A new report examines Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship with Netflix, including claims the streamer was caught off guard by their Oprah interview and Prince Harry's memoir, Spare
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A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex disputes that account, calling it "categorically false" and saying there was open communication with Netflix
Sources familiar with the situation tell PEOPLE that the couple's deal allowed for outside projects like publishing and interviews, and that Netflix was aware of both the Oprah special and Harry's book plans
Meghan MarkleandPrince Harryare disputing claims in a new report about their relationship with Netflix — including assertions that the streamer was caught off guard by their Oprah interview and Harry's memoir,Spare.
Variety's March 17 report examines the couple's collaboration with Netflix since signing their production deal in September 2020, shortly afterstepping back from their royal rolesand relocating to Montecito, California.
Their first project was thesix-episode docuseriesHarry & Meghan, which chronicled the couple's relationship from its early days through their royal wedding and decision to step back from royal life.
According toVariety, production onHarry & Meghaninvolved shifts in its creative team, with multiple directors linked to the project at different stages before Liz Garbus ultimately came on board to helm the series.
The report also points to tensions around the release of the series. During production onHarry & Meghan, the couple sat down withOprah Winfreyin May 2021 for awidely watched interviewthat covered many personal details later included in the docuseries. While they were not accused of violating their production deal, Netflix was allegedly annoyed by whatVarietydescribed as a lack of communication.
Sources cited byVarietyclaim the company was only made aware shortly before the interview aired. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex disputed that account, telling the outlet it is "categorically false" that Netflix was unaware of the Winfrey interview.
Regarding the deal, the representative added that "Netflix and Archewell had legal counsel involved to oversee the evolution of the deal, as is common practice for any deal changes in Hollywood."
A source familiar with the situation tells PEOPLE that the couple's Netflix deal was limited to specific categories, and that the streamer was aware of — and signed off on — the Oprah interview.
Following the interview, attention turned to the possibility of a memoir from Prince Harry. According to Variety, Netflix raised questions about how a potential book deal might affect the rollout ofHarry & Meghan. Sources cited byVarietyclaimed Meghan downplayed the prospect at the time to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, suggesting any publication would be far in the future, if it happened at all.
The memoir,Spare, was later formally announced in 2021. Variety reports that some at Netflix felt "blindsided" by that development and its timing in relation to the docuseries.
A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex disputed that characterization, calling it "categorically untrue" and saying there was open communication with Netflix months in advance to coordinate the timing of the book and the series.
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A source familiar with the situation also tells PEOPLE that Netflix was aware of Prince Harry's plans to pursue a separate book and podcast deal, noting that the original agreement allowed for publishing and podcasting outside the partnership.
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According to the report, Netflix ultimately moved to releaseHarry & Meghanahead of the memoir, though a Netflix insider said the series' December 2022 debut had always been planned.
TheVarietyreport also claims thatSparemay have contributed to tensions between the couple and director Liz Garbus during post-production ofHarry & Meghan, describing their working relationship as having been smooth until that stage.
According to Variety, citing two unidentified sources, Meghan asked for certain elements to be removed from the final cut, expressing concerns that some interviews and footage could be "upsetting" to the royal family following Queen Elizabeth's death. Garbus declined to comment.
Some Netflix sources, the report claims, interpreted the request differently, suggesting it may have been intended to preserve details for Prince Harry's forthcoming memoir. A Netflix spokesperson called the characterization "not accurate."
On March 6, it was announced that Meghan and her As ever lifestyle brand wereending their partnership with Netflix. The brand will continue "independently," according to a spokesperson.
"As ever is grateful for Netflix's partnership through launch and our first year. We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth, and As ever is now ready to stand on its own. We have an exciting year ahead and can't wait to share more," the spokesperson said.
A source close to the brand added, "It's a really exciting time for As ever, and Meghan is building with her team and enjoying the creative fulfillment that comes with creating a brand that's so close to the life she authentically lives. This year is really about establishing the brand and scaling it."
In addition, a Netflix spokesperson told PEOPLE, "Meghan's passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life."
"As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world," the Netflix spokesperson added.
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