These photos are from Prince Harry and then-Meghan Markle’s stop at a youth-operated radio station in Brixton in January 2018. I’m using these pics because I had forgotten about them! And because they connect, thematically, to this story. Unfortunately, I believe this story is bullsh-t, but we should just go ahead and talk about it anyway. First off, I really feel like British tabloids just do not understand how business deals work in America? The British reporting around the Sussexes’ potential businesses and deals has been sketchy from the word go. So, the Daily Mirror (via the Mail) claims that Meghan and Harry are going to be offered a “seven figure deal” to do a Spotify podcast. Hm.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly set to be offered a seven figure deal to produce podcasts for Spotify. Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan Markle, 39, who are currently living in their $14 million mansion in Santa Barbara, having officially stepped back from royal duty seeking financial independence in March.
The streaming giant, which is worth £22bn, are hoping to sign the royal couple following the success of The Michelle Obama podcast, which launched last month, and has been a huge ratings hit. Sources told the Mirror that money is ‘no object’ for Spotify and Meghan would be able to ‘more or less name her price’.
An insider said: ‘The Duke and Duchess have been on their hit list for a while and a detailed proposal is set to be presented to Meghan’s US agent in a matter of weeks.’
Rumors of Harry and Meghan seeking to gain a foothold in Hollywood have run rampant ever since the couple announced their plans to quit as senior royals, seek financial independence and move to North America in January.
Add this to the pile of dumbf–k rumors about the Sussexes’ career plans. Whatever happened to “Meghan demands a starring role in a Marvel franchise” or “Oprah will finance all of the Sussexes’ many projects”? Meghan clearly has some stuff to say about voting and mindfulness and she probably would love to do a podcast if she was still just Meghan Markle, actress and Tig blogger. But now? Yeah, doubtful.
Update: Meg and Harry signed a major Netflix deal and it was announced today! We will have more coverage tomorrow.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.
I listen to Michelle Obama’s podcast on Spotify. No idea how much she gets paid for it, if anything. But it’s not available on any other platform which is a genius move by Spotify
I would listen to the Sussexes on a podcast in a HEARTBEAT! Pay them that money. 😆
Annnnnnd……here’s the rollout (per Omid):
They signed a HUGE deal with Netflix!!
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/business/media/harry-meghan-netflix.html?smtyp=cur&smid=tw-nytimes
Ted Sarandos,
@Netflix’s chief content officer and co-chief exec, says:
“We’re incredibly proud they have chosen Netflix as their creative home and are excited about telling stories with them that can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere.”
This is the deal I was expecting, much like the Obama’s. Good for them! And I hope they never publish the amount of money paid. Thank you Jan!
Whoa. So the NYT has its faults but is genuinely reputable and not a source of celebrity click bait. Seems safe to start looking forward to this new Netflix content.
WHOOOOAAAAA GO HARRY AND MEGHAN!!!!
good for them. i imagine they’ll be creative and executive producers as well. looking forward to it. whatever they do, it will be followed.
I think they send certain tidbits back to KP, BP and CH to see what leaks… always with a bit of or mostly truth but a slight spin. Then when that is told to the Fail, et al. they hit them with the truth which is bigger and better to make their heads spin.
Interested to see what content they bring to Netflix in the coming years. Good for them.
YAS! I’m so so happy for them! Honestly, they’re so smart, this was really expected but also well played. There you go british royal family, they don’t need you or your purse strings laden with toxic conditions! I have no doubt they’ll create killer content too. Since they both, like I don’t know, have actual interests and causes they’re passionate about and care deeply about many issues. Unlike the rest of the royal family. This is how you change the world. Not by cutting ribbons, but by literally programming the future generations.
Sweet. I’m looking forward to their programs. Everything from child development, to mental health. No limits because of the interest in H&M.
See I always thought they would get book deals, production deals and Spotify/Audible deals + speaking work, and then would work with their foundation. To me those are the most obvious sources of income for them and that also follows the Obama playbook.
Michelle Obama absolutely got PAID for her podcast. Exclusives that attract new listeners and subscribers are a big deal.
I work for a well-known global publisher and nationally and internationally we have deals with both Spotify and Audible for exclusive podcasts. And the ones we sell them are usually top-performing. They then advertise said podcasts (with us and elsewhere) and get new listeners and subscribers off the back of them. Those deals are good sources of income for us.
