Princess Masako of Japan has become the subject of hatred for many Japanese tabloids after photographs were taken of her dining out at an expensive Mexican restaurant. And you thought Britney Spears had it tough:

They are grainy, indistinct photographs, but for a Japan on the edge of recession they are more than enough: a pricey Mexican dinner, a plate of rare black truffles and a bowl of shark-fin soup have unleashed an unprecedented media broadside against the future Empress of Japan.

After years of careful, respectful restraint, the Japanese press have turned on Crown Princess Masako: sympathy has turned to condemnation and tolerance has become attack.

The ire of the tabs also stems from the princess’ inability to perform her royal duties due to an unnamed psychological disorder, as well as for failing to produce a male heir. But mostly it’s because of those pricey crepas de huitlacoche.

Tabloids turn against the Crown Princess Masako [The Times]