Meghan Markle beams on the red carpet at a Los Angeles charity event, marking her first public outing since parting ways with Netflix on her lifestyle brand As Ever. She attended the Alliance for Children’s Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children gala at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills, alongside longtime friend Kelly Zajfen.
Heartfelt Moments at the Gala
The Duchess of Sussex, who shares over two decades of friendship with Zajfen, 44, a co-founder of the Alliance of Moms living nearby in California, hugs her warmly while chatting with photographers. She waves enthusiastically before entering the venue. Zajfen praises Meghan’s dedication, calling it “truly inspiring” and adding, “I’m so grateful to have you by my side.”
Netflix Partnership Strains Emerge
Insiders reveal ongoing frustrations with the Sussexes’ collaboration at Netflix. Staff describe Meghan vanishing from Zoom calls for extended periods as a way to signal offense, with marketing teams later informed of her displeasure over comments made. Sources also note she occasionally interrupts or reframes Prince Harry’s points mid-sentence during meetings, often with a touch to his arm or thigh.
The couple’s lawyer, Michael J. Kump, dismisses these claims. He explains any screen absences stem from tending to her young children, ages 4 and 6, as a working mother at home. Kump stresses shielding her team from distractions and notes professionals often mute during virtual calls. Prince Harry calls allegations of his wife talking over him “categorically false,” while Kump labels suggestions of her “bossing” him as misogynistic.
Broader Fallout and Denials
Archewell Productions faces accusations of poor communication with Netflix. Reports suggest executives feel exhausted by repackaged stories of the Sussexes’ royal exit, low ratings for shows like With Love, Meghan, and ruffled feathers in meetings. A source states the mood at Netflix is “We’re done,” with their partnership potentially tapering off.
Claims that Netflix chief Ted Sarandos avoids calls with Meghan without a lawyer present draw strong denials. Netflix deems this “absolutely inaccurate,” and Kump calls it “blatantly false,” noting her regular texts and visits to Sarandos’ home without legal involvement. Netflix also expresses annoyance over the Sussexes’ Oprah Winfrey interview and Harry’s memoir Spare, which executives say impacted their documentary.
Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria urges skepticism, stating, “I would say don’t believe whatever you read.” Despite challenges, a Sussexes spokesman affirms full cooperation with Netflix, including seasonal specials for As Ever, launched in April 2025 with Netflix’s Consumer Products division alongside With Love, Meghan. The streamer maintains a “first look” deal, though some A-list talent hesitates to collaborate.