Now, whatever we are getting paid (and that is in the 6 figure range for our podcasts made here in Australia), M&H could pretty much name their price – the interest would be so intense globally. The bump in subscribers would be astronomical, especially amongst the audiences Spotify is targeting currently. Essentially they have young people on lock, and these days they are targeting 50+ – a demographic that contains many people who would tune in for M&H content. Winner winner, chicken dinner.
My assumption would be that a large deal would include at least one podcast where one or both of them interviews people of interest (and the calibre of talent they could attract would be massive!!!), and then other podcasts that they produce in line with their philanthropic interests, with them popping in here and there.
To me this is totally plausible.
The more the trashy British tabloods proves how little (nothing) they know about the Sussexes and their moves/plans, the happier I become! By the time the one year anniversary rolls around, they’ll prove themselves 100% obsolete with anything in regards to the Sussexes!!!😌
Don’t bet on it.
It looks like a pretty safe bet at this point.
I think they already have now that the KP leak is plugged.
This sounds like BM RRs sitting around a table pitching “what if” stories about who H and M might work with.
The British tabloids should hire The Onion staff to brainstorm and write their articles for them. At least The Onion’s are funny.
BM haven’t had any prior knowledge to any of their moves, especially not the business deals. Until maybe Variety confirms it, this isn’t true.
They are relentless.
I would listen to their podcast as well. Also, I didn’t know about the Michelle Obama podcast! LA traffic is almost back so podcasts are the perfect driving companion.
*Heads over to Spotify to listen to Michelle Obama podcast
For arguments sake let’s say the tabloids got something right…highly doubtful, but sure. I can see it being a podcast where they are the producers or something. Like they prerecord introductions to segments that feature individuals from their charities or other organizations and maybe here and there do actual segments themselves.
You know what I just wrote a better/more realistic article in 2 mins than those idiots did. I missed my calling.
@Kiera, what you wrote was infinitely more realistic than anything the tabs can write. I could see a podcast of their charities sorta like what Meghan did with the 19th. Quasi interviews with their representatives and those that are helped by them.
@kiera – I missed your post and said the same thing down thread!
so of course the DM doesn’t know anything, but I don’t think the idea of a podcast in itself is that outrageous. I can see Harry and Meghan doing one that highlights different charitable causes across the world, generating interest, publicity and donations for those causes. It actually could be really interesting if done right.
You know people at companies like Spotify are watching the internet and news organizations lose their mind every time Meghan appears at a virtual conference, or she and Harry volunteer somewhere, and they are definitely making calculations about how to harness that for their own company. That’s how business works.
Agreed. I think they could eventually get offered a podcast deal but the DM will have no clue about it. And if it was happening right now then no-one with the knowledge of this deal is going to leak to the tabloids. When it comes to high-profile people like these two, the discussions are kept to a small but senior team.
@becks – This was sort of my thought. I didn’t automatically assume they would be speaking or interviewing people themselves but rather that they would produce them and highlight charities or causes – perhaps with an intro or closer from one of them. I actually think that would be cool and could be quite a win/win for them. But it’s likely bunk.
I would love to listen to Harry and Meg laughing as they read out this week’s batshit stories.
I would subscribe!
I would LOVE for them to have a podcast and I can see it happening. They could showcase causes they are passionate about. I think it would be great for them. I hope it happens.
Is this the same British media who were still stalking around Tyler Perry’s house while Harry & Meghan were happily living in Montecito? Is this the same British press who were unaware of all their engagements in LA visiting schools, charities right under their nose? Trust me, they know nothing of their whereabouts or future plans.
Kaiser/Celebitchy – you have ads for a pro-Trump company called “Old Row” advertising on your site. I know you don’t control this so I wanted to let you know so you can take appropriate steps. Happy to provide screenshots if you let me know where to send them.
If you can send the link to info@celebitchy.com please!
Hi Stripe I will ask the ad company to block them thank you!
I kind of love that the trump campaign is wasting their money on a website with viewership that will not be voting for him 😉 reallocate that money!
