Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is facing a potential $10 million lawsuit stemming from a bath salt recipe she shared in her Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan.” The recipe, which includes ingredients like Epsom salt, arnica oil, lavender oil, pink Himalayan salt, and dried flowers, is alleged to have caused severe burns to Robin Patrick, a diabetic viewer from Maryland. This case raises important questions about liability for wellness advice shared in media, celebrity responsibilities, and consumer safety.
Background of the Meghan Markle Bath Salt Lawsuit
The controversy began after the premiere episode of Markle’s Netflix show aired on March 4, 2025. In the episode, Meghan demonstrated a homemade bath salt recipe intended for relaxation and skin care. Robin Patrick, inspired by this segment, followed the recipe exactly but developed “catastrophic burns,” particularly due to her underlying diabetic condition, which increases vulnerability to skin injuries and slows healing.
Patrick claims significant pain, open ulcers, and cosmetic damage resulting from the bath salt soak, which disrupted her daily life by preventing warm showers and normal dressing. She has expressed intent to sue Meghan Markle, Netflix, Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), and Archewell Productions for negligence and failure to warn viewers of risks associated with the recipe.
Parties Involved
- Plaintiff: Robin Patrick, Maryland resident and diabetic who alleges injuries from the bath salt recipe.
- Defendants: Meghan Markle, Netflix, Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), and Archewell Productions (Meghan and Prince Harry’s media company).
Details of the Lawsuit Allegations
Patrick’s claim alleges that the defendants exhibited “reckless disregard for public safety” by sharing the bath salt recipe without adequate warnings, especially for individuals with medical conditions like diabetes. She seeks $75,000 in compensatory damages for medical expenses and $10 million in punitive damages to deter similar future conduct.
According to her account, the bath salts initially caused a mild tingling sensation, escalating to intense burning, blistering, and ulcers despite applying lotion and lidocaine spray. The prolonged skin damage has caused ongoing pain and cosmetic distress.
Legal Claims and Relevant Laws
The potential lawsuit is grounded in negligence claims, asserting a duty of care by the defendants to adequately warn viewers of risks inherent in the bath salt recipe. It raises considerations of liability in media for disseminating health and wellness advice and the extent to which celebrities and production companies are responsible for viewer safety.
The defendants argue that there is no special legal duty owed, emphasizing the First Amendment protection of free speech and disclaiming ownership or sale of the ingredients. The presence of warning labels on commercial Epsom salts and the plaintiff’s diabetic condition are cited as mitigating factors for liability.
Health, Financial, Social, or Industry Impact
This lawsuit highlights the health risks associated with DIY wellness remedies, particularly for vulnerable individuals with conditions like diabetes. It raises awareness about the importance of disclaimers and safety information in digital content that influences consumer behavior.
Financially, the case could result in substantial damages and increased caution by media producers in presenting health-related advice. Socially, it contributes to debates on celebrity influence, accountability, and the responsibilities of entertainment platforms.
Current Status and Developments
As of mid-2025, the lawsuit has not yet been formally filed, though a formal legal notice demanding compensation has been issued. Meghan Markle’s legal team has responded by dismissing the claims as unfounded and emphasizing the plaintiff’s failure to heed existing warnings on ingredient packaging. The case continues to draw media attention and legal scrutiny regarding the boundaries of liability in lifestyle programming.
Consumer Advice and Business Consequences
Consumers are advised to exercise caution when trying home remedies, especially those involving skin contact, and to consider personal health conditions when using such recipes. Consulting healthcare professionals before adopting new wellness treatments is recommended.
For media and entertainment companies, the case underscores the necessity of including clear warnings and disclaimers when presenting health-related content. Celebrity brands must weigh the risks of promoting DIY health remedies without adequate cautionary advice to prevent legal and reputational harm.
Key Consumer Tips
- Always read and follow safety instructions on commercial wellness products.
- Be cautious with DIY remedies if you have medical conditions, such as diabetes or skin sensitivities.
- Look for professional medical advice before trying new skincare treatments.
- Pay attention to warnings and disclaimers provided in media content.
Conclusion: Significance and Future Outlook
The Meghan Markle bath salt lawsuit raises critical issues around the legal responsibility of public figures and media platforms in disseminating wellness advice. It serves as a cautionary example for celebrities, producers, and consumers alike about potential risks and liabilities associated with lifestyle content. As the case develops, it may shape future standards for health-related programming and the communication of safety information in the digital age.
