In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, Netflix has reportedly severed ties with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, following the disastrous launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The former "Suits" actress had signed a lucrative deal with the streaming giant back in 2020 to produce a variety of content, including documentaries, scripted series, and children's programming. However, industry insiders claim that Netflix executives have grown increasingly frustrated with Meghan's inability to deliver on her commitments, culminating in the company's decision to part ways.
The trouble began earlier this year when Meghan unveiled her much-anticipated American Riviera Orchard brand, intended to showcase her passion for sustainable living and organic produce. The launch was accompanied by a lavish social media campaign, with Megan sending limited edition jars of specialty jams to her celebrity friends, including Kris Jenner and fashion designer Tracy Robbins.
While Megan's famous friends dutifully shared the images on their own social media channels, the public's reaction was far from enthusiastic. Critics quickly pounced on the expensive nature of the jams, priced at a staggering $28 per jar, questioning whether the products offered any real value or uniqueness to justify the premium price tag.
The backlash intensified when it emerged that Meghan had prominently used her Duchess of Sussex title on the brand's website and social media accounts, seen as a blatant attempt to leverage her royal status for commercial gain.
"It was a total disaster from the start," says royal commentator Olivia Hartley. "Megan clearly thought she could just slap her name on some overpriced jams, and people would flock to buy them because of her celebrity status. But the public saw right through it, and the whole thing was mocked mercilessly online."
According to sources, Meghan was reportedly in tears over the negative reception, feeling unfairly targeted by the public and media. However, Netflix executives were far less sympathetic, viewing the American Riviera Orchard debacle as the latest in a series of missteps that had plagued the couple's various business ventures.
"Netflix invested a huge amount of money in Meghan and Harry with the expectation that they would deliver high-quality, compelling content that would resonate with audiences," an insider reveals. "But instead, all we've seen are delays, excuses, and questionable decisions that have damaged the brand."
The final straw appears to have been Meghan's refusal to abandon the American Riviera Orchard project, even as it continued to flounder. With the duchess reportedly unwilling to acknowledge the failure and move on, Netflix executives decided they had no choice but to sever ties completely.
"The news of Netflix's decision has been met with a mix of reactions from the public, with some applauding the streaming giant for taking a stand, while others accuse the company of caving to perceived cancel culture," the insider adds.
For Meghan, the fallout from the American Riviera Orchard debacle may be just the beginning of her troubles. With her Netflix deal terminated, the duchess will need to find a new way to fund her lifestyle and ambitious ventures while navigating increasingly hostile public scrutiny.
As for the future of the American Riviera Orchard brand, its fate remains uncertain. With the initial product lineup widely ridiculed and the brand's credibility in tatters, it remains to be seen whether Meghan will salvage the project or if it will fade into obscurity—a cautionary tale of the perils of celebrity overreach.
