In the aftermath of Spotify choosing not to renew Meghan Markle's "Archetypes" podcast, Twitter exploded with responses to accusations that the Duchess of Sussex had allegedly manipulated some interviews.
Last week, Spotify and the Sussexes disclosed the termination of their $20 million multi-year partnership. Following this announcement, the Duchess came under scrutiny as allegations of deceptive podcast practices emerged.
Podnews, a podcast-centric publication, reported that multiple insiders claimed that staff members conducted several interviews, later editing in Markle's questions. However, the report failed to specify the episodes in question, according to the Daily Mail.
The news ignited a flurry of Twitter reactions, with users expressing a wide range of sentiments, from skepticism and outrage to staunch support for the Duchess.
One irate user tweeted, "Fake production that snagged real awards... Such a terrible look. She's an arrogant, nasty, vile, evil individual." Another user pointed out the mysterious social media disappearance of Alison Yarrow, who had previously tweeted thanks to Farrah for being a remarkable interviewer, implying that Markle was not involved in the interviewing process.
A third Twitter user stated, "She's being slammed, and it's about time. She needs to be put in her place. She's showing her true colors, and it's fantastic." Another user speculated, "I bet she didn't even listen to her 'guests' answers. She just repeatedly listened to her own voice, thinking she made it big. Today, the truth is emerging."
However, other Twitter users voiced their support for the Duchess. "The hatred is palpable and utterly absurd," one user defended Markle.
Fox News Digital highlighted that the accusations against Markle began to circulate in August 2022 when Allison Yarrow lauded "Archetypes" producer Farrah Safari as an "exceptional interviewer" on Instagram.
In the same vein, Spotify's chief economist, Will Page, expressed his astonishment at the Sussexes' minimal input in exchange for their hefty deal with the platform.
"I don't have the audience data, but some quick math indicates that the reported £18 million the couple walked away with means Harry and Meghan earned more than 'Blinding Lights'," Page said, referencing The Weeknd's mega-hit, known as Spotify's "most streamed song ever."
"Not bad for twelve hours of work," he quipped.
Bill Simmons, a sportscaster who sold "The Ringer" to Spotify, also voiced his disdain for how the Sussexes' business arrangement with the platform concluded, referring to the Duke and Duchess as "the f---ing grifters."