*Netflix and Meghan Markle are officially going their separate ways. The streaming giant has stepped back from its role as a partner in Markle’s lifestyle brand “As Ever,” closing a chapter on one of the entertainment industry’s most talked-about celebrity business arrangements.
The two sides first joined forces in 2020, with Meghan and Prince Harry producing a string of projects for the platform over the years. Their collaborative output included the documentary series “Harry & Meghan,” “Heart of Invictus,” “Live to Lead,” “Polo,” and the lifestyle series “With Love, Meghan.” It was the latter that gave rise to the “As Ever” brand, which generated considerable consumer buzz in its early days with product launches that drew strong demand.
Both parties released carefully worded statements framing the split as a natural next step. “Meghan’s passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life,” Netflix said in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world.”
A spokesperson for the brand responded in kind. “As ever is grateful for Netflix’s partnership through launch and our first year,” the statement read. “We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth and As ever is now ready to stand on its own. We have an exciting year ahead and can’t wait to share more.”
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Beneath the cordial exchanges, however, a more turbulent narrative has begun to emerge. Variety reported that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos allegedly requires attorneys to be present before engaging in phone conversations with Markle — a report that drew a firm denial from both camps. Markle’s lawyer Michael J. Kump told Variety, “This is blatantly false. In fact, Meghan texts and speaks with Mr. Sarandos regularly, and has been to his home, sans lawyers.”
Sources close to the situation told Variety that the performance of the couple’s projects fell short of expectations, and that the prevailing attitude within the company has shifted considerably — with one Netflix insider summing up the mood as simply, “We’re done.”
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