Meghan Markle's 'Exaggerated' Display of Attachment at Netflix Party Scrutinised
Body language expert Judi James has claimed that Meghan Markle put on an "exaggerated" show of attachment at a recent Netflix event, "performing" her friendship with CEO Ted Sarandos's wife, Nicole Avant, through a "prolonged hug." The Duchess of Sussex, 44, appeared at the Beef Season Two Tastemaker party in California, where she was seen holding hands with Avant before wrapping her in a tight embrace, all while smiling broadly.
Analysing the 'Prolonged' Hug and Body Language Cues
Ms James noted that Meghan's hug with Nicole Avant looked "especially penned in underlined, bold italics," suggesting it was a deliberate performance aimed at showcasing their "bestie" relationship to the cameras. She highlighted how Meghan's torso was facing inward closely, with her arms wrapped around Avant in an entwined and prolonged manner, which she said typically signals emotional dependency and intensity between lifelong friends.
"Meghan's exaggerated, displayed attachment rituals here look aimed at showing there is no 'beef' between her and Netflix," Ms James explained. She also pointed out an "umbilical hand clasp" between the two, with Meghan maintaining a tight grip on Avant's hand, which could imply the Duchess was seeking further support and encouragement.
Context of Netflix Deal and Social Media Unfollows
This display comes amid speculation about Meghan and Prince Harry's relationship with Netflix, following the end of their multi-million dollar deal with the streamer earlier this year. Notably, Ted Sarandos unfollowed Meghan and her lifestyle company, As Ever, on Instagram around the same time her brand was purged by Netflix, as revealed by the Daily Mail last month.
Sarandos had been one of the first high-profile figures to follow Meghan when she returned to social media in early 2025, and he previously praised her as "the rock star" last spring. However, his wife, Nicole Avant, still follows Meghan on Instagram, though not As Ever, with a Netflix source stating, "Nicole and Meghan are still friends."
Group Photos and Dress Code Controversy
In group photos from the event, Ms James observed that Prince Harry and Meghan seemed to be "photobombing" Ted and Nicole Sarandos. She described the Sarandoses adopting a "tight, smiling, mirrored pose of couples' unity," while Meghan appeared eager to share the affection, still holding Avant's hand.
Additionally, Meghan faced criticism online for her fashion choice at the party. She wore a chartreuse silk dress from Heidi Merrick, which was very similar to the green gown worn by Beef star Carey Mulligan, despite most guests adhering to a black and white dress code. Some fans questioned whether Meghan had "disregarded" the event's attire guidelines, with one social media user calling it "one of Markle's biggest faux pas to date."
Event Details and Attendees
The Montecito launch party for season two of Netflix's hit show BEEF attracted several A-list celebrities, including Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry, Riverdale star Charles Melton, and British actress Carey Mulligan. Melton and Mulligan both star in the popular drama, which is set to return to screens on April 16. Meghan and Harry's appearance at this high-profile gathering underscores their continued presence in Hollywood circles, even as their formal ties with Netflix have concluded.