It’s like the British press is just throwing out big names (Netflix, Oprah, Spotify) and seeing what sticks. But I don’t totally agree that they would never do a podcast. I could see them doing one to showcase the voices of those who are oppressed, similar to how Meghan used her Vogue issue to highlight others. I also think most of their future projects will involve producing, not starring.
Inclined to think this is based on fan chatter rather than actual knowledge. When Meghan did that chat with Gloria Steinheim i saw people comment that they want her to do more chats like that. Then tabloids see Michelle Obama has that Spotify podcast introduced last month and they are like hey presto that’s the next move.
The tabloids throw out guesses about their future moves because if they put enough stories out there and with obvious players they may be right one day and then they can pretend they have inside knowledge& their ‘exclusive’ was right.
Yes, it does feel like the BM is throwing everything out there, hoping one sticks. Since they no longer have palace sources, we can expect more of these nonsense type of articles from them.
“Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan Markle, 39, who are currently living in their $14 million mansion in Santa Barbara, having officially stepped back from royal duty seeking financial independence in March.”
The BM is still salty about the Montecito mansion😂. Every single article has to list the price as if to say “how dare they live in such an expensive home”.
It’s really a no brainer about the podcast. It actually makes sense for the Sussexes to do that. IIRC Harry has done radio interviews with President Obama and others.
It is so ridiculous. Do they do that to anyone else? The price of their home is such a weird thing to put into every single story.
‘Hmmm’ said Prince William from his 50 million dollar 20 room palace….
Which William does not, and never will, own personally.
I read Kensington was worth $60 million. Hopefully the DM will start including that in stories about the Cambridges. It does seem important to the British tabloid press.
I think they will (or Meghan at least) will have a podcast deal. I don’t think she’ll act again but I wouldn’t be surprised if she takes “The Tig”, breaks off the different “parts” and use different media to keep talking about them. For example, using a podcast to do interviews, using Netflix or something to do travel related programs where they talk about the different countries and the food that’s heavily part of their culture/country.
I WOULD really love a podcast from them though…
I doubt that tabloids have any inside knowledge on anything. That said, I could TOTALLY see them doing a podcast. Spotify, Apple, whatever. With the pandemic still raging, it would be the perfect move to get themselves out there safely and make money. It would also be easy to keep it “on brand” for them.
Doubtful but would like it to be true.
I definitely could see them doing this. Meghan in particular seems to have a knack for the type of casual interviews that would work on a podcast. Harry seems to enjoy that as well. So I hope they go for it.
I could see them doing a podcast for one season and guesting on other people’s podcasts. A longterm inteview type podcast has diminishing returns because you have to create so much content trying to keep people listening and your stats are very public.
I would listen to a podcast from them. The BM knows nothing and are just guessing like everyone else because I’ve seen this discussed since they said they would step down as senior working royals. I liked what someone up thread came up with as a podcast for them. Person said, they could use it to highlight different charities but do the intro for each spot. That would be really perfect and in keeping with what they’ve been doing all along.
If the daily mail are reporting it then it must be a lie, but I would still listen. In other news, harry looks so handsome in that last pic, he’s a whole damn snack!
If it’s good enough for Michelle, it’s certainly good enough for Harry and Meghan. I would like for them to do a podcast or documentaries highlighting the causes of their patronages.
I would LOVE seeing a sustainable tourism show, even if they aren’t the hosts. I love shows like this.
Completely agree with if it’s good for M. Obama, it’s ok for H/M. One of the things I noticed with Meghan when she was royal is that she didn’t do anything that no other royal have never done before. She really seemed to have attempted to do things she knew had been done before without incident. Still, they bashed her and pretended she was breaking protocol. I say that because it’s possible she and Harry are looking at what other respected persons are doing successfully and staying within that realm.
I can definitely see them doing a podcast as Meghan has in the past done interviews with people in the industry/powerplayers and Harry guest edited radio in 2017 where he interviewed Obama and this seems to be a current trend with celebrities(see Michelle as well as Reese who has her interview series that she hosts plus podcasts run through her production company that other women host). But there is no way that Spotify would go to the press about an offer BEFORE they even offer it to them; and especially not to a publication like the Mirror who has been singled out by the Sussexes as a publication they won’t engage with.
I had a hard time believing the Marvel story, but true or not, this one is a really good Idea !!! I would listen !
So many theories, so little time ..
