Things are going from bad to worse for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s reputations. If royal biographer Tom Bower‘s bombshell new book – which they dismissed as a “deranged conspiracy” – wasn’t enough to cause controversy, then Variety‘s latest report about their allegedly strained relationship with Netflix might just do the trick!
Variety published the report on Tuesday, March 17th, shortly after the news broke that Netflix had cut ties with Meghan’s As Ever lifestyle brand, and following earlier reports that her With Love, Meghan show was cancelled after just two seasons.
The report paints a rather tense picture of the couple’s behind-the-scenes relationship with the streaming giant, with insiders alleging that their behaviour in meetings left some Netflix employees frustrated – although these are claims their lawyer has since attempted to debunk. And the report unsurprisingly has some people wondering whether those alleged tensions are the real reason Netflix has begun distancing itself from the Sussexes. Keep reading for more details…
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What Were Some Of The Allegations Against Prince Harry And Meghan Markle?
In the Variety report, insiders suggested that some staff seem to be relieved to have less to do with the couple these days, since the aforementioned parting of ways with As Ever and the cancellation of With Love, Meghan. Although the Sussexes are still believed to have an arrangement with Netflix after their original $100M deal expired, some employees reportedly feel very grateful that their paths may not cross as frequently going forward!
Variety suggested that Netflix executives became tired of the couple repeatedly revisiting their royal exit in different projects. "The Sussexes' perceived pattern of selling repackaged versions of the same story about their exit from royal life has exhausted Netflix," the pub reported.
"Their partnership may continue to taper off, and with it will Meghan and Harry's remaining showbusiness lifeline," the pub added, with one insider summing up the mood inside the company rather bluntly, reportedly saying: "The mood in the building is 'We're done.'"
In Variety's report, some insiders reportedly described the couple’s overall "vibe" in meetings as difficult to work with, adding to the alleged tension among Netflix staff. One source reportedly claimed Prince Harry and Meghan's "bedside manner has ruffled feathers in meetings," while disappointing viewing figures raised doubts about the couple internally.
Meghan Markle Accused Of 'Talking Over' Prince Harry And Dismissing Him
Another one of the allegations was that the former Suits actress would occasionally leave Zoom meetings if she became offended by something said during discussions – and that is something which their lawyer really pushed back against! (More on this down below!)
Sources also alleged that Meghan would sometimes "talk over or recast" Prince Harry's thoughts, even when he was mid-sentence. The report also claimed that she would touch his arm or thigh during both virtual and in-person meetings with Netflix partners.
Meanwhile, their Archewell Productions company has reportedly been accused of having "poor communication" in its dealings with Netflix. According to insiders, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos had grown "fed up" with the Sussexes, who allegedly texted him directly and repeatedly about their projects.
Another claim suggested Sarandos had said he wouldn't sit for a call with Markle unless a lawyer was present on the line, although a Netflix spokesperson strongly denied that allegation, calling it "absolutely inaccurate."
Netflix Is Now 'Hesitant To Work With' Prince Harry And Meghan Markle
Despite the massive success of the couple's documentary Harry & Meghan back in 2022, Variety reported that "A-list talent and directors" are now "hesitant to work with the pair."
The publication also reported that after the second season of With Love, Meghan reportedly "cratered," Netflix insiders began to question the future of the partnership.
Looking back at the couple's five-year relationship with the streamer, Variety asked: "After half a decade of inconsistent shows, strategic shifts, false starts and a diminished hold on the popular imagination, are the Sussexes really living the Hollywood dream they imagined?"
Defense For The Sussexes
As we previously mentioned, the Sussexes' lawyer, Michael J. Kump, strongly pushed back against several of the claims in the report. Kump told Variety that Meghan's alleged absences from meetings were not due to unprofessional behavior, but simply the reality of parenting son Prince Archie and daughter Princess Lilibet.
Kump said she "works from home, is the mother of young children aged 4 and 6, and often encounters children who enter the space unexpectedly during a meeting." He added: "Nearly all professionals can attest to needing to turn off the audio or camera during a virtual meeting at some point during many hours of virtual business calls."
Kump also insisted that claims the As Ever founder talks over and dismisses her husband "seems calculated to play into the misogynistic characterization of her bossing her husband around." Prince Harry also reportedly told Variety that the allegation is "categorically false."
Addressing the claim that Sarandos would refuse to speak with Markle without a lawyer present, Kump said: "This is blatantly false. In fact, Meghan texts and speaks with Mr. Sarandos regularly, and has been to his home, sans lawyers." Netflix also denied that claim, insisting it was "absolutely inaccurate."
Another Source Claims The Sussexes And Netflix Are Still 'In A Great Place'
While the report suggested Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria had "grown weary" of working with the Sussexes, Bajaria herself told Variety she has "really enjoyed" collaborating with them. So what do we believe?!
"They're deeply engaged in the storytelling process and bring a unique, global perspective that aligns with the kinds of impactful projects our members respond to," Bajaria reportedly said.
The Sussexes reportedly had several projects in development, including adaptations of the books Meet Me at the Lake and The Wedding Date, before Netflix cut ties with As Ever. While some reports suggest those projects may now be "in limbo" and could ultimately never see the light of day, a newer report claims otherwise.
Another source told Page Six that the couple's overall Netflix deal is still "in a great place," with multiple scripted and unscripted projects currently in development. Will the world ever see these projects? Only time will tell!
