This project is a collaborative effort between Disney, the Chatham County government, and local developers, with the goal of creating an inclusive and sustainable community featuring affordable housing, green spaces, recreational facilities, and educational opportunities for residents. Meghan Markle, who recently inked a deal with Disney to lend her voice to a wildlife documentary in exchange for a donation to Elephants Without Borders, expressed her desire to support the community project as part of her philanthropic endeavors. She also hinted at leveraging her influence to promote the project and attract more investors and celebrities.
However, Chapek remained uninterested in Markle's offer and reportedly conveyed his lack of desire to work with her or accept funds originating from her charity foundation. He accused Markle of using her charitable work as a guise for personal gain and exploiting her royal connections to secure lucrative deals with media giants like Disney and Netflix.
Chapek didn't hold back his disappointment with Meghan Markle's voiceover work for Disney's elephant documentary, critiquing it as overly sentimental and lacking the polished authority exhibited by seasoned documentary narrators like Sir David Attenborough.
Chapek's rejection of Meghan Markle's offer adds another challenge for the Duchess of Sussex, who has faced public and media backlash since she and Prince Harry announced their decision to step back as senior members of the British royal family and pursue an independent lifestyle in North America. Markle has been embroiled in controversies, including allegations of workplace bullying by former staff, a lawsuit against a British tabloid, and the publication of a private letter from her father. The unauthorized biography, "Finding Freedom," further exposed intimate details of her relationship with Prince Harry.
Critics have not been kind, with some creating a subreddit, "r/SaMeganMarkle," to mock and ridicule her actions and motivations. While Meghan Markle has not officially responded to Chapek's rejection, sources close to her suggest that she feels hurt and angered by his comments, considering them a betrayal by Disney, a company she had believed to be a friendly and supportive partner. Reportedly, she is contemplating legal action against Chapek and the company for defamation and breach of contract.
