Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once the shining stars of American media, are now experiencing a significant shift in coverage. The couple’s high-profile departure from the British royal family initially garnered strong support from the media upon their relocation to the US. However, recent reports indicate that several major American outlets, including Vanity Fair, The Cut, and Spotify, are distancing themselves from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
US Media’s Initial Support to Sussexes
When Harry and Meghan first arrived in the US, the American media was quick to embrace their new life and narrative. This was most evident following their explosive 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, during which the couple made startling accusations of racism and conspiracy within the British royal family. These allegations resonated with the public, sparking widespread sympathy and even calls to abolish the monarchy. As a result, Harry and Meghan quickly became media darlings in the US.
However, this honeymoon period did not last long.
Vanity Fair’s New Reality Check on Harry and Meghan
The shift in tone from prominent media outlets came on the heels of a series of setbacks and controversies surrounding Harry and Meghan’s business ventures. In January, Vanity Fair published a scathing 8,000-word exposé titled ‘American Hustle,’ which examined the couple’s ambitious yet faltering endeavors in America. This marked a stark departure from the positive coverage they had previously received from the publication.
The article detailed various allegations, including discussions of a potential ‘post-divorce’ book deal involving Meghan and complaints about the couple’s disruptive behavior in Montecito. This was a far cry from the early days when Vanity Fair had featured Meghan on its cover in a glowing profile back in 2017. Despite the backlash, Prince Harry addressed the speculations about their alleged divorce, expressing his frustration at the relentless scrutiny and trolling they faced.
According to sources cited by Vanity Fair, Meghan was portrayed as a strategic player always aware of her surroundings and quick to dismiss those who did not align with her interests. While some defended the couple against the allegations, others within the media industry expressed concerns about their behavior and interactions.
The falling out between Vanity Fair and the Sussexes reportedly stemmed from accusations of racism related to a cover story featuring Meghan in 2017. According to reports, Meghan took issue with the headline and coverline of the article, leading to tensions between the couple and the publication.
The Cut was another American media outlet that signaled a change in its coverage of the Sussexes. In an interview with Meghan published in August 2022, the Duchess made comments critical of the royal family, sparking backlash from readers. Subsequent articles from The Cut continued to highlight the couple’s struggles, particularly focusing on the lukewarm reception of their latest projects.
Spotify’s Discontinuation of Harry and Meghan’s Podcast
When Harry and Meghan signed a lucrative deal with Spotify in 2020, expectations were high for their foray into podcasting. However, Spotify ultimately terminated their podcast Archetypes, citing a lack of direction and engagement from the couple. Despite initial excitement surrounding the podcast’s launch, sources within Spotify reported that Harry and Meghan failed to meet the platform’s productivity standards.
The gender stereotype-focused podcast produced by Meghan failed to attract high-profile guests, leading to a decline in audience interest and ultimately contributing to Spotify’s decision to end their partnership. This marked a significant blow to the couple’s media ambitions and raised questions about their ability to sustain successful projects in the US market.
In September 2024, The Hollywood Reporter delved into the Sussexes’ professional struggles, highlighting concerns about their management style and high staff turnover rate. Sources close to the couple described Meghan as domineering and alleged instances of bullying within their team. This negative portrayal added to the mounting criticism surrounding the couple’s ability to navigate their media ventures effectively.
Despite their initial popularity in the US, the Sussexes’ appeal appears to be waning among Americans. Industry experts and commentators have noted a decline in public interest in the couple, with some attributing this shift to a perceived lack of authenticity and relatability in their projects. The once-compelling narrative surrounding Harry and Meghan has given way to skepticism and disinterest among audiences, signaling a potential turning point in the couple’s media presence.
