Gwyneth Paltrow has delivered a blunt verdict on Meghan Markle, claiming she "doesn't know" the Duchess of Sussex.
Paltrow dismissed any notion of competition with Meghan over their respective lifestyle brands, declaring she was "raised to see other women as friends, not foes."
The Oscar-winning actress and Goop founder made the comments in a new interview published today.
Paltrow, 52, addressed comparisons between her wellness empire and Meghan's recently launched As Ever brand.
Gwyneth Paltrow delivers blunt verdict on Meghan Markle: 'I don't know her'
Getty
"I think there's always more than enough to go around. Everybody deserves an attempt at everything that they want to try," Paltrow said.
The Hollywood star's comments come as Meghan's new lifestyle venture has drawn both criticism and interest since its launch last month.
Both women run lifestyle brands from Montecito, California, where they are neighbours, though Paltrow admits they aren't close acquaintances.
Paltrow recalled her mother Blythe Danner's advice that "another woman is never your competition... What is right for you will find you."
Gwyneth is the founder of the hugely successful lifestyle brand Goop
GettyThe Goop founder, whose wellness empire is reportedly worth $250million (£192million) according to Forbes, welcomed Meghan back to the lifestyle space.
"I'd 'never' view the Duchess of Sussex as competition," she continued to tell Vanity Fair.
Paltrow also expressed a natural inclination to defend women facing public scrutiny.
"When there's noise about certain women in the culture, I do have, always, a strong instinct to stand up for them," she said.
The cover photo of the As Ever websiteAs EverLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Meghan released her new Netflix series 'With Love, Meghan' on March 4NetflixThe actress acknowledged she hasn't watched Meghan's Netflix series "With Love, Meghan", which has received mixed reviews from critics but has performed well for the streaming platform.
Despite both living in Montecito, Paltrow revealed: "I don't know Meghan and Harry. I mean, I've met Meghan, who seems really lovely, but I don't know her at all."
Paltrow joked about the couple's security arrangements, saying: "Maybe I'll try to get through their security detail and bring them a pie."
The Duchess of Sussex has recently expanded her media presence with the Netflix series "With Love, Meghan", which reached the streaming giant's top 10 programmes globally last week.
