Tensions surrounding Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, have once again made headlines in the Hollywood press, rekindling accusations about her alleged abusive behavior toward its employees. The complaints, reminiscent of those that arose during her stay at Kensington Palace, have come to light again, this time in the United States, where the Duchess and her husband, Prince Harry, have taken up residence.
The renowned American media The Hollywood Reporter has published a long article in which he echoes the difficulties faced by the staff of the Duke and Duchess of Sussexhighlighting a series of recent resignations attributed to Markle’s harsh treatment. According to the report, the latest to leave his post was Josh Kettler, who resigned in August after just three months as the couple’s chief of staff. This resignation adds to a list of former collaborators who have left their positions, forming what some media have dubbed the “Sussex Survivors Club.”
An anonymous source cited in the article notes that “Everyone is afraid of Meghan.” Criticism is not limited to her leadership style, but describes the Duchess as a person who “looks down on people, doesn’t take advice, and constantly changes his or her mind.” Although Prince Harry is also mentioned in decisions affecting the team, the source stresses that “Harry is charming and has no airs and graces,” in contrast to the “terrible” attitude attributed to Markle.
Resignations in the work environment of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are nothing new. Toya Holnessformer press secretary, and Catherine St-Laurentwho served as director of the Archewell Foundation, have also decided to step down from their roles after relatively short periods. These departures have sparked speculation about the viability of the duchess’ leadership and its impact on the couple’s charitable and professional projects.
The article of The Hollywood Reporter links these tensions with the events of 2021, when Several employees at Kensington Palace in London have filed complaints about the treatment they received from Meghan Markle in 2018, the year of her wedding to Prince Harry. These allegations led the British royal family to open an internal investigation into alleged workplace harassment, the results of which were never made public. At the time, Markle responded to the accusations by claiming to be victim of a “smear campaign” orchestrated from within the royal house.
However, recent testimony from former employees in the United States suggests that the pattern of behaviour reported in the UK may have been repeated across the Atlantic. According to the publication, some employees have mentioned the The Duchess’s “tantrums” and her “angry emails at five in the morning” as examples of the tense work environment under his leadership.
A source cited in the article goes so far as to describe Markle as “relentless” and claims that “She walks around like a dictator in high heels, barking orders furiously”The testimony also includes accounts of people claiming to have seen her “make grown men cry”, adding further fuel to the fire on the duchess’ public image.
Although Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have tried to build a new life away from the pressures of the British monarchy, their public life remains marked by controversy. These new accusations could have significant consequences for their reputation, both on a personal level and in the media and charitable projects they lead in the United States. Meanwhile, the media is still waiting for any official response from the Sussexes, who have so far remained silent in the face of the new criticism. @mundiario
