A short and pointed remark from one of Hollywood's biggest names is getting royal watchers talking. Ari Emanuel, the executive chairman of the talent giant WME, has now openly admitted that he is no longer working with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
Emanuel made the admission while speaking to The Sunday Times, in a profile tied to the launch of his upcoming memoir, Roll the Calls. He confirmed that the professional relationship ended last year. Then came the question everyone noticed: where does he see her career going from here?
His answer was brief and hard to miss. "Here's the great thing: I don't have to think about that anymore," he said. He did not add any praise, and he did not explain further.
How the partnership began
Meghan signed with WME in April 2023, and the move was seen as a big step in her life after royal duties. Her team included Emanuel, senior agent Brad Slater, and Jill Smoller, who has long represented tennis star Serena Williams, a close friend of the duchess.
The agency was also meant to handle Archewell, the production company Meghan runs with Prince Harry. The plan covered film and television projects as well as brand deals.
The rumors that came first
This is not the first time the split has been discussed. In February 2025, Page Six reported, citing sources, that WME had cut ties with Meghan. At that time, the agency pushed back and said it still represented both Meghan and Archewell.
One insider claimed the duchess was seen as "too demanding" and hard to work with, and that Emanuel had simply had enough. Those claims came from unnamed sources and were never confirmed by the agency. It was also reported that Emanuel had not met Meghan in person since early 2024.
Trouble on the Netflix side
Emanuel's words land at an awkward time. Netflix reportedly ended her lifestyle series With Love, Meghan in January after two seasons and a holiday special. A couple of months later, the streamer was also said to have stepped back from investing in her brand, As Ever, with reports of unsold products being sent back.
Meghan has spoken in the past about missing acting and about how her cooking show gave her a chance to work with a crew again. For now, her next big move is still unclear, and neither she nor her spokespeople have publicly answered Emanuel's latest comments.
Whether this is only a passing remark or a sign of deeper trouble in her
Hollywood plans, one thing is certain: the duchess's career is under a bright
spotlight once again.
Key Takeaways
- Hollywood power player Ari Emanuel confirmed he and Meghan Markle went separate ways in 2025.
- Asked where her career is heading, he said he no longer has to think about it.
- WME had denied a similar report in February 2025, so this is the first clear confirmation from Emanuel himself.
- The comments arrive after a rough stretch of Netflix setbacks for the Duchess of Sussex.
