The scathing article by The Hollywood Reporter didn't mince words, describing Prince Harry as somewhat whiny and implying that the couple's brand exuded a sense of sanctimoniousness that was ripe for criticism. The piece even drew attention to a South Park episode that mercilessly mocked Meghan and Harry, pinpointing it as a pivotal moment in their declining public image. Additionally, it highlighted an incident related to the Spotify deal that saw a high-ranking executive branding them as grifters.
Expanding on the impact of this negative publicity, Kinsey Scoffield emphasized The Hollywood Reporter's significance, likening it to a holy grail within the entertainment industry. She noted that this development was likely a personal blow to Harry and Meghan, and it also put their current talent agency, WME, in a challenging position, prompting them to reassess their strategies.
While there's no definitive indication of a split between WME and the couple, it's becoming increasingly evident that, regardless of the source of the controversial content, it has significantly backfired on Meghan and Harry. Aside from their ongoing family issues, their public perception has taken another substantial hit, further eroding their popularity and making it increasingly challenging to market themselves.
This isn't the only setback they've faced recently. In December, they topped the list of the 12 most disliked celebrities of 2023. Harry secured the fifth spot on this unfavorable list, according to Covered Geekly, with both a South Park episode and public sentiment contributing to his diminished standing. Meghan Markle, too, experienced a significant decline in popularity, landing in the second spot on the list. Her fall from grace appears to be related to similar factors that impacted her husband.
One key factor driving their declining popularity is their departure from traditional royal norms, a move that has drawn criticism from many quarters. Over recent years, the perception of Americans towards the British royal family has undergone a noticeable shift. While Prince William and Princess Catherine have seen a rise in popularity, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have struggled to win over a majority, largely due to their divergence from established royal conventions.
