Poh Ling Yeow, 52, is defending Meghan Markle against the backlash over their new television collaboration.
The celebrity chef praised the Duchess of Sussex, 45, in an interview with Pedestrian TV on Wednesday, framing their upcoming “MasterChef Junior Australia” gig as “the ultimate clapback” to reports of a rift between them. Yeow described Markle as possessing a “will of steel” in the face of relentless criticism.
“I just have even more admiration for her,” Yeow said.
She continued that navigating “the fallout” from their previous collaboration on “MasterChef Australia” this past April, which aired in July, proved “really crazy.” Yeow noted that rumors shadow the “Suits” alum constantly, adding, “I guess I was latently experiencing it because some of it even came my way but, like, it’s fine.”
The fallout she referenced stemmed from a SkyNews report over the summer claiming Markle and Yeow had clashed during filming, allegedly because Yeow had falsely referred to Markle as “royalty.” the outlet debunked those rumors at the time, with an insider insisting the duo “had a great time” and that “there was no frustration on Meghan’s side about anything that was said on set.”
Reports said Tuesday that Markle will appear as a “special guest” alongside Yeow in “MasterChef Junior Australia,” with episodes slated for release in 2027. Markle announced the news herself in a press release, calling her participation “an easy yes.”
“I love cooking with my own kids, [Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet], so seeing what these young stars create in the kitchen is going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see what they cook up!” she explained.
Yeow echoed the enthusiasm in her own statement, writing that reuniting with Markle would be a “real treat” since they had a “lovely time” during their first project together.
Not all observers accepted Yeow’s supportive words at face value. Some social media users dismissed her remarks as “corporate speak,” suggesting she was bound by contractual obligations to speak positively about her colleague. Others, however, applauded Yeow for publicly backing Markle.
Yeow did not hold back in characterizing the negativity directed at Markle, describing her detractors as “insatiable and horrible.”
The Duchess is currently abroad with Prince Harry and their children during the October half-term break, away from their home in England. The timing has reportedly served as a “convenient opportunity to let headlines settle” amid another family crisis: her father, Thomas Markle Sr., 82, is being investigated by Philippines police for alleged possession of child pornography, allegations he has denied as “sick lies.”
Markle addressed those claims in a written statement, calling them “deeply distress[ing]” and suggesting they illuminate why she has maintained years-long estrangement from her father and her “choice to not allow him to have contact with [her] children.”
The exact filming dates for Markle and Yeow’s “MasterChef Junior Australia” appearances remain unconfirmed.
