In 2020, Meghan Markle stirred controversy among Royal Watchers when it was disclosed that she had agreed to lend her voice to the Disney documentary "Elephants" without receiving payment.
Instead, Markle requested that the funds be directed to the Botswana charity Elephants Without Borders. Speculation arose that an undisclosed A-list celebrity was removed from the project to make way for Meghan's narration. Rumors pointed to Meryl Streep as the said A-lister ousted.
Angela Levin, a notable figure in royal reporting, retweeted a claim insinuating that Meghan pocketed three million dollars from her work on Disney's "Elephants" documentary instead of donating it to Elephants Without Borders, as initially reported.
Levin shared a video of Harry and Meghan at the July 2019 London premiere of "The Lion King," where Harry purportedly discussed Meghan's voice-over abilities with Disney CEO Bob Iger. Subsequently, Meghan contributed her talents to the "Elephants" documentary, and in January 2020, it was reported that she asked Disney to donate to Elephants Without Borders in lieu of payment.
Despite Disney's promise of a three-million-dollar donation to the elephant charity for Meghan Markle's voice-over, doubts arose as Elephants Without Borders did not seem to have received the funds. Levin shared retweets from Royal Watchers questioning the donation, and some criticized the charity's silence on the matter. Rumors on Reddit alleged that Meghan kept the three million, prompting Disney to discover she hadn't donated the money and subsequently make the donation themselves.
As the speculation unfolded, it became evident that Meghan and Disney were parting ways. The sentiment was captured in the statement, "Meghan needs Disney more than Disney needs Megan." This marked the end of any future collaborations between Meghan, Harry, and Disney or its subsidiaries.
The fallout from the controversy extended to Meghan's reputation in the entertainment industry. Reports suggested that Disney producers laughed at the mention of Meghan Markle's name, attributing it to the alleged subpar quality of her voice-over for "Elephants." Accusations of financial impropriety and unmet expectations surrounded Meghan, tarnishing her image further.
In response to the mounting negative publicity, Meghan seemingly retreated from the public eye, with occasional glimpses suggesting attempts to project a carefree image. However, the specter of past and present controversies loomed large, making it challenging for Meghan to secure favorable partnerships, as evident from reputed PR firms distancing themselves from her. The narrative shifted towards the notion that no amount of PR wizardry could salvage Meghan's reputation from the perceived web of deceit and unfavorable publicity she had woven.
The fallout from the "Elephants" controversy served as a turning point in Meghan Markle's post-royal career, highlighting challenges in her attempts to rebuild her image and secure lucrative business associations. The skepticism surrounding her actions and the potential fallout from continued negative publicity presented obstacles for Meghan in the competitive world of entertainment.
