In April of this year, Harry and Meghan made a public appearance together, which has become quite a rarity these days. Just days before Harry departed for his father's coronation, they were spotted enjoying an American-style outing, watching a basketball game. However, one detail from that outing went mostly unnoticed at the time.
It had nothing to do with Meghan's outfit or their reluctance to kiss for the kiss cam. It was about who they chose to share their extravagant $22,000 box with— their own staffers. Weeks prior to that, Meghan was photographed leaving a trendy vegan Mexican restaurant in LA, Gracias Madre, after having lunch with her staff.
But here's the issue: with their US careers faltering, what has happened to their A-list buddies? Who remains in Hollywood and still wishes to be associated with them publicly? Meghan and Harry find themselves in the midst of one of the most challenging phases of their professional lives since embarking on this new career path. It's noteworthy to observe the growing chorus of anti-Sussex voices and the silence from those prominent figures who were previously associated with them.
It appears that Meghan and Harry haven't been successful in producing compelling and engaging content. Will they end up being the Duke and Duchess of one-hit wonders? This is a critical time for their famous friends to show support. However, no notable figures from the industry have come forward to defend them.
Even their alleged friend, Gail King, who occasionally talks about them on breakfast TV, has not publicly pushed back against the characterization of Meghan and Harry as grifters by Spotify's Bill Simmons. Oprah, James Corden, and Dax Shepard, who have all conducted headline-making interviews with the couple, have not stepped up to defend them either. Not a single famous or prominent person has spoken out in their defense.
Furthermore, let's consider Beyoncé. After Meghan and Harry's Oprah interview in 2021, Beyoncé publicly expressed support for Meghan on her website. In Megan and Harry's Netflix docu-series, "Harry and Meghan," Meghan is seen receiving a text from the superstar, a gesture captured by the cameras. Does Beyoncé still view Meghan as inspiring and courageous? It raises questions.
Even if people in LA are not openly supporting Harry and Meghan, what about their private friendships with California's elite? Their most notable outing with A-listers occurred in May when they were photographed dining at an exclusive Japanese restaurant, reportedly joined by Cameron Diaz and her husband, Benji Madden. However, beyond this instance, the details of their relationships with the Hollywood elite remain unclear.
The career crisis faced by Meghan and Harry is undoubtedly significant. The once vibrant support from the Hollywood elite seems to have vanished, leaving the couple to navigate this challenging period on their own.
Gwyneth Paltrow and her producer husband, Brad Falchuk, along with Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd and her partner, form an elite West Coast circle. It's hard to imagine a more exclusive group. However, it remains unclear whether this was merely a one-time occurrence or if they share a deeper connection behind the scenes. While they haven't been seen together before or after the event, there are no indications of a significant private bond.
In February, Meghan and Harry attended talk show host Ellen DeGeneres' vow renewal ceremony with her wife, Portia de Rossi. This event had a notable element of PR strategy, particularly considering the controversies surrounding Ellen's show and allegations of a toxic work environment. Nevertheless, several A-listers, including Kris Jenner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Katy Perry, and Orlando Bloom, attended the ceremony, resulting in a rare moment filled with A-list celebrities for Meghan and Harry.
Last year, in an interview with New York Magazine's The Cut, Meghan mentioned her close friendship with 80s makeup entrepreneur Victoria Jackson, although she may not be considered a household name. Meghan and Harry have also been photographed having dinner with Catherine McPhee and David Foster. While technically famous, they aren't considered the cream of the crop in the entertainment world.
In March, Page Six reported that Meghan and Harry drove four hours to spend time in Hollywood. Additionally, we should consider what has happened to their well-known friendships. Megan seemingly cut ties with her former best friend, Jessica Mulroney, following accusations of displaying textbook white privilege by Black blogger Sasha Exeter.
According to The Telegraph's Camilla Tominey, Harry's relationship with his British best friends is currently strained. Many individuals found themselves excluded from Harry's life after his wedding, and even his most unwavering supporters are growing impatient.
When was the last time either Meghan or Harry was seen with their old friends? Take Priyanka Chopra, for instance. They were reportedly close, having met at a women in TV event, and she attended their wedding. However, they haven't been seen together in years. Similarly, George and Amal Clooney attended the 2018 wedding, and Amal joined Megan's controversial six-figure baby shower in 2019. George publicly defended Megan against media scrutiny. But since then, there have been no sightings of the Clooneys with Meghan and Harry, nor have the couple attended any star-studded events organized by the Clooneys' foundation.
Earlier this year, letters from Princess Diana to Susie and Tara Qasim, a couple with whom she shared a close friendship, were put up for sale. The letters expressed Diana's gratitude for their support during a difficult time with the royal family. At present, it remains uncertain who can or will offer the same level of support and friendship to Harry and Meghan.
It is important to note that Harry and Meghan have become estranged from both their fathers and all their siblings, leaving them without close family ties. The silence from their once-prominent friendships raises questions about their current relationships and who will stand by their side in this chapter of their lives.
Who remains in Harry and Meghan's corner? The powerful voices that once spoke up for them have fallen silent. It's challenging to make new friends and rebuild one's life in your 30s and 40s. However, this struggle could potentially make for an interesting podcast topic.
