Since their departure from the Royal Family in 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, also known as the Sussexes, have been trying to establish their own identities and build their brands.
They have ventured into various projects, including a memoir, a Netflix series, and a Spotify podcast.
However, their endeavors have not been without criticism, particularly when it comes to their portrayal of the Royal Family.
The Netflix series and Harry’s memoir received backlash due to their negative depiction of the Royal Family.
As a result, the couple’s Spotify deal was terminated after just one season of Meghan’s Archetypes podcast.
Bill Griffiths, Spotify’s head of podcast innovation, went so far as to label them “the Grifters,” while others have dubbed them Hollywood’s biggest losers.
PR expert Mark Bukowski expressed his doubts about Harry’s ability to create valuable and meaningful content, stating that both Netflix and Spotify have not seen success with the type of content the Sussexes aspire to produce.
Bukowski further elaborated on Meghan’s public image, explaining that by appearing on red carpets and premieres, she puts herself on display for those who may potentially hire or use her services.
However, he noted that despite their attempts to align themselves with certain values, their high-minded approach has not yielded the desired results.
Ultimately, they need to make money, and it seems that their $100 million contract with Netflix is now hanging by a thread.
Recent reports suggest that Meghan and Harry’s meeting with Ted Sarandos, the CEO of Netflix, at a Beyonce concert may have further strained their relationship with the streaming giant.
During the event, Meghan managed to secure a spot in the same box as Sarandos and his wife Nicole.
However, Nicole reportedly asked security to remove Meghan from their section, stating that she had not been personally invited.
This incident highlights Meghan’s struggle to navigate the world of A-list celebrities, as she often comes across as a fangirl rather than a peer.
In Hollywood, where competition is fierce, any hint of desperation can be detrimental to one’s career.
Adding to their troubles, Harry and Meghan’s Netflix deal is set to expire in 2025.
However, there are concerns that it may be terminated sooner, especially after the negative portrayal of Harry in the final season of the popular series “The Crown.”
Harry is said to be furious about how his character is depicted as a slimy, unintelligent, drug-abusing, whining brat with a bowl cut and a sleazy gold chain.
In contrast, his brother William is portrayed as a shrewd international heartthrob.
Royal expert Angela Levin believes that Harry will also be upset about a specific scene in which King Charles tells his sons about their mother’s tragic death in a car crash.
In his memoir, Harry claimed that his father did not show him any affection during that difficult moment.
However, the creators of “The Crown” chose to portray a more sympathetic and caring side of Charles, disregarding Harry’s account.
As Meghan and Harry’s future with Netflix remains uncertain, it is clear that their path to success outside the Royal Family has been met with challenges and controversy.
Whether they can overcome these obstacles and continue to make a meaningful impact in the entertainment industry remains to be seen.