Netflix Reportedly 'Done' with Harry and Meghan Amid Royal Parallels
Explosive new claims have emerged suggesting that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's partnership with streaming giant Netflix has been "far from a fairy tale", with the platform allegedly growing "exhausted" by the couple's tendency to repackage their royal exit narrative. According to a detailed report in entertainment bible Variety, which cites six well-placed sources, Netflix is now officially "done" with the Sussexes, mirroring their ongoing rift with the British royal family.
The Oprah Interview: A Communication Breakdown
Netflix announced its production deal with Harry and Meghan in September 2020, shortly after their departure from royal duties. Early discussions focused on their docuseries Harry & Meghan, but the streaming service was reportedly caught off guard when the couple sat down for a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. Sources told Variety that Netflix only discovered this at the last minute, leading to frustration over a "lack of communication".
A Sussex spokesperson countered this, stating it was "categorically false" that Netflix was unaware, with legal representatives from both sides involved in any arrangement modifications. Similarly, the royal family was said to be blindsided by the interview, where Meghan revealed suicidal thoughts during her pregnancy with Archie and alleged that unnamed royals questioned their son's potential skin colour.
In response, Prince William publicly denied racism within the family, while Buckingham Palace issued a statement expressing sadness and a commitment to address the concerns privately, affirming that Harry, Meghan, and Archie remain "much loved family members".
Spare Memoir: Another Alleged Surprise
Following the Oprah interview, rumours of a Harry memoir began to circulate. Variety reports that Netflix approached the couple to discuss how a book deal might impact their docuseries release. Sources claim Meghan downplayed the possibility, telling Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos that any publication would be "far in the future". A spokesperson for Meghan denied this, asserting there was open communication with Netflix months before the release to coordinate timing.
However, Netflix reportedly felt "blindsided" in spring 2021 when Penguin Random House announced the memoir, planned for release during Netflix's rollout of Harry & Meghan. The royal family was also shocked by the book's publication four months after Queen Elizabeth's death, with many viewing it as a betrayal due to Harry's critical comments about King Charles, Queen Camilla, William, and Kate.
Staff Complaints and Industry Perceptions
The report also highlights allegations of bullying and difficult behaviour, both in Hollywood and during the couple's time as working royals. In Hollywood, A-list talent and directors became hesitant to work with Harry and Meghan as perceptions shifted, exacerbated by comments from industry figures like Spotify's Bill Simmons, who labelled them "f***ing grifters".
Sources told Variety that Meghan often dominated meetings, sometimes talking over Harry, which her lawyer dismissed as a "misogynistic characterization". Additionally, three sources noted Meghan's unusual feedback style, including disappearing during Zoom calls, which was attributed to her being offended. Her lawyer explained this was due to her working from home with young children.
During their royal tenure, allegations surfaced that Meghan bullied staff, with former communications secretary Jason Knauf emailing concerns about her behaviour. A Sussex spokesperson denied these claims as part of a "calculated smear campaign". Royal editor Russell Myers' new book suggests this treatment caused tensions with William and Kate, who felt the Sussexes had an "agenda" and created a toxic atmosphere.
The Variety report paints a picture of strained relationships on multiple fronts, with Netflix's alleged exhaustion over repeated royal narratives echoing the palace's frustrations, raising questions about the future of Harry and Meghan's Hollywood ventures.
