What began as a seemingly innocent moment of wellness and friendship on Netflix has now erupted into a full-blown legal and media storm — one that could haunt Meghan Markle well into the new year.
In a dramatic twist that has set Hollywood, royal watchers, and social media ablaze, Meghan is facing a threatened $10 million lawsuit from a self-described fan who claims she suffered severe chemical burns and “horrific skin necrosis” after following a homemade bath salt recipe featured in Meghan’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan.
The allegations are shocking.
The language is graphic.
And the timing — just days before Christmas — has raised more than a few eyebrows.
Is this truly a devastating health tragedy linked to Meghan’s wellness advice?
Or is it the latest high-profile attempt to turn controversy into cash?
From “Self-Care” to Legal Nightmare
The recipe in question appeared briefly in With Love, Meghan, during a segment in which Meghan prepared a thoughtful, homemade wellness gift for her longtime friend and makeup artist Daniel Martin.
The ingredients seemed harmless enough:
Epsom salt
Himalayan pink salt
Arnica oil
Lavender essential oil
Presented as a gesture of calm, healing, and self-care, the bath salts were never marketed as a medical treatment — nor were they sold commercially.
Yet according to Robin Patrick, a Maryland woman who identifies herself as a devoted Meghan supporter, that short Netflix moment changed her life “forever.”
“My Skin Was Burning From the Inside”
Patrick, who has publicly stated she suffers from diabetes, claims she enthusiastically recreated the bath salt recipe at home.
At first, she said, the sensation was mild — “a slight tingling.”
But once she submerged herself in a warm bath, she alleges everything spiraled out of control.
“The pain exploded,” Patrick told reporters.
“My skin was burning from the inside. Blisters formed almost immediately. Then black ulcers appeared.”
Patrick later circulated graphic photographs of what she described as blistered limbs and darkened patches of skin, claiming the injuries left her unable to take warm baths, wear normal clothing, or sleep comfortably.
She further alleged that the trauma could lead to long-term psychological damage, including PTSD, and even shorten her lifespan.
A $10 Million Threat — Not a Lawsuit (Yet)
Through her legal representatives, Patrick has reportedly threatened — but not yet filed — a lawsuit seeking up to $10 million in damages, including:
At least $75,000 in medical expenses
Additional compensation for pain and suffering
A massive punitive sum meant to “send a message”
Her core accusation?
That Meghan Markle acted “irresponsibly” by sharing the recipe without explicitly warning diabetics or individuals with sensitive skin of potential risks.
“She should have known better,” Patrick reportedly claimed.
“She has a platform. People listen to her.”
Internet Erupts: Sympathy vs. Suspicion
As news of the allegations spread, the internet quickly split into two camps.
One side expressed sympathy, arguing that celebrities should be held accountable for lifestyle advice that fans may imitate.
“If you influence millions, you have responsibility,” one commenter wrote.
Others were far less convinced.
Critics questioned everything — from the medical claims to the sudden financial demands.
“Why is this coming back now?” another asked.
“Why Christmas?”
“And why no confirmed medical diagnosis?”
Some went further, suggesting the entire saga had the hallmarks of a calculated cash grab.
Meghan’s Lawyer Responds: “No Legal Basis”
As speculation reached fever pitch, Meghan’s attorney, Cameron Stracher, issued a firm and unequivocal response.
“There is absolutely no legal basis for these claims,” Stracher said.
According to the legal team, the threatened lawsuit collapses under even minimal scrutiny.
First, Stracher noted, Epsom salt packaging clearly warns that individuals with diabetes should not use the product unless directed by a medical professional.
Second, Meghan never instructed viewers to recreate the recipe, nor did she provide dosages, medical advice, or safety guarantees.
Third — and perhaps most crucially — there has been no publicly verified medical diagnosis confirming skin necrosis or chemical burns linked to the recipe.
“To date, this matter has resulted in nothing more than a demand letter,” Stracher emphasized.
“There is no active lawsuit. No court filing. No judicial findings.”
Medical Experts Weigh In
Dermatologists contacted by media outlets were cautious but skeptical of Patrick’s claims.
Most agreed that essential oils can cause irritation or burns if used undiluted or improperly, especially on compromised skin.
However, they also stressed that the recipe — when diluted correctly — is widely considered safe and commonly used in wellness practices.
“True necrosis is extremely serious and would require immediate medical confirmation,” one dermatologist explained.
“It’s not something diagnosed by photographs alone.”
Notably, thousands of viewers reportedly tried similar bath blends without incident, many praising the experience as relaxing and soothing.
Why Is This Story Resurfacing Now?
Perhaps the most curious aspect of the saga is timing.
The incident allegedly occurred in May 2025, yet the controversy is only now dominating headlines — right in the middle of the holiday season.
Royal commentators and Hollywood insiders alike have questioned whether the story is being deliberately revived to inflict maximum reputational damage.
“Dragging this out during Christmas feels strategic,” one media analyst said.
“It guarantees attention.”
Others point out that Meghan has recently enjoyed a relatively calm period in Montecito, focusing on family life and her lifestyle brand As Ever — making the renewed controversy all the more conspicuous.
A Familiar Pattern?
For Meghan Markle, controversy is hardly new.
From royal duties to Oprah interviews, from podcast deals to Netflix productions, her career has often been accompanied by intense scrutiny — and legal threats.
Yet insiders insist this case stands apart precisely because it never made it to court.
“There’s a big difference between a lawsuit and a threat of one,” a legal expert noted.
“And that difference matters.”
The Bigger Question
So what is this really about?
A tragic medical reaction?
A misunderstanding of wellness advice?
Or a sensationalized claim amplified by the promise of a multimillion-dollar payday?
For now, the facts remain murky — but one thing is clear: Meghan Markle is not backing down.
Her legal team remains confident.
No settlement has been announced.
No wrongdoing has been admitted.
And unless a court says otherwise, the Duchess of Sussex appears firmly on solid ground.
Final Word
In an era of viral outrage and instant accusations, the bath salt saga serves as a cautionary tale — about influence, responsibility, and the dangerous power of sensationalism.
As one Hollywood insider put it:
“In this town, sometimes the loudest scandal turns out to be nothing more than a soap bubble.”
For Meghan Markle, this may yet prove to be exactly that.
