The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, 38, and Meghan Markle, 41, are currently facing a tumultuous period in their professional lives due to their unexpected split with Spotify.
The couple issued a joint statement announcing the cancellation of their podcast “Archetypes,” which featured Meghan as a key figure. This decision has had international repercussions.
Some individuals within the company they parted ways with have questioned the professionalism of the exiled royals, and certain media outlets have speculated about the potential impact on their contract with Netflix.
However, the reality differs from these speculations, as the streaming giant appears to be content with the partnership, and their business relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remains strong.
Are Harry and Meghan’s deal with Netflix being canceled?
Contrary to the speculation surrounding the consequences for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex if their contract with Netflix were to be terminated, the company issued a statement refuting these claims.
A Netflix spokesperson informed Entertainment Tonight that the company highly values its partnership with Archewell Productions. They emphasized that the documentary series “Harry and Meghan” had been Netflix’s most successful documentary release thus far.
The spokesperson assured that their collaboration with the Sussexes is ongoing, and they are presently working on other projects together, including the series “Heart of Invictus.”
The relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Netflix commenced in 2020, shortly after Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back as active members of the British Royal Family.
The platform was eager to have the couple on board once they settled in California.
The documentary series the Duke and Duchess of Sussex created has become one of Netflix’s most popular offerings in recent months. However, it has also caused tensions with the rest of the British Royal Family.
The Windsors poorly received the explicit content presented by the couple, and the situation was further exacerbated by the publication of Prince Harry’s memoir, where he revealed conflicting details about his life within the royal family.
The couple initially signed a $100 million contract with Netflix, and to date, there have been no changes to the agreement.
The premiere of their ongoing series, “Heart of Invictus,” is expected to take place in August. However, details about their upcoming projects with Netflix remain undisclosed.
The fallout after the cancellation of the Spotify deal
The “Archetypes” project held particular significance for the Duchess of Sussex, but unfortunately, there will not be a second season.
Recent accusations have surfaced, suggesting that Meghan faked interviews on her podcast. Some participants claim they never spoke to Prince Harry’s wife but rather to Farrah Safari, an employee of Archewell Audio, the podcast’s production company.
Not only have the interviewees expressed their dissatisfaction with this lack of professionalism on the part of the Duchess, but Spotify’s Head of Innovation and Monetization, Bill Simmons, has also fiercely criticized the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, referring to them as “fu*** grifters.”
Simmons is not the only one to have voiced his opinion. Jeremy Zimmer, a renowned Hollywood agent, questioned Meghan Markle’s abilities, stating that “she was not a great audio talent, or necessarily any kind of talent.”