Industry insiders have commented on Meghan Markle’s recent split from Netflix, with questions growing about the future of the Sussex brand and what it means for Prince Harry. It was announced last week that Meghan’s brand would operate independently, just 11 months after her partnership with Netflix was revealed.
Since then, conflicting reports have emerged about why the collaboration ended, with both sides offering different explanations, Express UK reported.The source also seemed to suggest that Meghan felt like Netflix “held her back” and was relieved she went it alone. However, a Los Angeles-based source told The Mail that Netflix was “not happy” with As Ever’s performance.Speaking about other shows on the streaming service, they added: “It didn’t fit in with Squid Game or Stranger Things or Bridgerton as well as they had hoped.”
Communications expert and PR expert Maya Riaz told The Mirror: “This is really interesting, because when you see two very different narratives emerging around the same split, it’s usually a sign that both sides are trying to manage optics. In high-profile partnerships like this, perception is almost as important as the deal itself. Netflix would naturally want to frame this as a strategic decision, while Meghan’s team would of course want to frame it as taking control of her brand rather than taking it down.”
““From a PR perspective, the Sussex brand has always relied heavily on momentum and narrative. Looking back to the early years, there was intense global curiosity around it. Now we’re seeing a shift where audiences and platforms alike are asking a much simpler question: What is the actual product?”Speaking about the Sussexes as a couple and a brand, she added: “I personally think the biggest problem for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is that the intrigue factor that used to surround them is no longer as strong as it once was.
This is important because attention is currency, and attention spans move quickly.“For their brand to remain strong, projects must feel bigger than the headlines. However, one thing is for sure: in the world of celebrity PR, when both parties are quick to explain a breakup, it means the story behind the scenes is more complicated than either version suggests.”
