Meghan Markle’s animated series, titled ‘Pearl’, recently came under scrutiny as UK author Mel Elliott alleged that the show bears striking similarities to her own children’s books. These claims have raised questions about originality and intellectual property within the competitive entertainment industry.

Background of the Series

Originally announced in July 2021, ‘Pearl’ was intended to focus on themes of empowerment and inspiration through stories of influential women throughout history. The series was intended to be executive produced by both Markle and David Furnish, Elton John’s husband, before it was ultimately cancelled by Netflix in May 2022 due to a scaling back of their animation projects.

Allegations of Similarity

Mel Elliott, who had been developing her own animated concept based on her series ‘Pearl Power’ since 2018, stated that both concepts share numerous core elements despite her project’s inception predating Markle’s announcement. Elliott’s original vision involved a character named Pearl who embarks on adventures with renowned women, a concept she believes mirrors the foundation of Markle’s show.

Elliott’s Response and Actions Taken

Expressing disappointment in the similarities, Elliott remarked, “Meghan is a feminist who supports other women, so I was disappointed and confused when I saw how closely Netflix’s project resembled mine.” In July 2021, she reportedly sent a letter outlining her concerns to Markle’s team through the Archewell Foundation but received no response.

Elliott shared, “I had hoped to be recognized or invited as a collaborator in the series,” implying that she sought acknowledgment or partnership rather than confrontation.

Cancellation of ‘Pearl’

Despite the initial enthusiasm for the project, Netflix announced the cancellation of ‘Pearl’ a year after its conception. The streaming service categorized it alongside other children’s shows that were discontinued as part of a broader strategy to refine its animation offerings.

Elliott noted that while she was relieved by the cancellation, she was primarily interested in getting recognition for her original concept rather than celebrating its demise. “What saddened me most was that the similarities caught attention, but my objection was never acknowledged,” she lamented.

Personal and Professional Impact

During this challenging time, Elliott disclosed that she was battling breast cancer, which added to the emotional weight of the situation. She described the experience as particularly difficult as she navigated her health issues while advocating for her creative rights amidst a high-profile dispute.

Future Endeavors

Reflecting on her vision for ‘Pearl Power’, Elliott expressed concern that if she were to revive her project, it could be perceived as derivative of Markle’s conceived series. Meanwhile, Markle continues to partner with Netflix, focusing on other projects including a planned adaptation of Carly Fortune’s romance novel.

Conclusion

The allegations surrounding Meghan Markle’s ‘Pearl’ highlight ongoing tensions in the creative landscape, where originality and ownership can often become contentious issues, especially for emerging creators. As the situation unfolds, both Markle and Elliott’s endeavors will remain in the public eye.