Vanity Fair published a negative exposé, documenting several charges made against Meghan Markle and Prince Harry by former coworkers and staff.
According to New York Post, Meghan is "in a bad place" as a result of the publication of the controversial exposé.
The story, which was published on January 17, brought to light allegations of "bullying" conduct on the part of Meghan, conjecture around the possibility of a "post-Harry divorce book," and conflicts with their neighbors in Montecito, some of whom accused her of commercializing the area.
Meghan has been left feeling depressed as a result of the impact of the piece, despite the fact that sources close to the couple have refuted the unfavorable portrayal.
Kinsey Schofield, a specialist on royal affairs, stated that the Sussexes are currently in a "bad place," expressing their sorrow about the publication's reiteration of unfavorable claims about Meghan, particularly considering the fact that she has worked very hard to rebrand herself.
The postponement of Meghan's show, which Netflix reportedly suggested, has increased their problems, Schofield noted.
One of the charges stuck out in particular: members of the Montecito community have referred to Meghan and Prince Harry as "local troublemakers."
A neighbor who had never met the couple called them "the prince and the starlet."
Others have accused the Sussexes of exploiting the town's charm for commercial gain, blaming them for the rising property prices and increased traffic in the previously peaceful Santa Barbara area.
A resident referred to her acts as "hucksterism," criticizing their perceived entitlement and dishonesty.
Per The Blast, the exposé stated that Meghan's team had discussed the possibility of a "post-Harry divorce book" with a publisher, despite the fact that no official proposal was ever presented.
The assertion was disregarded as unsubstantiated by an insider, while another source stated that discussions had taken place but did not disclose any specifics about the contents of those conversations.
Former coworkers who wished to remain anonymous expressed allegations of bullying conduct on Meghan's part in the article.
As a result of working with her, several individuals asserted that they were currently participating in long-term therapy, while another individual compared her behavior to that of a "Mean Girls teenager."
According to a former coworker, their experience was "really, really awful," which suggests that Meghan's bullying was covert and consisted of insults made behind her back rather than overt aggression.
Insiders say that Prince Harry and Meghan find the allegations troubling, particularly in light of the obstacles they are currently facing, which include Prince Harry's legal fights in the United Kingdom and the postponement of Meghan's Netflix program.
Although Prince Harry and Meghan have not formally commented on the exposé, insiders indicate that they find the allegations distressing. It has been reported by those who are close to them that the bombshell piece has simply made their already challenging circumstances even tougher.
Business Times has reached out to Prince Harry and Meghan's representatives for comments.