Meghan Markle: From Champion to Critic

The tides appear to be turning for Meghan Markle, as one of her once-favored publications, The Cut, now echoes critiques about the Duchess of Sussex’s recent ventures. The publication, part of New York Magazine, famously featured Meghan in a cover interview in August 2022.

However, a recently published piece titled “Harry and Meghan’s Projects Can’t Stop Flopping” signals a stark departure from their previous celebratory tone.

Keep reading for more details!

The Rise of a Polarizing Narrative

In 2022, Meghan Markle’s interview with The Cut made waves, showcasing her transition to a new life in California alongside Prince Harry. In the feature, Meghan voiced her grievances against the royal family, making controversial remarks about the “hierarchy” of the monarchy.

This candid approach was seen by many as a bold stance but also drew criticism for being overly critical and self-indulgent. At the time, The Cut appeared supportive, giving Meghan a platform to share her side of the story.

Fast-forward two years, and the same publication’s tone has taken a sharp turn. Pop culture writer Danielle Cohen’s article criticizes the couple’s latest Netflix offering, Polo, labeling it as another failed attempt in a series of lackluster projects.

Polo: A Missed Opportunity?

The five-part Netflix docuseries Polo, which delves into the lives of elite athletes competing in the US Open, has received scathing reviews from critics. Despite being executive producers, Harry and Meghan barely appear in the series, a decision that has left many scratching their heads.

Reviews from major outlets have been anything but kind. The Guardian deemed the series “destined to fall through the submenus into obscurity at the speed of light,” while The Telegraph dismissed it as “a tedious inside-look at posh polo.”

Even The Cut writer Cohen, who admitted to not watching the series, described it as part of the couple’s “tortured attempts to launch a successful Stateside endeavor.”

The Broader Implications

The criticism surrounding Polo is not just about one project; it represents a broader pattern of underwhelming performances by the Sussexes in their post-royal career.

After their headline-grabbing Netflix docuseries and Harry’s memoir Spare, which both received mixed reactions, Polo has been perceived as a step down in quality and relevance.

Even usually supportive publications like The Guardian and The New York Times have begun to question the couple’s creative decisions.

The lack of substantial appearances from Harry and Meghan in Polo has been highlighted as a major drawback, with critics dubbing it “The Nacho Show” due to its heavy focus on Argentinian polo player Nacho Figueras.

A Shift in Media Sentiment

The recent critique from The Cut marks a significant shift in media sentiment. Once known for championing Meghan’s narrative, the publication now aligns with a growing number of outlets questioning the couple’s choices.

This shift mirrors a broader trend in U.S. media, where initial enthusiasm for the Sussexes has waned in the face of repeated controversies and underwhelming content. Notably, the publication’s history with the Sussexes hasn’t been without its bumps.

Following her 2022 interview, Meghan expressed regret over how her statements were portrayed, claiming she had been “too trusting” and that the feature was meant to focus solely on her podcast, Archetypes. Despite these clarifications, the interview left a lasting impression, with many branding it as a vanity piece.

The Cost of Creative Missteps

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Brand and culture expert Nick Ede has speculated that Polo could be the “nail in the coffin” for Harry and Meghan’s $80 million Netflix deal. Speaking to MailOnline, Ede suggested that the streaming giant’s algorithm-driven programming decisions may not favor the couple if their content continues to underperform.

“With very little airtime for Harry and Meghan and almost no promotional effort, this project feels more like a misstep than a calculated move,” Ede remarked. “Against blockbusters like Black Dove and holiday favorites, Polo simply doesn’t stand a chance.”

The implications of such missteps could be far-reaching, potentially damaging the couple’s brand and their ability to secure future deals.

While their high-profile names once commanded attention, the entertainment industry is results-driven, and lackluster content can quickly erode even the most prestigious reputations.

A Look Back at Meghan’s 2022 Interview

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex for The Cut! Talks; Archetypes, family, ambition & more
byu/MarySkeffington inpopculturechat

When Meghan graced the cover of The Cut in 2022, the interview was intended to spotlight her podcast and philanthropic projects. Instead, it became a lightning rod for criticism.

Meghan’s remarks about the royal family—including claims of being treated differently compared to other royals and her husband’s estranged relationship with Prince Charles—sparked widespread backlash. Critics lambasted the piece as self-serving and tone-deaf, particularly as it coincided with global economic challenges.

Meghan later admitted that the interview’s reception was a learning experience, emphasizing her desire to remain open and trusting despite the fallout. This interview, while garnering significant attention, also marked a turning point.

It set the stage for future scrutiny, as audiences began to question whether Meghan and Harry’s public statements were contributing positively or simply fueling controversies.

What Lies Ahead for the Sussexes?

The Sussexes’ journey in the entertainment world has been marked by high highs and disappointing lows. Their initial Netflix documentary generated significant buzz but also faced accusations of bias and sensationalism.

Harry’s memoir, while commercially successful, stirred controversy with its unfiltered take on royal life. With Polo struggling to gain traction, the couple’s future in Hollywood appears uncertain.

As public figures, they’ve thrived on their ability to generate attention, but sustaining that interest requires delivering compelling and relatable content—something their recent projects have struggled to achieve.

Conclusion

• Meghan Markle and Prince Harry find themselves at a crossroads.
• Once celebrated as disruptors of royal tradition, they now face mounting criticism from even their staunchest supporters.
• The tepid reception of Polo highlights the challenges of transitioning from public figures to successful content creators.
• Reinvention is key. Whether through more engaging projects, strategic collaborations, or a return to their philanthropic roots, the Sussexes have the opportunity to reclaim their narrative.
• They need to revisit their earlier motivations, focusing on authentic storytelling and causes that resonate deeply with audiences.
• However, the road ahead will not be easy.
• The entertainment industry is unforgiving, and repeated missteps can leave lasting impressions.
• By addressing past creative failures and leveraging their global platform for impactful work, Meghan and Harry have a chance to reshape perceptions.
• Ultimately, the couple’s success will depend on their ability to evolve and adapt. They’ve proven they can draw attention, but now it’s time to prove they can deliver substance.
• The journey ahead is one of reinvention, resilience, and rediscovery—qualities they must embody to write their next chapter.

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