Meghan Markle has been left “distraught” after being dropped by Spotify and facing criticism from the streaming service’s top brass, it has been claims.
Bill Simmons, who holds a leadership role at Spotify, branded the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as “grifters” and suggested his involvement in initial negotiations would have avoided certain problems.
The couple’s deal with Spotify was terminated last month after just a dozen episodes of Meghan’s Archetypes series.
A statement confirming the decision said: "Spotify and Archewell Audio have mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series that we made together."
A joint statement from Spotifty and Archewell, the royal couple’s production business, said the two sides had 'mutually agreed to part ways'ReutersThe deal, which was reportedly worth $20million, was only signed with Spotify in late 2020.
The Sussexes are now expected to produce more content on Netflix after releasing their controversial docuseries in December.
However, the Duchess is thought to have been far from impressed with the fallout from the end of the Sussexes' deal with Spotify.
A source told Closer magazine: "Meghan is distraught over this Spotify snub and the fallout that has followed. It’s totally knocked her sideways.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped down as working members of the Royal FamilyPA"She can’t believe she’s been attacked so viciously and so publicly by one of their execs, and to be labelled 'grifters' is an utterly humiliating and gut-wrenching all-time low – it’s served as a brutal reality check that things really do need to change to save their popularity.
"Her team have warned her that there’s no future' with Harry and that she needs to start working on her individual projects rather than being seen as one half of 'Brand Sussex'.
"They feel that if Meghan does more on her own, she’ll have more opportunities to save her career.
“It will give them breathing room and restore confidence – or at least that’s the hope."
Meghan Markle PABut another insider suggested the Sussexes were now looking to ignore the critics.
They told Radar Online: "People can call them money hungry and even 'grifters'. Harry and Meghan think it's all just jealous and mean people flinging stones.
"Meghan's going to be the queen of Hollywood before long, and she and Harry will be raking in millions. To hell with the critics is their attitude."
The Sussexes look poised to release Heart of Invictus in August.
The docuseries will follow sick and wounded members of the Armed Forces as they compete in Prince Harry’s Invictus Games.
