Spotify has decided not to renew its contract with Meghan Markle for her podcast Archetypes. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have suffered a major financial setback as their business deal with the streaming giant fell through.
Both Spotify and Archewell Audio, the Sussexes’ audio production company, have released a joint statement confirming the end of the deal.
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The statement expressed their mutual agreement to part ways and highlighted their pride in the series they created together.
Why was Meghan Markle’s Spotify deal canceled?
Meghan and Harry signed a $20 million deal with Spotify at the end of 2020.
However, sources close to the streaming platform cited by the ‘Wall Street Journal’ claim that the Sussexes did not fulfill the commitments stipulated in the contract, which would have led to actions that would penalize the couple and the non-receipt of the full amount agreed.
During their podcast run, the pair produced 12 episodes starting in August 2022.
The show, which gave women a voice to share their stories and reflect the diversity of society, featured notable guests such as Serena Williams and Mariah Carey.
Although Markle’s work in this space has earned her several accolades, the company did not consider it profitable to keep the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on staff so they decided not to renew for a second season.
In the joint statement, it is stated that they “have mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series that we made together”.
This decision coincides with the dismissal of 200 employees by Spotify, who argue difficulties to monetize this type of content, despite having a large following on the platform.
- ALSO READ: Will Meghan Markle return to TV? Why did the duchess sign with a powerful entertainment agency?
Although the collaboration with Spotify has ended, talent agency WME has confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex will continue to develop content for the Archetypes audience on another platform.
The Tig: Meghan Markle’s blog
Meghan Markle’s future plans could be the reopening of her former online haven, The Tig blog, where she shared content related to fashion, beauty, and some personal reflections.
The blog was open for three years and she was forced to close it when news of her relationship with Prince Harry broke.
It was recently learned that Meghan filed an application to trademark The Tig, which is currently being evaluated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USTPO).
