Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Spotify fallout has been one of the biggest topics of discussion in 2023. The couple announced the termination of their multimillion-dollar deal with the streaming giant in June this year. After delivering 12 episodes with many popular A-listers, both the Royals and Spotify mutually agreed to part ways and released a joint statement appreciating their collaboration. However, their initial gestures of friendliness did not last for long, as the whole feud was just about to kick off right after. 

Ever since parting ways with Spotify, the Sussexes had been in a battle to trademark their podcast’s title Archetypes. After engaging in various verbal spats and legal disputes for 17 months, the Duchess has finally waved the white flag.

Meghan Markle ditched her Spotify podcast

After stepping down from royal duties, the Sussexes were on the lookout to fund their lifestyles. They signed several deals with media giants and publishing houses, including the Swedish audio streaming platform Spotify. However, due to an irregular flow of episodes and not making enough content, the $20 million deal crumbled. Markle gave her all to trademark her podcast for seventeen months. However, Daily Mail recently reported that the Duchess has given up this dream and withdrew her bid to protect the name.

The Spotify podcast Archetypes, which aimed at uncovering the origin of stereotypes that hold women back, featured celebs like Serena Williams, Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton, and many more. Despite winning several awards, the podcast failed to create an impact on the audience. This was very apparent from the open mic questionnaire conducted by Talk TV, where the British audience did not even know about the podcast in the first place. 

Even the Spotify executive was not very fond of the Royals’ work and went on record criticizing them after ending their deal.

Spotify Executive on the Sussexes podcast

The Suits star’s podcast found itself in the middle of various controversies, including the rumor that other staff, and not Markle, did some interviews on the show. Such rumors did affect the show’s credibility and Markle could not bring back enough in profits for Spotify’s investment. On his self-titled podcast, Bill Simmons openly took a jab at the Royals and labeled them as “gritters”. He also expressed his wish to be the one handling the “Meghan and Harry leave Spotify negotiations”. 

Nevertheless, despite ending their expensive deal with Spotify, the Sussexes have been working on many other interesting projects with the OTT giant, Netflix. Archwell Productions’ $100 million deal with Netflix would be active till 2025. During this tenure, the Royal couple will be producing many shows, documentaries, films, and children’s programming. These projects will inform, elevate, and inspire their fans in life.

What do you think about Meghan Markle withdrawing from her bid? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!