Pamela Anderson’s Direct Response to Meghan Markle Cooking Show Comparisons Wins Praise

Pamela Anderson has shut down speculation that Meghan Markle’s Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, copied her own cooking program. The exchange, which took place during a television appearance, left many viewers praising Anderson’s gracious and straightforward response.

In March, Meghan debuted her new Netflix series, which takes viewers into "the kitchen, garden, and beehive" as she shares cooking tips, hosting advice, and entertaining ideas. Throughout the series, Meghan is joined by celebrity friends including Mindy Kaling, chef Roy Choi, and culinary icon Alice Waters.

Not long after With Love, Meghan premiered, online conversations began drawing comparisons to Pamela’s Cooking With Love, Anderson’s own lifestyle and cooking show. The similarities, according to some viewers, included the cozy, at-home style, guest appearances, and the blend of cooking with personal storytelling.

Appearing on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Anderson was asked directly whether she believed Meghan had copied her idea.

"On a scale from one to ten, how much of a rip-off did you feel like With Love, Meghan was of your show, Pamela’s Cooking With Love? There were articles saying these two shows were very similar," Cohen asked.

Anderson appeared surprised by the question but replied plainly, "One – I didn’t."

Cohen followed up, pressing, "One? On a scale from one to ten, you did not see any similarities?"

Anderson stood her ground, saying, "No, I didn’t really look, but I didn’t invent cooking shows. She’s just doing her thing."

Some people claimed Meghan's show was similar

Netflix

Anderson stood her ground, saying, "No, I didn’t really look, but I didn’t invent cooking shows. She’s just doing her thing."

Flavour Network

Her refusal to take the bait struck a chord with many viewers, who took to social media to applaud her response.

One person wrote, "So proud of Pamela. Tired of pitting women against each other."

Another echoed the sentiment: "This response is no surprise. Good for all of the women who refuse to be used as a tool with which to bash another woman. As Meghan Sussex loves to say, ‘A rising tide raises all ships.’"

Moreover, the praise Anderson received could be attributed to her display of empathy—understanding and sharing another person's feelings—a trait highly valued in society. According to Dr. John Gottman, a leading marriage researcher, "Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which is essential for building strong relationships." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Pat Love, a renowned relationship therapist, who states, "Empathy allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering trust and intimacy." Such insights highlight how individuals who demonstrate empathy are often perceived more positively in social contexts.

Pamela shut down the speculation

Watch What Happens Live/Bravo

Understanding the Psychology Behind Public Reactions

Public admiration for Pamela Anderson's response may be explained by the psychological principle of authenticity. Authenticity, or being true to oneself, is perceived favorably by others and is associated with numerous psychological benefits. As Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, states, "When we are authentic, we not only feel better about ourselves but also enhance our connections with others." His insights highlight that authenticity can lead to increased self-esteem, reduced stress, and improved relationships.

A third added, "Well done to Pamela for refusing to take the obvious bait to bash on Meghan. Women who bash on other women for NO REASON are beneath contempt."

While the debate over similarities has continued online, many have pointed out that both shows naturally share traits simply because they are centered on food and home cooking.

"They are cooking shows – what do you want?" one person commented.

Another wrote, "Well I’m gonna be that person, what do they expect? It’s a cooking show. Of course they all look the same. Let’s see, they’re all uh, COOKING and uh, in their KITCHEN. Past that, it’s not really a cooking show anymore, innit."

And a third summed it up simply: "Nothing similar here!"

The discussion around both series highlights how quickly the internet can pit celebrities against each other, often over formats that are inherently similar. For many viewers, Anderson’s refusal to feed into the rivalry served as a refreshing reminder that, in her own words, "I didn’t invent cooking shows."

What Research Shows About Celebrity Comparisons

Comparisons between celebrities, like Meghan Markle and Pamela Anderson, are common in our society. These comparisons can impact individuals' self-perceptions and behaviors. According to Dr. Dan Gilbert, a happiness researcher, "The way we perceive ourselves is often influenced by the standards set by others, especially in the realm of celebrity culture." This suggests that such comparisons can influence self-esteem and body image, particularly in young women. However, Anderson's response, which embraces another's success rather than viewing it as a threat, offers a healthy perspective on comparison.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, Anderson's authentic and empathetic response to the comparison with Meghan Markle demonstrates the power of these traits in fostering positive social interactions. Furthermore, her response serves as a reminder that comparisons, while often inevitable, can be navigated in a way that supports rather than undermines others' success. As noted by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, "Empathy is essential in our interactions; it allows us to connect and understand one another deeply." Additionally, Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, emphasizes, "The key to successful relationships lies in our ability to manage conflict with compassion and empathy." These insights underscore the importance of empathy and understanding in our relationships.