From Darlings to Distant: The Sussexes Face a Media Backlash in the U.S.

In recent months, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once the darlings of American media, have experienced a significant shift in their coverage. Following their publicized exit from the British royal family, the couple was met with an enthusiastic reception from various U.S. outlets, which saw them as champions of a new narrative. However, as time has passed, many high-profile media entities, including Vanity Fair, The Cut, and Spotify, appear to be distancing themselves from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Initially, Harry and Meghan's arrival in the U.S. was marked by a wave of support, particularly after their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. During that sitdown, the couple made serious allegations regarding racism within the British monarchy and described a climate of fear and oppression during their time as royals. This candidness resonated with many Americans, who rallied around the couple, pushing for a reevaluation of the British monarchy's relevance in contemporary society. However, the media’s adoration for the Sussexes seems to have waned considerably. Vanity Fair's recent exposé, titled "American Hustle," paints a starkly different picture of Harry and Meghan's experiences in their new homeland. Featuring an extensive 8,000-word analysis, the article outlines perceived failures in the couple's ambitious projects, including allegations of Meghan strategizing for a potential book deal following a divorce and exhibiting disruptive behavior among their neighbors in Montecito. Such revelations have sharply contrasted with the earlier, more supportive narratives that accompanied their rise in the U.S. media landscape. Reports suggest that the relationship between the Sussexes and Vanity Fair soured after the couple expressed dissatisfaction with an article published in 2017. Meghan reportedly found the headline racist and felt the piece focused too much on her relationship with Harry rather than her own identity. This conflict appears to have set the stage for the media fallout that has followed. The Cut also reflects this shift. Initially, Meghan's contributions were met with enthusiasm, but her candid comments about the royal family during a 2022 interview drew backlash and accusations of shamelessness. By late 2024, The Cut published pieces critical of the couple's diminishing popularity, claiming their projects were unable to gain traction in an already saturated market. Spotify’s saga with the Sussexes reveals a similar narrative arc. The couple's high-profile podcast, Archetypes, was terminated after failing to meet productivity expectations. Despite a lucrative £15 million deal, internal sources indicated that Harry and Meghan struggled to define a clear direction for their content. The absence of high-profile guests further compounded the perception that their media endeavors were floundering. The Hollywood Reporter further contributed to this narrative by highlighting allegations of a toxic work environment surrounding Meghan, with claims that she had created a culture of fear among her staff. Such characterizations are far removed from the couple’s earlier portrayals as victims of a royal system that failed to protect them. Public sentiment appears to be shifting as well. Royal expert Kinsey Schofield noted a growing disinterest among Americans in Harry and Meghan’s narrative. Many have reportedly felt misled after investing in what was originally perceived as an inspiring underdog story. Industry insiders have echoed this sentiment, indicating that the couple's influence in Hollywood has diminished, with little excitement surrounding their future projects. In summary, what began as a fairy tale for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the American media has taken a turn, with numerous outlets reassessing their stories and the couple's public image. As the Sussexes navigate this new chapter, it remains to be seen whether they can reclaim their former status or if their narrative will continue to lose steam in the eyes of American audiences.