In her tweet, Small asserted that Meghan's excessive demands had transformed the project into more of a personal fashion showcase rather than a sincere focus on honoring veterans. The substantial funds expended on Meghan's involvement, Small argued, could have been better allocated to support veterans.
The tweet quickly gained traction, garnering over 1.5 million views, 9,000 likes, 1,000 retweets, and 800 comments. Inside sources indicated that the Emmys snub could have cost the couple a staggering £300 million in exclusive deals. The fallout extended to their previously lucrative £20 million Spotify contract, compounding their financial losses.
Noted showbiz writer, media commentator, and entertainment editor Mark Meek Boardman had earlier speculated that an Emmy win could propel the couple into exclusive deals worth hundreds of millions. Yet, the absence of Emmy recognition dealt a dual blow as Netflix, aiming to challenge HBO's Emmy dominance, also distanced itself from the couple. Their docuseries project failed to achieve expected success, leading to concerns about its potential impact on the "Heart of Invictus" series.
Amidst the controversy, Netflix strategists raised concerns about releasing the series due to negative public sentiment towards Meghan's perceived involvement in diverting funds meant for veterans. The chances of success were estimated to be a mere 10%, and Meghan's role was viewed with skepticism. Initially slated for a winter release, followed by a summer launch, the delay further fueled speculation about the project's status.
As the Invictus Games approached, the absence of any official announcement from Netflix suggested a lack of enthusiasm or anticipation for the series. Speculation swirled that a September release was unlikely. Nevertheless, some argued for the series to be released as originally intended, urging Netflix to allow the public to witness how a documentary centered on disabled veterans was overshadowed by Meghan's presence and ostentatious fashion.
Critics pointed out instances where both Harry and Meghan seemed to prioritize personal comforts over charitable causes. The funds spent on luxury accommodations, security, and private jets could have been directed towards supporting veterans. The backlash from audiences was intense, highlighting the divisive nature of their actions.
Ultimately, the combination of these factors led to a clear consensus within the industry: Harry and Meghan's actions and demands had soured their relationships in Hollywood. Claims from various sources, including someone reportedly close to Netflix, supported the notion that the streaming giant had severed ties with the couple.
In the wake of the cancellation, social media buzzed with opinions and speculations about the fate of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's partnership with Netflix. Some users echoed the sentiment that the couple's influence had waned significantly, while others sarcastically attributed the cancellation to Harry's involvement in the Netflix deal. The demise of the couple's mockumentary-style series only further emphasized their declining appeal, leaving them with a need to reevaluate their entertainment endeavors.
The aftermath of the Emmy snub extended to a significant blow to the couple's relationship with Netflix. The cancellation of "Heart of Invictus" brought to light a series of controversies, revealing a broader narrative surrounding the couple's perceived prioritization of personal interests over charitable causes. The prevailing sentiment underscored their diminishing popularity within the entertainment industry.
