In a double blow for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Hollywood heavyweights have reportedly given the couple the cold shoulder. Pop sensation Taylor Swift declined an invitation to appear on Meghan's now-defunct Archetypes podcast, sources reveal. Concurrently, the couple found themselves conspicuously absent from a star-studded 4th of July bash, igniting a fresh wave of criticism.
Swift's refusal to guest on the podcast, which was personally requested by Meghan, seems to exemplify the dwindling allure of the royal couple in the entertainment industry. Adding to their woes, their podcast distributor, Spotify, recently ended its contract with them, with Netflix rumored to follow suit once their deal ends in 2025. Industry insiders attribute these setbacks to the pair's "lack of productivity," with one source highlighting that multiple show proposals from the couple bore too much resemblance to existing Netflix successes.
Despite these setbacks, Meghan and Harry reportedly remain undeterred. They claim to be in the process of creating additional podcast episodes and are actively seeking a new platform for their brand.
As the couple grapples with professional setbacks, they also face mounting criticism for their noticeable absence from the year's biggest celebrity bash. Organized by sports merchandise tycoon Michael Rubin at his luxurious $50 million beachside mansion, the 4th of July party boasted an impressive guest list that included Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, and numerous other luminaries.
Critics and royal watchers were quick to question why the Sussexes were not in attendance at this star-studded event, known as the "white party," with some blaming Meghan for their no-show status. They also faced backlash for missing the wedding of one of Harry's closest friends, Jack Mann, further fueling the critics' narrative.
While there could be a myriad of reasons behind the Sussexes' no-show at these high-profile events, their detractors seem unwilling to consider any explanations. Instead, they continue to scrutinize the couple's actions, questioning their place within Hollywood's elite and the British royal family.
As Meghan and Harry continue to navigate their post-royal life, these recent incidents highlight the challenges they face in carving out their own niche in the fiercely competitive world of show business and celebrity status.