Harry and Meghan, known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, faced disappointment and anger as their bid to appear on Jimmy Kimmel’s renowned talk show was turned down, along with an invitation to the 96th Academy Awards.
The couple had aimed to grace the prestigious event with their Netflix production, “The Me You Can’t See,” reaching out to Kimmel through their mutual acquaintance, Oprah Winfrey, who famously interviewed them in a revealing expose back in 2020.
However, Kimmel, a seasoned comedian and late-night talk show host, did not take kindly to their request, bluntly advising them to steer clear and cease pestering him.
Kimmel, a four-time Oscars host, including the 2024 edition, is celebrated for his sharp wit, sarcasm, and engaging comedy sketches.
His show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” broadcasted on ABC, has garnered praise from both audiences and critics, featuring a plethora of notable personalities and political figures.
Apart from hosting, Kimmel also excels as a producer and writer, boasting accolades such as two Primetime Emmys.
Following their relocation to the United States with their son, Archie, after relinquishing their royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan aspired to make an appearance on Kimmel’s show to leverage the platform for promoting their film and advocacies.
The couple, having secured lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, have been actively creating content aligned with their values, focusing on mental health, women’s empowerment, and social justice initiatives.
Additionally, they established their foundation, Archwell, and welcomed their second child, Lilibet, born in June 2021.
Their documentary, “The Me You Can’t See,” featured personal accounts of mental health struggles from Harry, Meghan, and other prominent figures, produced under their media company, Archwell Productions, as part of their substantial Netflix deal valued at $100 million.
Despite its release in May 2023, the film received a mixed reception, earning both acclaim for its candor and criticism for alleged self-indulgence and exploitation of participants’ lives.
The film’s submission for the 2024 Oscars, anticipated to secure a nomination in the Best Documentary Feature category due to its relevant subject matter and star-studded cast, fell short when the nominations were unveiled in January 2024.
Snubbed across various categories, including Best Picture and Best Director, the omission reportedly incensed Harry and Meghan, who had envisioned the award as a testament to their credibility and influence in the filmmaking realm.
Expressing discontent over the perceived bias within the Academy and the royal family’s alleged interference, Harry and Meghan sought Kimmel’s intervention through Winfrey, who had appeared on his show in February 2024.
Despite their pleas to be included in the Oscars guest list to support their film and engage with fellow nominees, Kimmel remained unmoved, rejecting their overtures with a dismissive tone.
Declaring his disinterest in hosting the couple on his show or at the Oscars, Kimmel rebuffed their advances, questioning their intentions and dismissing their aspirations for recognition.
Emphasizing his preference for other guests and films, Kimmel conveyed his lack of regard for Harry and Meghan’s pursuits, signaling an end to their hopes of leveraging his platform for further publicity.