A senior studio production executive, closely affiliated with Emanuel's W agency, shared concerns with the Daily Express. They emphasized that Prince Harry and Meghan must resist the temptation to engage in a debate that has already become highly divisive and polarizing. The executive expressed concerns about long-lasting rifts in Hollywood and potential consequences for the royal couple.
Prince Harry and Meghan, who have already faced challenges like losing their $20 million Spotify contract, are now facing potential further risks in Hollywood, where divisions on such sensitive issues could result in their exclusion from opportunities. With their $100 million 5-year deal with Netflix due for renewal in 2025, it is critical for them to avoid alienating any significant portion of their audience.
In recent public opinion polls, both Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have seen a decline in their popularity, while Prince William and Princess Kate have become the most popular royal couple in the United States. Prince Harry is well aware of the royal family's tradition of maintaining neutrality in political matters, but both he and Meghan have a history of vocalizing their opinions on various issues.
In this scenario, it is advised for them to maintain a dignified silence, and Meghan should resist becoming embroiled in a highly contentious debate, even though her agent has openly expressed his views. Ari Emanuel made headlines by criticizing Israel's prime minister and suggesting that his actions have left the country vulnerable. This stance drew significant attention during a Bloomberg media conference.
Furthermore, the divide between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters in Hollywood has been steadily widening, especially following an open letter signed by 700 celebrities and industry leaders on October 12, condemning Hamas and advocating for the safe return of hostages held in Gaza. The signatories included prominent figures like Mark Hamill, Chris Pine, Gal Gadot, Bella Thorne, Michael Douglas, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Last week, over 2,000 British actors, artists, and musicians, including Tilda Swinton, Steve Coogan, and Sam Heughan, signed an open letter accusing Israel of war crimes. Simultaneously, 55 American stars, such as Joaquin Phoenix, Kate Blanchett, Kristen Stewart, and Susan Sarandon, signed a letter urging President Joe Biden to facilitate an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
