A noted royal commentator has offered a critical view of Meghan Markle, asserting that the Duchess of Sussex has become a subject of mockery in Hollywood due to her perceived lack of self-awareness in her public comments about the Royal Family.
US journalist and commentator Lee Cohen described Markle as “the most tone deaf” and least self-aware figure in the public sphere, suggesting that the entertainment industry’s ridicule is justified.
Markle faces increased scrutiny from American media outlets and entertainment figures who had previously maintained a neutral stance toward her and her husband, Prince Harry. The couple’s difficult relationship with the British press contributed to their 2020 decision to step down as working royals and move to California. In recent years, however, US media coverage of the Sussexes has notably shifted.
Vanity Fair recently published what Cohen termed a critical cover story labeling the couple as “American hustle,” while raising various allegations. The Hollywood Reporter previously called them the “biggest losers in Hollywood” and later questioned why the industry continues to distance itself from them.
In February 2023, the animated series South Park aired an episode that parodied the couple. The episode, “The Worldwide Privacy Tour,” featured characters resembling a Prince of Canada and his wife traveling the world asking for privacy while seeking publicity, highlighting the dichotomy in their public and private lives.
Cohen referenced Markle’s controversial 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey as an example of her problematic public statements. He stated that Markle’s stories during the interview did not hold up under scrutiny and that even Harry appeared uncomfortable with her allegations of racism against his family.
The criticism is not limited to commentary. In March 2023, comedian Chris Rock addressed Markle’s racism claims during his Netflix stand-up special “Selective Outrage.” Rock remarked: “Didn’t she hit the light-skinned lottery?” He dismissed some of her experiences as familial rather than racist, saying: “Some of that s*** she went through was not racism. It was just some in-law s***.”
The couple’s business ventures have also encountered obstacles. Their multimillion-dollar podcast deal with Spotify ended suddenly in June 2023 after producing only 12 episodes of Markle’s “Archetypes” series. Bill Simmons, Spotify’s head of podcast innovation, criticized the couple harshly on his podcast, calling them “f***ing grifters” and expressing regret over not launching a podcast with them.
Simmons shared that he had a Zoom call with Prince Harry to discuss podcast ideas, recounting it as one of his “best stories” while showing frustration with the couple’s content creation approach. He previously expressed embarrassment about sharing the Spotify platform with Harry, questioning the prince’s unique contributions to the medium.
The couple’s Netflix projects have also faced criticism. Markle’s lifestyle series “With Love, Meghan” received negative reviews from critics who accused her of lacking authenticity and presenting a tone-deaf image of privilege. Royal expert Kinsey Schofield suggested Markle should focus on uplifting her guests rather than dominating conversations.
The entertainment industry’s apparent disinterest in the Sussexes is reflected in their ongoing staff turnover challenges. The Hollywood Reporter noted the departure of several key advisers, including their chief of staff who left after three months. Former employees reportedly formed what some call the “Sussex Survivors Club,” illustrating the difficulties of working with the couple.
Despite the criticism, supporters argue that the couple continues to attract significant audience interest. Their Netflix documentary “Harry & Meghan” became the platform’s second-highest ranked documentary, and Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” set a record as the fastest-selling non-fiction book.
Cohen suggests that Hollywood’s response mirrors broader concerns about the couple’s public life and business relationships. “No wonder Hollywood’s had a field day at the Sussexes’ expense,” he noted, highlighting that criticism ranges from cartoons to major industry executives.
The ongoing controversy underscores the couple’s challenge in establishing themselves as respected figures in American entertainment while maintaining royal connections. As criticism from various industry figures continues, questions remain about their long-term viability as content creators and public figures in Hollywood’s competitive landscape.
