Netflix's chief content officer Bela Bajaria has issued a defiant update, pushing back against damning claims that the streaming giant's partnership with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is in jeopardy. This comes after a scathing report from Variety, citing multiple insiders, suggested the deal was deteriorating due to communication problems and difficult interactions.
Netflix Executive Publicly Denies Dispute Claims
At the Next on Netflix event on Wednesday, Bajaria briefly addressed the speculation, reiterating that Netflix still maintains a relationship with the Sussexes. She stated, "We still have a relationship with them. We have movies in development with them. They have things in development on the TV and film side." Bajaria also highlighted their previous collaboration, referencing the six-part docuseries Harry & Meghan, released in December 2022, which documented their early relationship and decision to step back from royal duties.
Insider Sources Paint a Different Picture
Despite Bajaria's assurances, insider sources told Variety that the partnership has faced significant challenges. The report claims that Netflix parted ways with Meghan's brand, As Ever, which had received financial support since its inception in early 2025, signaling strain in the deal. Insiders described the Sussexes as poor communicators, with Archewell Productions allegedly having a history of miscommunication with external companies.
Specific allegations include Meghan talking over or recasting Harry's thoughts during meetings, often preceded by a touch to his arm or thigh. Meghan's lawyer, Michael J. Kump, countered this, calling it "calculated to play into the misogynistic characterization of her bossing her husband around," while Harry labeled it "categorically false."
Historical Context and Deal Details
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signed a new multi-year, first-look deal with Netflix in 2025, which was considered a downgrade from their previous 2020 agreement, reportedly worth over $100 million (£74 million). The Variety report also noted that Netflix bosses were blindsided by the Sussexes' 2021 interview with Oprah and the 2023 release of Harry's memoir, Spare, though a spokesperson for the couple insists they cooperated with Netflix throughout.
An insider claimed the mood at Netflix is "We're done," suggesting a cooling relationship. However, a Netflix spokesperson denied that CEO Ted Sarandos and Bajaria have lost faith in the couple, and Kump added that they remain friendly with Sarandos and his wife, Nicole Avant, with regular contact and visits to their Montecito home.
Contrasting Perspectives on Future Projects
Bajaria downplayed the significance of deal renewals, noting, "Deals come and go all the time, and we don’t renew so many deals, those just don’t get as much press for obvious reasons. There’s no juicy story there." In contrast, another Netflix insider told the Daily Mail that while staff are publicly supportive, there is little enthusiasm for future collaborations, stating, "I don’t think anyone is going to be killing themselves with an effort to work with them at this point." Despite this, potential for a new season of With Love, Meghan was mentioned.
The conflicting accounts highlight the ongoing scrutiny of the Sussexes' media ventures, with Netflix's public defense clashing behind-the-scenes narratives from insiders.
