To avoid future disputes, the company may need to invest in more rigorous reviews of its proposals, ensuring no overlap with existing works.
The experience also served as a lesson for the entertainment industry. Plagiarism cases, even unintentional ones, can cause significant reputational damage to producers and platforms, especially when involving high-profile figures.
Lessons for the creative industry
The dispute between Mel Elliott and Meghan Markle reflects common challenges in the media market. Protecting intellectual property is a priority for independent creators, who often lack the resources to compete with major studios. Similar cases have occurred in the industry, such as disputes over film scripts or reality show concepts, often resolved through out-of-court settlements.
For platforms like Netflix, the case underscores the need for transparent processes in project evaluation. The failure to respond to Elliott’s letters drew criticism, as the platform could have facilitated dialogue between the parties. Additionally, the situation highlights the importance of acknowledging creative influences, even when there is no intent to copy.
- Proposal review: Studios should verify project originality before announcements.
- Creator communication: Responding to legal notifications prevents unnecessary escalation.
- Support for independents: Platforms can create programs to integrate lesser-known authors.
Timeline of events
The controversy surrounding “Pearl” and “Pearl Power” followed a sequence of key events:
- 2014-2016: Mel Elliott publishes the “Pearl Power” book series in the UK.
- 2018: Elliott releases an animated pilot for “Pearl Power,” focusing on Billie Jean King.
- July 2021: Archewell Productions announces “Pearl” as a Netflix project.
- July 2021: Elliott’s lawyers send a notification to Archewell, with no response.
- 2022: Netflix cancels “Pearl” and other animation projects.
- 2023: Elliott speaks publicly about the controversy in a Daily Mail interview.
Long-term impacts
The plagiarism controversy, while not escalating to a lawsuit, left a mark on Meghan Markle’s entertainment career. The duchess faced additional criticism at a time when she was working to establish herself outside the royal sphere. For Archewell Productions, the case served as a warning about the need for greater care in selecting and developing projects.
For Mel Elliott, the controversy brought visibility to her work, albeit indirectly. The author continued to promote “Pearl Power,” using the dispute to highlight the importance of protecting independent creations. Her books gained renewed attention, particularly among readers interested in empowering children’s narratives.
The entertainment industry, meanwhile, faces the challenge of balancing innovation with respect for intellectual property. Cases like this emphasize the need for open dialogue among creators, studios, and platforms to ensure original ideas are valued and protected.
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