Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's reputation as challenging employers has become a subject of intense public scrutiny.
There is now speculation that former staff members are on the brink of breaking their non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to reveal the difficult working conditions they allegedly endured. Comparisons of Meghan Markle to notorious figures like Joan Crawford and Leona Helmsley, both infamous for their demanding and harsh behavior, have only fueled these rumors. Former employees have described their experience working for Meghan as a nightmare, marked by high expectations and minimal tolerance for mistakes. The once-coveted opportunity to work for global icons has seemingly turned into a burden, rather than a privilege.
This growing reputation for being difficult employers has had significant consequences for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They are reportedly struggling to attract and retain top talent, as many qualified individuals are hesitant to work under their leadership. This issue is compounded by the lukewarm reception to Meghan's American Riviera Orchard brand. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the project, the brand has failed to capture public interest, leaving Meghan in a precarious position as she attempts to salvage it.
The American Riviera Orchard brand has been criticized for its lack of originality, with the promotional video drawing unfavorable comparisons to established lifestyle brands like Goop. The failure to differentiate the brand in an already crowded market has exacerbated Meghan’s woes, leading potential employees to view the venture as a sinking ship rather than a promising opportunity. However, the branding problems are just one aspect of the challenges faced by the Sussexes. Insiders reveal that Meghan's relentless standards and unrealistic demands have created a work environment that many find unbearable.
Despite the legal constraints of NDAs, former employees have begun to speak out, revealing that working for Meghan is often a thankless task. Her insistence on achieving seemingly impossible goals, such as illuminating the Empire State Building with her image, has led to frustration and burnout among her team. The departure of Josh Kettler, who left after just three months, is a telling example of the high turnover rate within Meghan’s ventures. Despite being well-compensated, Kettler reportedly found it impossible to meet Meghan and Harry's exacting standards, leading to his swift exit. This pattern of rapid hiring and firing is becoming all too common in the Sussex camp, further tarnishing their reputation as employers.
Christine Schirmer, another senior adviser at the Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation, also recently departed for a position at Brunswick Group after being with the couple since November 2020. Her departure, following that of Kettler, raises questions about the internal dynamics at Archewell. Despite hiring numerous individuals with impressive credentials, the foundation has produced little tangible output, leaving many to wonder what these highly paid staff members are actually doing.
As more former employees consider breaking their NDAs to reveal the truth about working for Meghan and Harry, the Sussexes could be facing a potential public relations disaster. While NDAs are typically used to protect confidential information, there is growing sentiment that these agreements should be voided when working conditions are as problematic as those described by former staffers. If these ex-employees come forward collectively, they could present a compelling case against the Sussexes, exposing the true nature of the work environment at Archewell.
In a bid to turn things around, Meghan has reportedly reached out to former employees of successful lifestyle brands like Goop and Martha Stewart's empire, hoping to find someone who can revitalize her struggling brand. However, even these efforts have been met with reluctance, as potential candidates are wary of entering what is perceived to be a highly volatile work environment.
