📑Table of Contents:
Jessica Mulroney had the kind of media presence most stylists only dream about. TV appearances, celebrity clients, brand deals, and a spot on the royal wedding guest list. Her polished image as a tastemaker made her both aspirational and accessible to millions.
But in 2020, that image collapsed almost instantly. A public conflict over race, privilege, and power stripped away the gloss. What followed wasn’t a flashy redemption arc. It was something slower and more revealing.
This is the story of how she rose, how it all came undone, and what she’s doing now to rebuild.
A Career Built on Style and Connections
Jessica Mulroney’s name was already recognizable in certain Canadian circles before she became a media personality. Born Jessica Brownstein in Montreal, she came from an affluent family that ran the successful shoe chain Brown’s. She later married Ben Mulroney, the son of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. But she didn’t coast on connections.
Her career began with fashion. Along with her sister-in-law, Elizabeth, Jessica helped bring premium lingerie brands like La Perla and Cosabella into Canada. That venture positioned her early on as someone who knew what sold and how to present it.
From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage
Styling soon became her focus. She wasn’t a traditional fashion editor or magazine darling, but she knew how to work with high-profile women. Her most significant client was Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Canada’s First Lady. Later, she connected with Meghan Markle while Markle was still filming Suits in Toronto.
That friendship opened doors. Markle trusted Mulroney to help shape her public image—a major vote of confidence at a time when Markle’s star was on the rise. When Markle married Prince Harry in 2018, Mulroney’s children served as part of the bridal party. Jessica herself sat among the elite guests.
For a stylist, this was next-level visibility. Mulroney was no longer working with celebrities—she was one of them.
Media Fame and the Influence Economy
At the height of her popularity, Jessica Mulroney was more than a fashion expert. She was a media brand. Her social media presence blended curated luxury with relatable “mom content.” She styled brides, shared parenting moments, and showcased designer looks.
She also hosted the wedding reality show “I Do, Redo” on CTV. The concept was simple: help couples have the dream wedding they never got to experience the first time. Mulroney brought fashion expertise, TV polish, and emotional accessibility.
Her partnerships reflected her crossover appeal. She worked with retailers like Hudson’s Bay and appeared on CityLine and Good Morning America. With the right lighting and the right caption, everything she touched looked effortless. But beneath the surface, tensions were brewing—tensions that would come to light in an unexpected and very public way.
The Turning Point (June 2020)
Everything changed in the summer of 2020. At the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, many influencers faced pressure to speak up. Sasha Exeter, a Black Canadian content creator, posted a general message urging others with platforms to use their voice.
Jessica Mulroney took it personally.
The Exchange That Went Public
According to Exeter, Mulroney sent her a series of direct messages that she described as defensive, aggressive, and intimidating. At one point, Mulroney allegedly threatened Exeter’s partnerships. In response, Exeter shared the exchange publicly, sparking a wave of outrage online.
Mulroney quickly issued an apology. She acknowledged her privilege and said she was committed to learning. But it wasn’t enough. Not this time.
Immediate Fallout
The consequences came fast. I Do, Redo was canceled. CTV, Hudson’s Bay, and other partners ended their relationships with her. ABC cut her from her fashion segment on Good Morning America. A publicist might have called it a “PR crisis,” but this wasn’t just bad optics—it was about behavior, influence, and the way white privilege plays out behind the scenes.
Even Meghan Markle, who once called Mulroney a close friend, reportedly ended the relationship. No official statements were made, but royal sources confirmed the friendship had “cooled.”
In days, Mulroney’s public brand collapsed. Years of carefully built influence evaporated.
Public Silence, Private Fallout
After her apology, Mulroney went silent. She deactivated her Instagram, stayed away from interviews, didn’t issue long statements, or try to reframe the narrative. She just stopped showing up.
This wasn’t just a PR strategy. By her admission, the backlash hit her hard. She later shared that she was dealing with anxiety and depression, and that her focus had shifted entirely to her children and family.
Avoiding the “Comeback” Trap
Importantly, she didn’t try to make a dramatic return. In an era where canceled influencers often try to reclaim their platforms within weeks, Mulroney stayed quiet for months.
She didn’t attempt to relaunch her brand or cash in on her silence. That restraint may have helped her avoid even harsher backlash.
The Careful Re-entry
Months after going offline, Mulroney returned to social media. But things had changed.
Her posts were more personal and less polished. She shared a photo celebrating her son’s birthday. Later, she posted about her son’s injury and praised the care he received at Toronto’s SickKids hospital. These updates felt sincere and grounded, far from the curated, brand-heavy content she was once known for.
Working Under the Radar
As of 2025, she’s made selective moves. She’s partnered with a handful of smaller brands. She hasn’t returned to mainstream TV. She has avoided making political statements or engaging in social commentary. Her Instagram activity remains light.
She hasn’t attempted to reclaim her old spotlight. Instead, she seems to be building something quieter—something less public and more sustainable.
The Memoir Question
There’s one wildcard: a rumored memoir. Reports suggest she may be writing about her friendship with Meghan Markle and the events that followed. That could change the game—again.
If it’s honest and introspective, it might reshape public perception. But if it comes across as bitter or opportunistic, it could reopen old wounds.
Mulroney has spent nearly five years out of the spotlight, carefully avoiding controversy. A memoir might put her right back in it.
What Jessica Mulroney’s Story Says About Influence Today
Her rise and fall offer a clear view into how influence works—and how fast it can disappear.
You can build a platform with skill, timing, and connections. But once you have an audience, how you use your voice matters more than ever. What happened to Mulroney wasn’t just about bad press. It was about how people use power behind closed doors, and how they respond when they get called out.
Her story also illustrates what rebuilding truly entails. It’s not glossy. It’s not quick. It requires reflection, humility, and patience—qualities that don’t always trend on Instagram.
Final Thoughts
Jessica Mulroney didn’t just lose deals—she lost trust. And instead of demanding it back, she took a different path. She stayed quiet, changed her tone, and focused on her family. Now, she’s navigating the long road back.
Whether or not she returns to public life in full, her story remains a blueprint for how quickly influence can shift and how difficult it is to regain once it’s gone.
It’s not about cancel culture. It’s about accountability—and what comes after.