While I would love a podcast, and it may happen.The NY Times has the real story. Very exciting . They definitely can afford their mortgage now.
They could before as well; Meghan alone could have paid for that house……….
I don’t know why the BM is so concerned by the pockets of these 2; they are gone…….it is like breaking up with a boyfriend who keeps telling you, it is over, you don’t matter but continues to call you!
It is so odd….they have made H&M especially M into someone more famous than she would have been had they left her alone
Now they want to report on them! it is so pathetic; I am afraid the center of gravity for the rf has moved to the US
Well NYTimes just broke the news that they’ve signed a Netflix deal so per usual the British Media knows nothing lol
Looking forward to their meltdowns
Woohoo, yes!
I’m looking forward to the meltdown. Harry & Meghan continue to thumb their noses at the BM and it’s glorious.
Living well is the best revenge.
I bet Meghan’s dad and sister are having a few regrets! They betrayed her for what is chump change compared to what she could do for them now.
@Lizzie perhaps what she could do for her father. His other daughter for some time it seems stood no chance with Meghan, excepting what she may have received through the father from Meghan.
I really hope for good things for Harry and Meghan, people who have been through what they have should be rewarded.
The minions in and working for the Royal Family have created the thing they feared. Harry and Meghan are sucessful professionally, monitarily and popularly outside the firm.
I would love to be a fly on the wall at the 1 year review.
@Lizzie — exactly; I had seen your comment yet; indeed, they have created what they feared……..
My thoughts and prayers to the Sussex haters. They were only just recovering from the $14m mansion. To think, their year started so well!
They deserve no such notice (Lady Catherine Debourgh’s voice).
I read it in 2005’s Lady Catherine lmao
@Myra mine is 1995 Lady Catherine with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.
1995 Lady Catherine is the best. Since this is multi year, they will still be able to focus on other endeavors as well. I’m especially excited about children’s programming and scripted stories. These two really set out to be independent and meant it.
@L4frimaire 1995 have my favorite Lady Catherine and Darcy and while I loved Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth, I prefer Elizabeth Garvie from the 1980 adaptation best. I digress.
Also H&M have their news covered by NYT and BBG…….instead of trash like the DM and sun; H is a really lucky guy
I saw the 2005 version first so it is by far my best version, although the 1995 was truer to the book. I’ve also watched it an unhealthy amount of time, including the audio version during the pandemic.
And yes to the Sussex coverage by the NYT. It was a pretty decent straightforward article too, which is so refreshing after all that bs from the BM
@Myra, I saw the 1995 version first so that might explain my preference also. On a lazy rainy afternoon, I will watch the 1995 version, but with less time to spare, I will enjoy the 2005 version. That one has my favorite Charlotte and Mr. Collins and it’s actually enjoyable. I’ve seen all the adaptations way too many times, so don’t think it’s just you.
It’s nice that Meghan and Harry news are being delivered by more legit media these days. The BM is trying to hang on to them, but they are determined to continue with the needless negativity and so they will continue to be ignored.
@VS – Good point.
Haters are already spinning. Claiming there’s no money involved, it is only a paper deal, they won’t produce anything or make money off this, etc.
The haters are so upset. They are saying they are “losing the battle” and can’t understand why this is happening lol. I hope they go and obsess over someone else.
Well, all the people who have been complaining about their precious tax dollars going to pay Harry and Meghan’s bills can rest easy. I’m sure the Sussex family will be able to pay their own way now.
The Royal family must be pissing their royal drawers. Every single one of them would hand over the crown jewels to get a high profile gig like that. I especially love the thought of Prince William’s reaction. He and poor Keen Katie are going to have to work twice as hard (what most of us call ‘vacation’) to have any relevance at all on the world stage.
” He and poor Keen Katie are going to have to work twice as hard (what most of us call ‘vacation’) to have any relevance at all on the world stage.”
This is what really confuses me about William. I don’t think he cared about “relevance on the world stage” until someone else had it. Such an immature attitude for a grown man
I said before, William is Fernand Mondego from the movie the Count of Monte Cristo. He wants anything that Harry has, just like Fernand wanted anything that Edmond had.
