Following the disastrous launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, Netflix has reportedly severed ties with Meghan Markle.
This unexpected development is causing significant ripples throughout the entertainment industry. In 2020, the former actress signed a lucrative deal with the streaming giant to develop diverse content, including documentaries, scripted series, and children's shows. However, insiders report that Netflix executives have grown increasingly dissatisfied with Meghan's inability to fulfill her obligations, leading to the eventual severance of ties.
Earlier this year, Meghan introduced her long-awaited American Riviera Orchard label, created to reflect her passion for eco-friendly living and natural farming methods. The launch featured a luxurious social media campaign, where she sent limited edition jars of jams from their debut line as gifts to well-known public figures like Kris Jenner and designer Robin Thicke. Despite her acquaintances posting pictures on their social media, the public response was overwhelmingly negative. Critics quickly pointed out the high cost of the preserves, priced at $28 per jar, questioning their value and distinctiveness.
The criticism intensified when it was revealed that Meghan prominently displayed her title of Duchess of Sussex on the brand's website and social media, which many viewed as an attempt to exploit her royal status for financial gain. Commentator Olivia Hartley remarked that the venture was doomed from the start, suggesting that Meghan thought she could leverage her fame to sell overpriced jams, but the public saw through it, resulting in merciless online ridicule. Sources claim Meghan was upset and in tears over the backlash, feeling unfairly targeted by the media and public. However, Netflix executives did not share her sentiment, viewing the American Riviera Orchard fiasco as another misstep in a series of unfulfilled promises and delays that negatively impacted their business ventures.
An insider revealed that Netflix had invested heavily in Meghan and Harry, expecting high-quality, captivating content. Instead, they faced numerous postponements, excuses, and questionable decisions. Meghan's insistence on continuing the failing project was the tipping point, leading to Netflix severing ties. The insider explained that without fulfilling their obligations, there was no reason to keep them on the payroll, as a business must answer to shareholders. Meghan's personal endeavors did not align with Netflix's strategic priorities anymore.
The public's reaction to Netflix's decision has been mixed. Some commend the streaming service for taking a firm stance, while others criticize them for succumbing to what they see as cancel culture, which Meghan and Harry have faced since leaving Britain's royal family. Meghan's challenges may be just beginning as she deals with the fallout from the American Riviera Orchard debacle.
