Netflix executives are reportedly seething with anger after it was discovered that the trailer for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s upcoming docu-series contained what appears to be fake footage.
In one particular scene from the trailer, paparazzi can be seen surrounding the royal couple.
However, it has been revealed that this clip was actually filmed at a Harry Potter film premiere and during Katie Price’s arrival at court, sparking widespread speculation.
This situation has left Netflix bosses feeling a sense of deception surrounding the highly anticipated series.
A source from within the TV industry disclosed that Netflix higher-ups had expected Meghan and Harry to identify any potential issues.
Unfortunately, the presence of faked footage has cast doubt on the authenticity of the show even before its release.
Another snapshot featured Harry confronting the press alongside his ex-girlfriend, Chelsea Davy, who was later edited out of the shot.
The insider added, “The feeling is that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would have been more aware than anyone of what footage was genuine and what could be perceived as misleading.”
Netflix executives were unaware of the extent to which questionable imagery was used in the trailers, and they had assumed that Meghan and Harry would meticulously review and flag any problematic content.
This revelation comes at a time when the streaming giant is already grappling with accusations of exaggeration and fabrication in the past five seasons of their hit royal drama, The Crown.
Furthermore, Reddit user SecondhandCoke claimed that Netflix bosses are far from pleased with the couple.
She stated, “One of the reasons sources have mentioned is the scramble surrounding the photos, not only due to public criticism but also because photographers themselves have issued copyright strikes against some of the images.
Rumor has it that the decision to release the series in two parts was partly motivated by the need for Netflix to meticulously examine the content to ensure that copyright violations are avoided.
Frankly, much of this material consists of mindless collages of Harry and Meghan with voiceovers and other nonsense.”
Adding to the controversy, a former royal staff member expressed outrage at Netflix, accusing the streaming giant and production company of fabricating scenes depicting Prince Harry and Meghan being hounded by the press for their explosive docuseries.
The ex-employee told The Times, “Meghan never experienced situations where she was mobbed because we took extensive measures to protect her.
So, they had to invent those scenes.”
In the action-packed trailer, it appears as though the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are being swarmed by a throng of photographers eagerly vying for a snapshot of the royal couple.
However, Doug Seberg, a photographer from The Sun, dismissed this depiction, stating, “You never saw Meghan or Harry at the Harry Potter event.”
Meanwhile, a source close to the couple defended the use of stock footage, arguing that it is a common practice.
The insider explained, “Stock images are used to convey a story.
They are not meant to be taken literally in a trailer.”
The controversy surrounding the use of stock footage began when Robert Jobson, royal editor at the Evening Standard, expressed his concerns on Twitter.
He criticized the use of a photograph by Netflix and Harry and Meghan, claiming it falsely implied intrusion by the press.
Jobson clarified that the photo was taken from an accredited pool at Archbishop Tutu’s residence in Cape Town, where only three individuals had been authorized to be present.
He further revealed that both Harry and Meghan had agreed to this arrangement.