I agree with that assessment. It seems he wants whatever it is that Harry has. The podcast he did with the insensitive jokes shows how hard he is trying to be one of the guys. It all comes off so awkward though – you can tell it is not natural for him. It doesn’t help that they tried to make Kate like Meghan, but everything just falls short of the real deal.
This!!! They were perfectly happy being in the background and purposely making themselves so until Harry and Meghan came along! Jealousy got the best of them, and I’m glad it did sooner rather than later so that Harry can cut ties before Archie is grown.
Netflix FTW!!!
BM wrong again! I thought these two were irrelevant,…..there are a lot of royals in the UK; they should focus on those
NYT just broke the news; it is netflix!
Every single posting on DM has to include the fact that they are living in a $14 million home. It is just gross how hard they are pushing for people to be OUTRAGED with the home that they purchased. So very sick of their tactics.
They will flip out about Netflix.
It would be sweet if someone confirmed Spotify now that they have confirmed Netflix. They will get these projects off the ground and sometime next year, hopefully, they will incorporate speeches. I think they were always planning to have more than one egg in their basket.
The BM just makes fake stories while these two march on making real changes and real $$ living their lives :). This makes me so happy. Sorry haters we don’t have time to respond to your inquiries today, we are building our brand.
Duplicate
Get that Netflix kids and nature documentary money, honeys!
I just saw it!! I am SO happy for them!! Nope, no schilling a makeup line…Netflix baby!
So happy for Sussexes and doubly happy that the tabloids have zero inside information!
Wonder if Keen Kate will suddenly want a struggle podcast?
(5 minutes long. One episode every 12 years. Complete with wonky faux-posh accent.)
So much for” after dinner talking”. Just seen some of the initial tweets on this. Interesting how all of a sudden the RRs are sour and going on about privacy and money. First of all, none of them heard nary a word about this, or about anything they’ve done, apart from what they have chosen to share. Privacy is not the same as hiding. Also regarding money, what exactly did they think they meant when they said they were going to be financially independent? Weren’t they bothered about the fact that they might be getting from Charles or taxpayers. Turned out they weren’t so why are they complaining now. Anyway, the Sussexes will be quite busy and what they do will not interfere with what the royals do. I don’t care if it’s serious documentaries or silly rom coms, it’s all up to them now.
Suddenly that huuuuge home looks much more affordable. That’s a power move!!
And Boom! That’s how it’s done. If it’s truly $150M, then they just paid for everything they need for the foreseeable future AND dunked on the whole BRF.
It’s possible this is how much it was or more. All the credible outlets are reporting that it’s most like 100 to 150 million, which if true is awesome.
This is actually very likely but I think it’ll not be just with spotify. I see them diversifying and also working with bbc radio/America.
I knew they’d work with Netflix at some time. The HUGE SUCCESS of meghan’s elephant doc & rising phoenix (100% rotten tomato) despite harry only having a small appearance is clue about how big and successful their projects will be.
I love how RRs have nothing. Even shipwreck admitted he didnt get any response from sussexs camp and only shared extracts from nytimes article. I see pissy morgan is also pissed about their mega deal😂
The silence from KP/BP/CH is so thrilling. They must be walking up to how they unleashed a sleeping beast. Now chuck & billy should realise how useless 1yr review is as the sussexs clearly have no plans to come back
The Sussex’s are having the last laugh on all those people that now realize they picked the wrong side to support. Buh bye Britain. I want to live long enough to see how this plays out.
The great thing about Harry and Meghan is that I don’t even think they put these people on their brains, which is exactly the right way to go about it. They left and they were just done with it all and seems to have concentrated on what they want to accomplish and looking forward.
I gotta say: Good for them!
Go for it.
These two are gonna make some serious bank and I’m here for it.
Damn, every day they prove to the RF that having them work for them for basically free was priceless, they should’ve been grateful for what they had instead of abusing their gift! I’m glad Harry and Megan are off to greener pastures the grass isn’t always greener on the other side but it sure seems so for them! God is on their side!
And just think, Archwell isn’t even launched yet!
I am so very happy for the Sussex family-I love them so much-My heart breaks thinking about the way the vile British press and their followers ran this family out of England and smeared every way you could name it-I am here for it -I will definitely look at their future projects and content-this is what they truly wanted to do-positive vibes runs through their veins-God bless the Sussex family on their new adventures-I will be watching.