Meghan Markle and WME: Reports, Denials, and the Bigger Picture
Hollywood is abuzz with reports claiming that Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has been dropped by her high-profile talent agency, William Morris Endeavor (WME). The news, first reported by Page Six, has sparked significant speculation about her relationship with the powerhouse agency just under two years after she signed with them. However, WME has publicly denied these claims, asserting that they continue to represent Markle and her joint ventures with Prince Harry under their Archewell brand. This reported fallout comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of Markle’s professional relationships, public image, and upcoming projects.
A Brief History: Meghan Markle and WME
Meghan Markle signed with WME in April 2023, a move that was widely seen as part of her post-royal rebranding effort. The agency’s big-name representatives, including Brad Slater (who works with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) and Jill Smoller (longtime agent to tennis legend Serena Williams), were tasked with managing Markle’s career.However, reports now claim that Markle’s relationship with WME has been strained for some time. According to insiders, she hasn’t had any direct meetings with the agency’s CEO, Ari Emanuel, since January 2024. While she is believed to have interacted with her day-to-day agents, this apparent lack of top-level engagement has fueled industry rumors that the partnership was faltering long before the current headlines.An insider claims that Markle was labeled “too demanding” and “difficult to work with,” adding that her behavior may have played a role in her alleged removal from the agency. Despite these assertions, WME has vehemently denied parting ways with her. “WME continues to represent Meghan and Archewell,” a spokesperson for the agency said, pushing back against the reports.
The January 2024 “Outburst”
Adding to the speculation is a reported incident in January 2024, when Markle allegedly demanded a high-level meeting after the holiday season, expecting detailed plans and presentations from the agency. Sources claim this led to tensions within WME, with one insider stating that “Ari was done with her” following the dispute. This event seemingly marked a turning point in the relationship, though the exact details remain unclear.
A Question of Projects
While WME insists it is still representing both Markle and Archewell, industry insiders suggest that the agency may only be involved with a limited number of projects tied to Archewell rather than Markle’s personal endeavors. One Hollywood source commented, “I don’t know what those projects are, but WME is definitely not working on Meghan’s personal business.” Markle’s current focus appears to be on her Netflix lifestyle show, “With Love, Meghan,” set to debut next Tuesday, as well as her relaunch of her lifestyle brand, which has been rebranded to “As Ever” after trademark issues with its previous name, “American Riviera Orchard.”
Meghan Markle’s Rebranding Efforts
The Duchess of Sussex has been working to reposition herself in the public eye following her and Prince Harry’s decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family in 2020. A significant part of this effort has been through media projects, including the couple’s Archewell Foundation, their Netflix partnership, and Markle’s now-defunct “Archetypes” podcast with Spotify.Her Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan,” is designed to highlight her personal passions and lifestyle expertise, while her “As Ever” product line aims to establish her as a tastemaker in the wellness and lifestyle space. However, reports indicate that the products—including her heavily promoted jam—will not be ready for sale until months after the show’s debut. Additionally, Markle has been making moves to relaunch her Instagram presence, likely to coincide with the show and her brand’s rollout.
WME vs. Industry Perceptions
The conflicting reports about WME’s relationship with Markle reflect a broader narrative in Hollywood and the media about her professional reputation. While she has undoubtedly achieved significant milestones in her post-royal life, including high-profile deals with Netflix and Spotify, she has also faced considerable backlash.Some former collaborators have described working with Markle as “challenging.” For example, one source involved in her Spotify podcast described the experience as “really, really, really awful” and “very painful.” Meanwhile, other media outlets, like Vanity Fair, have published unflattering accounts of her work style. In a January 2025 feature, a former staffer likened Markle’s behavior to that of a “Mean Girls teenager.”
The “Sussex Survivors Club” and Bullying Allegations
Adding to the controversy surrounding Markle are longstanding allegations of bullying from her time as a working royal. Former staff members who worked for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their time at Kensington Palace have reportedly formed a group nicknamed the “Sussex Survivors ClClub.”
These former employees have accused Markle of fostering a toxic work environment, though she has consistently denied these claims.In 2021, Buckingham Palace launched an inquiry into the allegations but chose not to release its findings publicly. Over the weekend, 60 Minutes Australia aired an interview with Jason Knauf, Markle’s former press secretary, who reiterated his allegations against her. Knauf reportedly told Prince William’s press secretary at the time that Markle’s treatment of staff was “totally unacceptable” and that she seemed “intent on always having someone in her sights.”
What’s Next for Meghan Markle?
Despite the ongoing controversies, Markle appears focused on her upcoming projects, including her Netflix show and lifestyle brand. Her rebranding efforts are undoubtedly a significant undertaking, and the reported tensions with WME could complicate her path forward. However, WME’s public denial of the split suggests that her professional partnerships may still hold strong, at least on paper.Markle and Prince Harry have faced significant challenges in maintaining a cohesive public narrative and loyal team since stepping back from royal life. Whether the reports about her relationship with WME prove accurate or not, it is clear that Markle’s efforts to establish herself as a Hollywood power player remain under intense scrutiny.As her Netflix show premieres and her product line evolves, the public will undoubtedly continue to watch her journey closely. Whether she can successfully navigate these controversies and reshape her narrative remains an open question. For now, Markle’s Hollywood chapter continues to unfold, with or without WME fully in her corner.
