In a bold move following the termination of her commercial partnership with Spotify, Meghan Markle has secured a new contract with renowned Hollywood agency William Morris Endeavor (WME).
The Duchess of Sussex hopes that this collaboration will propel her into the ranks of Tinseltown’s power players.
Leading the charge at WME is her new agent, Ari Emanuel, a prominent figure in the fashion industry.
Interestingly, his wife, Sarah Staudinger, is the founder and designer of the luxury Staud brand, a label that Meghan holds dear.
While the world eagerly awaits Meghan’s future plans with WME, Chairman Ari Emanuel seems less enthusiastic about the prospects.
He believes that the stars who sign with WME should contribute something to the organization, a sentiment he feels is lacking in Meghan Markle, unlike other actors associated with the agency.
Ari Emanuel acknowledges Meghan’s impressive acting career but expresses his inability to offer her a Hollywood contract due to various reasons, including the need to safeguard his company’s reputation.
Moreover, Ari Emanuel candidly admits his dissatisfaction when Meghan’s affiliation with WME caused a decline in sales for his wife’s brand.
Meghan, donning a two-piece pink linen suit from the Staud label, was recently spotted at an L.A. Lakers basketball game, attracting significant media attention.
Sources reveal that Meghan reached out to Sarah Staudinger, feigning interest in her clothing line, before persuading her that WME would be an ideal fit for her talent agency.
This unexpected turn of events surprised many, as Meghan actively pursued Ari Emanuel through his wife, a characteristic that aligns with her penchant for associating with prominent figures.
Unfortunately, Meghan’s appearance in the wrinkled linen suits had unintended consequences.
Sales of linen products, particularly those resembling her attire, experienced a significant decline.
In fact, the clothing category suffered a record-breaking 38 percent loss in sales, leaving the company, Styled, reeling from the backlash.
Critics questioned Meghan’s choice to wear stilettos at a basketball game, suggesting that a more casual California girl look would have been more appropriate.
The negative sentiment towards Meghan continues to grow, with some regarding her as the worst thing to ever happen to the royal family and now potentially the acting and producing world.
Despite the controversy surrounding Meghan, Ari Emanuel, as the head of WME, remains one of the most influential figures in the talent agency business.
His roster of clients includes Meghan’s friends Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, and Tyler Perry, all of whom he represents.
In fact, it was Tyler Perry who graciously provided the Sussexes with his Hollywood mansion upon their arrival in Los Angeles after stepping back from royal duties.
Furthermore, Perry holds the honor of being the godfather to Meghan and Prince Harry’s daughter, Lilibet.
Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought Hollywood to a standstill, WME managed to find innovative ways to generate revenue.
The agency, which also owns the Ultimate Fighting Championship, established “Fight Island,” an isolated location off the Emirati coast, where televised bouts were staged.
This venture proved to be immensely profitable, attracting millions through television rights and pay-per-view streaming.
As Meghan Markle embarks on this new chapter of her career with WME, the world eagerly awaits her next move in Tinseltown.
With the backing of a renowned agency and the support of influential figures like Ari Emanuel, Meghan aims to make a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
Only time will tell if she can overcome the challenges and criticisms that have followed her every step of the way.