British author Mel Elliott has revealed she sent legal letters to the Duchess of Sussex over what she described as "striking similarities" between Meghan's cancelled Netflix show "Pearl" and her own children's character of the same name.
Elliott, a globally published children's writer from Hastings, claims Meghan's animated series announced in 2021 bore remarkable resemblance to her "Pearl Power" books and planned TV adaptation.
The author expressed disappointment at receiving no response from either Meghan or Netflix.
Meghan's "Pearl" was announced in July 2021 as part of the Sussexes' lucrative deal with Netflix.
Children’s author accuses Meghan Markle of copying her creation
YouTube / Getty
The animated series was described as following a young girl "as she learns to step into her power and finds inspiration from influential women throughout history".
Meghan was credited as Executive Producer alongside Sir Elton John's husband, David Furnish.
The show was cancelled less than a year later in May 2022, with Netflix citing falling subscriber numbers.
By the time Meghan's show was announced, Elliott had already written three Pearl Power books, which were published in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
The front cover of Pearl Cover by Mel Elliott
Amazon
The third book was particularly successful, being translated into multiple languages, including Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, and several European languages.
Elliott is also known for her adult colouring books with a celebrity following including Ryan Gosling, Victoria Beckham and Kate Winslet.
Her work sells in major retailers across the UK and the US.
Elliott's lawyers wrote to the duchess in July 2021, stating: "The similarities between your proposed animation series and my client's work appear to be too many and too striking to be mere coincidence."
Netflix previously cancelled Meghan's animated TV series Pearl
NetflixThe author sent two additional personal letters to Archewell and Netflix seeking updates, but received no response.
"What saddened me most is that my objection was never acknowledged - I would have loved to have contributed and collaborated," Elliott told the Daily Mail.
Elliott had begun developing her Pearl Power character into an animated TV series in 2019, two years before Meghan's announcement.
Her concept featured Pearl meeting influential women from history, with tennis legend Billie Jean King planned as the first historical figure.
Meghan announced that 'With Love, Meghan' will return for a second series later this yearNetflixBoth projects centred on a girl named Pearl who would encounter important women throughout history on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Elliott's character Pearl always appears in a black dress with a white Peter Pan collar and red bows. The author initially chose not to make her concerns public due to fears of facing backlash from Meghan's fans.
Having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, she had recently undergone surgery and radiotherapy, feeling too vulnerable to face potential online attacks.
"I still believe Pearl Power would make a brilliant and inspirational cartoon series for kids so if any producers would like to work on this idea with me do get in touch!" she said.
GB News has contacted the Duchess of Sussex's representatives for comment.
