Netflix CEO Quietly Unfollows Meghan Markle on Instagram
In a move that has ignited widespread speculation, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has discreetly unfollowed both Meghan Markle and her lifestyle brand, As Ever, on Instagram. This action comes amid swirling rumours that the partnership between the streaming giant and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is facing significant strain.
Background of the Instagram Connections
Ted Sarandos was among the first prominent figures in the entertainment industry to follow Meghan Markle when she returned to Instagram in 2025. Later that year, he also added her lifestyle business account, initially known as American Riviera Orchard before its rebranding to As Ever, to his carefully curated list of approximately 450 followed accounts. However, last month, both Sarandos and Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria unfollowed these accounts, a subtle yet telling gesture in the digital age.
Reports of a Souring Relationship
The unfollowing coincides with a recent exposé by Variety, which cited multiple inside sources claiming the Sussexes' deal with Netflix is in jeopardy. Insiders described the couple as difficult to deal with and poor communicators, with allegations that Meghan often talks over Prince Harry during meetings, sometimes while he is mid-sentence. Sources also revealed that Netflix executives were blindsided by the 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview and Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare, suggesting a lack of coordination.
Responses and Denials
Meghan Markle's lawyer, Michael J. Kump, strongly refuted these claims, stating they appear calculated to play into the misogynistic characterization of her bossing her husband around. Prince Harry has also labelled the assertions as categorically false. In response to the controversy, Netflix CCO Bela Bajaria publicly denied any dispute, affirming at a recent event that the company still maintains a partnership with the Sussexes, with projects in development for both film and television.
Current Status of the Deal
Harry and Meghan signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Netflix in 2025, which was seen as a downgrade from their previous 2020 agreement, reportedly valued at over $100 million. Despite Bajaria's assurances, another Netflix insider hinted at underlying tensions, noting that while staff remain publicly supportive, there is little enthusiasm for future collaborations. The couple's first major project with Netflix was the 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan, which documented their early relationship and royal exit.
As rumours persist, the unfollowing by Sarandos adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing narrative, leaving observers to question the future of this high-profile media partnership.
