Industry insiders have spoken out about Meghan Markle’s recent split from Netflix as Prince Harry is issued a major warning. It was announced last week that Meghan’s brand will go independent, just 11 months after it was revealed that the brand would partner with the popular streaming service.
There have since been conflicting reports about why the decision to part ways was made, with statements released by both parties. Shortly after the decision was revealed, a source appeared to share that the decision to part ways was Meghan’s idea. They said: “Meghan is still on good terms with the Netflix team and close personal friends with Ted (Sarandos) so hasn’t wanted to upset him, but is very happy to have full control of the company. It’s a good time for Meghan to have complete control, given recent successes.”
The source also appeared to suggest that Meghan felt she was being “held back” by Netflix and was relieved to be going solo. However, a source based in Los Angeles told the Mail that Netflix were “not happy” with how As Ever was performing.
Speaking of other shows on the streaming service, they added: “It just didn’t fit with Squid Game or Stranger Things or Bridgerton like they had hoped.”
Communications guru and PR expert Mayah Riaz has now told The Mirror: “This is really interesting, because when you see two very different narratives emerging around the same split, it is usually a sign that both sides are trying to manage the optics. In high profile partnerships such as this, perception is almost as important as the deal itself. Netflix will naturally want to position this decision as being strategic, while Meghan’s team will of course want to frame it as her taking control of her brand rather than her being dropped.”
She added: “Being a celebrity alone is no longer enough. Content has to deliver audiences, buzz and commercial return. If a project does not clearly do that, it’s sad but true that even very big names can find themselves vulnerable.
“From a PR perspective, the Sussex brand has always relied heavily on momentum and narrative. Looking at the early years, there was intense global curiosity around them. Now we are seeing a shift where the public and platforms alike are asking a much simpler question: what is the actual product?”
Speaking of the Sussexes as a couple and a brand, she added: “I personally think the bigger issue for the Sussexes is that the intrigue factor that once surrounded them is not as strong as it once was. And this matters because attention is currency, and attention spans move quickly.
“For their brand to stay powerful, the projects need to feel bigger than the headlines. One thing is certain though: in the world of celebrity PR, when both sides are rushing to explain a break-up, it means the story behind the scenes is more complicated than either version suggests.”