Meghan Markle's pal has been accused of making an "out of touch" comment when promoting the Duchess of Sussex's show.
Mindy Kaling revealed the Duchess of Sussex's lighting preferences for children's parties in a recent interview.
Kaling, 45, who appears in Meghan's upcoming Netflix show, shared insights about the former royal's entertaining tips, including her stance against overhead lighting at parties.
The revelation has prompted widespread criticism on social media, with many users describing the suggestion as "ridiculous" and "out of touch" with average families' circumstances.
Meghan Markle's pal accused of making 'out of touch' comment when promoting Duchess's show
Netflix
The advice emerged as part of Kaling's discussion about filming a children's party-themed episode at Meghan's Montecito mansion.
"I love cooking, but I'm really not good at entertaining. I don't know anything about how you're not supposed to use overhead lighting when people come over. You're supposed to use little lamps", Kaling told Time.
The Office star explained that whilst she typically opts for simple party supplies, Meghan demonstrated "simple ways to do a homemade kids' party."
"For kids' parties I usually just go to the party supply store and get paper things, which I don't judge and neither does she", Kaling added.
Mindy Kaling pictured at the Met Gala in 2024
PA
The interview was conducted during Kaling's maternity leave, when Meghan invited her to film an episode of her upcoming Netflix show.
Social media users quickly condemned the lighting advice, with the Royal News Network highlighting its impracticality: "Sure, that advice works, if you own a $15million mansion! But for the average Joe, they wouldn't do that."
Critics questioned the logistics of storing multiple lamps and the safety concerns for children's parties.
"So the average person on an average income is supposed to go out and buy a bunch of lamps and then try and find somewhere to store them.. give me a break", wrote one commenter.
Meghan Markle with her good friend Mindy Kaling during the Netflix trailerNetflixAnother pointed out: "Because little kids on a sugar high will obliterate those random lamps in a New York second."
Others noted that children's parties typically occur during daylight hours, making additional lighting unnecessary.
Meghan's party hosting advice comes as she prepares to launch her Netflix show "With Love, Meghan" on March 4.
The Duchess recently announced the rebranding of her lifestyle venture from American Riviera Orchard to "As Ever".
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The show will feature appearances from Meghan's inner circle, including comedian Mindy Kaling who takes a prominent role in the preview.Netflix"I'm thrilled to introduce you to As Ever — a brand that I created and have poured my heart into", she wrote on Instagram.
The venture, which Meghan describes as an "extension of what has always been my love language", will focus on food, gardening, entertaining and thoughtful living.
Her Instagram following has now reached two million since the announcement on Monday.
