Ari Emanuel, the chairman of the William Morris Endeavour (WME) talent agency, has revealed he no longer personally represents Meghan Markle, saying he wanted to shift his focus to other priorities and avoid becoming a 'helicopter parent'.
Emanuel, who represents A-listers including Adele, Denzel Washington, Dwayne Johnson and Matt Damon, began personally representing the Duchess of Sussex in 2023. The signing was announced with great fanfare, with expectations that the agency would focus on the Duchess's business ventures as well as film and TV production.
Earlier this month, it emerged that despite Meghan still being on the agency's books, she was no longer being personally represented by Emanuel.
Agent explains decision
In a new interview, the Hollywood power broker revealed he now allows his subordinates to manage the Duchess, saying: "I didn't want it to occupy my brain."
Speaking on US radio to Megyn Kelly, he said: "I just had a lot on my plate. And it was better to let them deal with her and execute against her needs and her desires.
"When I'm involved with someone constantly, when I wake up in the morning, clients occupy my brain. I just had to shift my focus to other things that were a priority for me."
Host Ms Kelly then suggested to Emanuel, 65, that he wanted to focus on clients "that actually could get bookings and make money for you".
But he added: "The great thing is I hope I've done with my own children, my four kids - you have to let them grow up.
"I don't want to be a helicopter parent. And here at the agency, agents can go do their job. They've been taught really well. They are doing their job. Fantastic."
Potential projects and UK return
His comments come as the Mirror understands Meghan is open to returning to acting and is considering her options. Several weeks ago it was claimed she was in talks to star in Guy Ritchie's hit Netflix crime caper, The Gentleman.
The show is about a British Duke who unexpectedly inherits his father's country estate and discovers it is home to a cannabis empire run by notorious criminals. It is believed Meghan met film director Ritchie, who was formerly married to Madonna, through mutual acquaintances.
When asked if he knew of any projects lined up for the Duchess, Emanuel responded: "I think she's actually getting booked and there's reality stuff and TV stuff. They're doing stuff. I don't know about it. She is finding her voice - I am happy for her."
It comes as Harry and Meghan are understood to be 'excited' ahead of their first official joint appearance together tomorrow since their bombshell return to the UK.
The couple will take part in a 'royal-style' away day on Thursday, which will see them visit a number of community engagements in Nottingham, with the itinerary appearing to resemble the kind of visit they would conduct before stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
Since the couple and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet returned to the UK in August after living in the US for six years, they have been involved in a public spat with Buckingham Palace about their status and security detail.
Last month, a letter sent on the King's instruction insisted that Harry and Meghan should be viewed as "private citizens" on their return to the UK, which "surprised" the Sussexes.
