Since departing from the royal family in 2020, the Sussexes have embarked on various ventures to build their individual brands, including a memoir, a Netflix series, and a Spotify podcast, among other projects.
However, their Netflix series and Harry's memoir have faced criticism due to their unfavorable portrayal of the royal family. The Spotify deal ended by mutual agreement after just one series of Megan's Archetypes podcast, leading to them being labeled as Hollywood's biggest losers.
PR expert Mark Bowski highlights the challenges faced by Harry, noting that while he desires to create valuable and meaningful content, their endeavors with Netflix and Spotify have not been successful. The platforms may not perceive the content they want to produce as having significant value. Bowski emphasizes the need for the Sussexes to produce content that aligns with their values while acknowledging the public's preference for sensational content over high-minded values.
Recent developments suggest that Megan Markle and Harry's lucrative $100 million contract with Netflix is now hanging by a thread. During a meeting with Netflix boss Ted Sandos at a Beyoncé concert, Megan's presence in the same box as the CEO reportedly led to discomfort.
Sources claim that Sandos and his wife asked security to remove Megan from their section, expressing displeasure at her uninvited presence. This incident raises questions about Megan's interactions with A-listers and her ability to navigate the competitive world of Hollywood without appearing desperate.
The uncertainty surrounding their deal with Netflix intensifies as the streaming giant is warned that it could be terminated sooner than its 2025 expiration. The depiction of Harry in the final season of "The Crown" has added fuel to the fire, portraying him as a slimy, unintelligent, drug-abusing individual, while William is portrayed as a shrewd international heartthrob. Royal expert Angela lvon suggests that Harry might be upset by the scene in which King Charles tells his sons about their mother's death, as it contradicts Harry's own account in his memoir, "Spear."
These recent developments not only pose challenges to the Sussexes' public image but also raise questions about the longevity of their lucrative contracts and their ability to navigate the complex dynamics of Hollywood. The clash between their desired values and the industry's demands becomes increasingly apparent as they face scrutiny from both the media and industry insiders.
