Exclusive: The Real Story Behind Meghan Markle's Netflix Breakup
Industry insiders have provided exclusive details unraveling the mystery surrounding Meghan Markle's collapsed deal with Netflix, revealing conflicting narratives from both camps about why the partnership ended.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge
Last Friday, it was officially announced that the Duchess of Sussex's lifestyle brand As Ever would become fully independent, having previously been financially supported by the streaming giant. However, contradictory reports have since surfaced regarding the reasons for their separation.
Shortly after the announcement, a source suggested that ending the partnership was Meghan's own decision rather than Netflix's initiative. "Meghan is still on good terms with the Netflix team and close personal friends with Ted Sarandos so hasn't wanted to upset him, but is very happy to have full control of the company," the insider revealed. "It's a good time for Meghan to have complete control, given recent successes."
The source further indicated to The Sun that Meghan felt "held back" by the agreement. "Netflix have been a good partner, but she's wanted to go global with the brand for some time, but has been held back by the more cautious Netflix team."
Alternative Version Surfaces
This week, an alternative narrative emerged from Los Angeles. A source told the Mail that Netflix was "not happy" with how Meghan's brand was performing commercially. "They were not happy with the fact that no one really cared about the brand - so when they were looking to create As Ever areas in Netflix House there was no appetite for it," the insider explained.
Speaking about other successful programs on the streaming service, they added: "It just didn't fit with Squid Game or Stranger Things or Bridgerton like they had hoped."
PR Expert Analyzes the Split
Mayah Riaz, communications guru and PR to the stars, tells The Mirror: "This is really interesting, because when you see two very different narratives emerging around the same split, it is usually a sign that both sides are trying to manage the optics."
"In high profile partnerships such as this, perception is almost as important as the deal itself," Riaz continues. "Netflix will naturally want to position this decision as being strategic, while Meghan's team will of course want to frame it as her taking control of her brand rather than her being dropped."
Explaining the potential reasons behind the separation, the expert adds: "I have seen this so many times and it'd not be unusual if there is an element of damage control happening on both sides. The reality is that streaming platforms are becoming far more ruthless about who and what they invest in. Being a celebrity alone is no longer enough. Content has to deliver audiences, buzz and commercial return."
Broader Context of Sussex-Netflix Relationship
The move follows last summer's announcement of a significantly downgraded relationship between the Sussexes and Netflix regarding television series production. In August, their contract was reduced to a less lucrative "first look deal" that gives Netflix first refusal on any new projects but allows Harry and Meghan to take their work elsewhere if rejected.
Harry and Meghan originally signed a multiyear production deal with Netflix in September 2020 as part of their pursuit of financial independence in their post-royal lives. Their six-part docuseries Harry & Meghan became a major success for the platform, but subsequent projects failed to achieve similar resonance.
Follow-up projects including Live to Lead, Heart of Invictus (a docuseries centered on Prince Harry's Invictus Games), and Polo all underperformed. Then in March 2025 came the first season of With Love, Meghan, which featured the Duchess cooking, entertaining, and crafting with celebrity friends like Chrissy Teigen.
The show was widely criticized, and both the second season and a holiday special failed to make Netflix's top 1,000 shows in 2025. It has since been confirmed that With Love, Meghan will not return for a third series.
As Ever Brand History and Future
As Ever launched in 2025 with Netflix's support. The streaming service was "not just as my partner in the show, but as my partner in my business, which was huge," Meghan said last year. The brand was closely linked to With Love, Meghan, with hopes that As Ever products would prove popular with fans of the show.
In their official statement last week, Netflix suggested they always intended to part ways from As Ever, saying: "Meghan's passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As Ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life. As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently."
Meanwhile, an As Ever spokesperson stated: "As Ever is grateful for Netflix's partnership through launch and our first year. We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth and As Ever is now ready to stand on its own. We have an exciting year ahead and can't wait to share more."
Expert Warns of Deeper Issues
Mayah Riaz believes there's more at play that could spell trouble for both Meghan and Harry. "I personally think the bigger issue for the Sussexes is that the intrigue factor that once surrounded them is not as strong as it once was," she warns. "And this matters because attention is currency, and attention spans move quickly. For their brand to stay powerful, the projects need to feel bigger than the headlines."
"One thing is certain though: in the world of celebrity PR, when both sides are rushing to explain a break-up, it means the story behind the scenes is more complicated than either version suggests," Riaz concludes.
Now operating independently, Meghan has ambitious plans to take the As Ever brand global. Whether she can succeed without Netflix's backing remains to be seen as the Sussexes navigate an increasingly challenging commercial landscape where celebrity status alone no longer guarantees success.
