Sawt Falasteen - Meghan Markle's Netflix show delayed due to LA fires

"With Love, Meghan," an eight-episode lifestyle and cooking show, had been due to debut on the streaming platform on Wednesday.

But with blazes that have killed at least 16 people still burning across Los Angeles, and thousands of homes destroyed, it has been pushed back to March.

"I'm thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California," Markle said in a statement.

Markle, who was born in Los Angeles, lives with Harry in Montecito, a swanky coastal enclave some 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of the city.

A Netflix statement called the show a "heartfelt tribute to the beauty of Southern California."

The delay was made at "the request of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and with the full support of Netflix.... due to the ongoing devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires," it said.

Last week, Harry and Meghan were seen in the Los Angeles suburb of Pasadena, comforting survivors of the fire.

They also issued a statement urging Californians to open their homes to evacuees.

"If a friend, loved one or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do," said a statement posted to their official website.

A publicist did not respond to AFP request for comment on whether the couple had personally hosted any evacuees.

But a report in Britain's Telegraph said they were sheltering "friends and loved ones who have been displaced by the wildfires."

The pair had also donated "clothing, children's items and other essential supplies," it said.

A trailer for "With Love, Meghan" previewed the "Suits" star sharing tips on cooking, gardening, crafting, flower arranging and hosting.

Guests will include celebrated chef Alice Waters, actress Mindy Kaling and close friend Abigail Spencer, one of Markle's "Suits" co-stars. Harry appears briefly in the trailer.

Since stepping away from their official royal duties in early 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been cut off from the royal purse, forcing them to develop their own sources of income.

Their partnership with Netflix yielded the much-talked-about "Harry & Meghan," a six-episode docuseries launched in December 2022.

In March 2024, Meghan launched the lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard.

O.Salim--SF-PST