Paramount Pictures CEO, Brian Robbins, has dealt a double blow to the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, by refusing to grant her a ticket to the Super Bowl and banning her from appearing in any of the studio’s ads during the game.
Markle, who relocated to California with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children after stepping back from the royal family, had reportedly hoped to attend the NFL’s championship game in Las Vegas on February 11, 2024, as a guest of Robbins, who is a friend of Oprah Winfrey and a former co-star of Markle on the TV show Suits.
However, insiders have revealed that Robbins was unimpressed by Markle’s controversial interview with Winfrey last year, in which she accused the royal family of racism and mistreatment.
As a result, he decided to snub her request for a ticket.
According to sources, Robbins, who became the head of Paramount in 2023, is a loyal supporter of the Queen and a fan of the British monarchy.
“Brian was appalled by Meghan’s interview and the way she trashed the royals.
He thinks she is a liar and a fraud who has betrayed her country and her heritage.
He has no interest in associating with her or giving her any favors,” a source told The Sun.
To make matters worse, Robbins also ordered that Markle be removed from any of the ads that Paramount had planned to air during the Super Bowl, which is expected to attract over 100 million viewers in the US and around the world.
Paramount, owned by media giant Paramount Global, has several highly anticipated movies releasing in 2024, including Mission: Impossible 8, Top Gun: Maverick, and Avatar 2.
Markle, who had signed a lucrative deal with Paramount Plus to produce documentaries and podcasts with Prince Harry, had hoped to feature in some of the ads to promote their projects and boost their profile.
However, Robbins vetoed the idea and instructed his staff to edit out any footage of Markle from the ads.
“Brian does not want Meghan to have any exposure or publicity from the Super Bowl.
He thinks she is bad for the Paramount brand and bad for business.
He does not want her to ride on the coattails of the biggest event of the year,” the source said.
The snub from Robbins has left Markle devastated, feeling humiliated and rejected.
She is also concerned that her deal with Paramount Plus may be in jeopardy and that other Hollywood executives may follow Robbins’ lead and shun her.
“Meghan is furious and hurt by Brian’s actions.
She feels like he has stabbed her in the back and betrayed their friendship.
She thinks he is being unfair and unreasonable.
She is also scared that this may affect her future projects and opportunities in Hollywood.
She feels like she is being blacklisted and ostracized,” the source added.
Prince Harry, who has also faced criticism and backlash for his role in the Oprah interview and his decision to leave the royal family, is reportedly standing by his wife and is angry at Robbins.
He is considering taking legal action against Robbins and Paramount for breach of contract and defamation.
“Harry is standing by Meghan and is ready to fight for her.
He thinks Brian is being disrespectful and vindictive.
He is not going to let him get away with this.
He is looking into his legal options and may sue him and Paramount for damages and compensation,” the source revealed.