Netflix Executive Quietly Cuts Social Media Ties with Duchess of Sussex
In a subtle yet telling move, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has unfollowed Meghan Markle and her lifestyle brand As Ever on Instagram. This digital distancing occurred approximately one month ago, coinciding with the streaming platform's decision to terminate its partnership with the Duchess of Sussex's commercial venture. Sarandos had been among the first prominent figures to follow Meghan when she reactivated her social media presence at the beginning of 2025.
Executive Exodus from Sussex Social Circles
Sarandos is not alone in this social media withdrawal. Netflix's chief content officer Bela Bajaria has also unfollowed both Meghan and the As Ever account. This coordinated action from two of Netflix's most senior executives suggests a significant shift in the company's relationship with the former royal couple. Previously, both executives had publicly praised Meghan, with Sarandos describing her as "the rock star" during promotional activities for their collaborative projects.
The timing of these unfollows is particularly noteworthy, occurring as Netflix officially ended its association with As Ever on March 6th. The lifestyle brand, which launched initially as American Riviera Orchard before rebranding to As Ever, struggled to gain commercial traction despite Netflix's financial backing. One insider characterized the brand's performance as having "just all this jam" without substantial substance behind the initial concept.
Contradictory Narratives Emerge from Competing Camps
Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the nature of the professional separation. A recent Variety article cited multiple sources claiming Sarandos had grown "fed up with the pair" and would only participate in calls with Meghan if legal counsel was present. Both Netflix and the Sussexes' legal representative have vehemently denied these allegations.
Michael J. Kump, attorney for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stated in a formal letter to Variety that Meghan maintains regular communication with Sarandos through both calls and text messages, and has visited his home without legal accompaniment. The lawyer characterized the publication's claims as "blatantly false" and accused the magazine of promoting misogynistic stereotypes about Meghan's professional conduct.
Allegations of Difficult Working Relationships Surface
The Variety report, based on interviews with six anonymous sources, presented a damning portrait of the Sussexes' working relationship with Netflix. According to the publication, Meghan was accused of abruptly leaving Zoom meetings to signal displeasure and frequently interrupting Prince Harry during collaborative sessions. Netflix staff reportedly interpreted her sudden departures from virtual calls as expressions of offense rather than practical necessities.
Kump countered these allegations by explaining that as a working mother of two young children, Meghan occasionally needs to step away from virtual meetings to attend to parental responsibilities. He emphasized that this behavior is common among professionals working from home and should not be interpreted as unprofessional conduct.
Red Carpet Appearance Amid Professional Turmoil
Meghan made her first public appearance since the Netflix controversy erupted at the Alliance for Children's Rights' 34th Annual Champions for Children event in Beverly Hills. Accompanied by longtime friend Kelly Zajfen, the Duchess wore a navy Ralph Lauren gown and appeared in high spirits despite the professional setbacks.
The event provided a stark contrast to the behind-the-scenes drama, with Meghan embracing Zajfen and even cradling her friend's baby bump for photographers. This public display of normalcy occurred as multiple reports detailed the unraveling of her professional relationship with the streaming giant.
Broader Implications for Sussex-Netflix Partnership
The unfollowing incident represents just one facet of a broader deterioration in the Sussexes' relationship with Netflix. According to Variety's investigation, the streaming platform has grown frustrated with what insiders describe as repetitive storytelling about the couple's royal departure. The publication claims Netflix executives were "annoyed" by the Sussexes' decision to pursue independent projects like Harry's memoir "Spare" and their Oprah Winfrey interview while under contract with the streaming service.
Despite these tensions, Netflix maintains it remains committed to its "first look" deal with Archewell Productions, the Sussexes' production company. However, industry sources suggest that A-list talent and established directors have become hesitant to collaborate with the couple, limiting their future project opportunities within the entertainment industry.
The social media unfollowing by Netflix's top executives serves as a public symbol of private professional realignment, highlighting the challenges the Sussexes face as they navigate their post-royal careers in the competitive Hollywood landscape.
