Part 3/10:
A recurring theme in the critique is Gilbert’s alleged manipulativeness and narcissism. Gilbert, who refers to her followers as “dear ones,” is portrayed as a cult figure, akin to a dictator with her devoted followers. The critique points out how Gilbert’s public images and interviews—such as her recent claims about “only surrounding herself with high-quality people”—are disingenuous or delusional. The media, especially outlets like The Cut or The New Yorker, are criticized for their failure to scrutinize these narratives thoroughly, instead perpetuating her mythos as a spiritual guru with a “love story,” despite evidence pointing to her complicity in her partner’s decline.