Part 5/11:

Subtle Digging: The Case of the “Real” Kitchen and Cultural Signaling

Further evidence of this coded messaging appears in promotional content from other celebrities aligned with Paltrow’s camp, such as Tracy Anderson, a celebrity fitness trainer. Anderson posted a video claiming to be in her "actual kitchen," which many interpreted as a dig at Markle’s use of staged or set kitchens in her Netflix shows. The commentary suggests that Markle’s preferred aesthetic is highly curated, whereas Paltrow and her allies aim to exemplify unfiltered authenticity.

The debate extends to trivial details like the design of Paltrow’s monogram mug, which fans claim mirrors Markle’s Sussex monogram—either a signature gesture or just an indication of wealth privilege.