The Sussexes' recent split from Spotify has stirred up a debate among British socialites, with Lady Victoria Hervey, a well-known English aristocrat, criticizing Meghan Markle for allegedly pulling Prince Harry's reputation through the mud.
In a recent episode of GB News' "The Clash," hosted by Dan Wootton, Hervey along with royal commentator Nina Myskow engaged in a discussion on the Sussexes' fallout with the audio streaming platform and Spotify executive Bill Simmons' controversial description of the royal couple as "grifters."
The aristocrat argued that Markle should be held accountable for the public's changing perception of Prince Harry since their 2020 departure from royal duties and relocation to California.
"Markle has besmirched his reputation. The public had a deep affection for Prince Harry. He voluntarily followed her lead," Hervey argued, implying Markle's influence.
Addressing Simmons' accusations against the Sussexes, Hervey said, "Having an executive of this caliber labelling them as grifters will undoubtedly cast a shadow over their image, especially given Markle's representation by top Hollywood agency WME this year."
Lady Hervey admitted her surprise at Simmons' public critique of the couple following the termination of their purported $20 million deal with Spotify, asserting that such comments hint at a tumultuous end to the partnership.
"I was quite taken aback initially. Simmons did not mince his words. This indicates a particularly bitter ending," Hervey noted. "Spotify may feel short-changed. They were promised much, and the Sussexes did not deliver."
The socialite further speculated that a distaste for royal life could have driven Markle to advocate for their move to the U.S.
Hervey argued, "I believe one of the key reasons behind Markle's insistence on moving to America was her disinterest in royal life, which entails activities like hospital visits and interaction with ailing children."
However, Myskow defended the Duchess, citing her 2017 humanitarian effort supporting the publication of a community cookbook for Grenfell Tower fire victims.
Myskow emphasized that Markle aided Prince Harry in escaping a "toxic" situation in the U.K.
Asserting Markle's positive influence, Myskow said, "She has enabled him to break free from a toxic scenario in his home country."
The commentator also predicted the Sussexes' quick return to podcasting with another platform, given Spotify's decision not to renew Markle's "Archetypes" podcast.
"Very soon, I predict, Harry and Meghan will be associated with platforms like Audible," Myskow stated.
Last week, Markle's management announced her intentions to continue producing content for "Archetypes" on another platform. "The team behind 'Archetypes' remains proud of their creation at Spotify. Meghan is looking forward to creating more content for 'Archetypes' fans on a different platform," WME relayed in a statement to The Wall Street Journal.
