Sundance Sparks Controversy Over Sussex-Led Documentary Premiere
A significant online dispute has erupted following the world premiere of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's executive-produced documentary, Cookie Queens, at the Sundance Film Festival. The controversy centres on conflicting reports about whether the Sunday morning screening at the Eccles Theatre in Utah was a complete sell-out, with fans and critics trading accusations and evidence across social media platforms.
Conflicting Accounts of Theatre Attendance
According to several US media reports, including claims from The New York Post and Page Six, there were noticeable unoccupied seats during the premiere. The New York Post suggested approximately 150 empty seats at the start, reducing to around 60 once the film began ten minutes late, with festival passes costing up to $7,000. This contrasted sharply with the packed premiere of Olivia Wilde's The Invite, starring Seth Rogen and Penelope Cruz, which occurred the night before and reportedly turned people away.
However, ardent supporters of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, often referred to as the Sussex Squad, have vehemently rejected these claims. They argue that assertions of poor attendance constitute a false online conspiracy designed to undermine the couple and their Archewell Productions' collaborative project. One audience member insisted it was a 'packed house' and a total sell-out, while others shared screengrabs from official ticket websites indicating no available tickets for the screening.
Social Media Battle and Insider Testimonies
The debate has escalated into a heated exchange on social media, with both sides presenting visual evidence. Critics circulated pictures and videos from inside the theatre, with some images circled to highlight what they claimed were clear empty seats, particularly in the balcony area above the busy stalls. Conversely, supporters posted their own footage and testimonies to prove the venue was full.
One attendee tweeted in response to the criticism, 'This is silly, it was a packed house at 9am for a documentary in the biggest theater'. Another supporter exclaimed online, 'LIARS, LIARS, LIARS! ALL screenings SOLD OUT!', reflecting the passionate defence mounted by the couple's fanbase.
Meghan's Personal Connection and Festival Appearance
During the event, Meghan Markle took to the stage to deliver a speech, expressing gratitude to the audience. 'Thank you so much for being here bright and early. I know some of you probably had late nights, last night, so extra thanks for the effort,' she said, receiving cheers from the crowd. She emphasised the pride she and Prince Harry felt in supporting the project through Archewell Productions.
The Duchess revealed a deep personal connection to the documentary's subject matter, having been a Girl Scout herself in California, with her mother Doria Ragland serving as her troop leader. 'It really embeds such great values from the get-go... I think the value of friendship, of being dedicated to a goal, as you see that in Cookie Queens, is so reflective of how these girls stick to something that is important to them and don't give up,' Meghan told reporters. She described self-belief as an integral value fostered by the Girl Scouts experience.
Documentary Details and Production Background
Cookie Queens is a 91-minute documentary directed by Alysa Nahamias, produced in partnership with Archewell Productions, Beautiful Stories, and AJNA Films. It follows four Girl Scouts, aged five to twelve, and their families during the annual cookie-selling season, portraying it as a crash course in entrepreneurship. The film premiered in the family matinee category at Sundance and has received mixed early reviews; it is currently seeking a distributor.
According to reports, the Duke and Duchess's involvement began after the film was completed. In a statement last year, Meghan noted, 'When we first viewed the early footage of this documentary, it was immediately something we wanted to be involved in.' Director Alysa Nahamias shared that the project originated from her children's request for a film they could share with friends, using Girl Scout cookies as a lens to explore girlhood and coming of age.
The premiere concluded with Meghan and Harry watching the screening alongside the director. When asked by a reporter if their daughter Lilibet might become a Girl Scout, Meghan offered a vague response, indicating they would 'continue to explore whatever feels right'. The ongoing online row underscores the intense public scrutiny surrounding the Sussexes' projects and the polarised reactions they continue to generate.
