Netflix boss Ted Sarandos sparks controversy after unfollowing Meghan Markle and As Ever brand amid growing fallout in Hollywood

Fresh signs of tension have emerged between Ted Sarandos and Meghan Markle after the Netflix boss quietly unfollowed both the Duchess and her lifestyle brand on Instagram.

The move, which happened roughly a month ago, has drawn attention because Sarandos was once among her earliest and most high-profile supporters online.

Back when Meghan returned to social media in early 2025, Sarandos quickly followed her account, along with her brand—first introduced as American Riviera Orchard before rebranding to As Ever.

That early support signaled strong alignment between the Sussexes and Netflix at the time.

Senior Netflix Figures Also Step Back

Sarandos isn’t alone in the apparent digital distancing. Bela Bajaria, another key executive at the streaming giant, has also unfollowed Meghan and her brand.

This shift stands in contrast to the glowing praise both executives had previously offered.

Sarandos notably described Meghan as a “rock star” not long ago, highlighting how dramatically the tone appears to have changed behind the scenes.

Interestingly, Sarandos’ wife, Nicole Avant, still follows Meghan—suggesting personal ties may remain intact even as professional dynamics grow more complicated.

Fallout Over Meghan’s Lifestyle Brand

At the center of the tension is Meghan’s lifestyle venture, As Ever, which struggled to gain traction despite Netflix’s backing.

The brand, known for products like jams, candles, and teas, was eventually dropped earlier this month.

Insiders suggested expectations were higher than what was delivered, with one remarking that the concept lacked depth beyond its initial offerings.

The decision to pull the plug appears to have marked a turning point in Netflix’s confidence in the partnership.

Behind-the-Scenes Friction and Conflicting Narratives

Reports from industry insiders paint a picture of a strained working relationship.

Some sources claimed Sarandos had grown frustrated, even allegedly saying he would only join calls involving Meghan if legal representation was present.

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However, those claims have been strongly denied.

Netflix dismissed the reports as inaccurate, while the Sussexes’ lawyer, Michael J. Kump, called them “blatantly false,” insisting Meghan and Sarandos communicate regularly and maintain a cordial relationship.

Other allegations suggested Meghan was difficult during meetings—accused of stepping away from Zoom calls or interrupting Prince Harry.

Her legal team pushed back firmly, explaining that any interruptions were due to her responsibilities as a mother, not professional conduct.

A Partnership Losing Its Shine

The once-promising collaboration between Netflix and the Sussexes now appears to be losing momentum.

While their 2022 documentary “Harry & Meghan” was a major success, subsequent projects reportedly failed to maintain the same impact.

Industry insiders told Variety that enthusiasm within Netflix has waned, citing inconsistent output and creative differences.

There are also claims that high-profile creatives have become hesitant to collaborate with the couple.

Compounding the issue, Netflix executives were reportedly caught off guard by the couple’s independent ventures, including their high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey and Harry’s memoir “Spare.”

Public Appearance Amid the Drama

Despite the swirling controversy, Meghan made a confident return to the spotlight at a charity event in Beverly Hills.

She appeared alongside close friend Kelly Zajfen at the Alliance for Children’s Rights gala, marking her first public outing since the latest wave of reports.

Dressed elegantly and appearing relaxed, Meghan’s presence suggested she remains unfazed publicly, even as headlines continue to scrutinize her professional ties.

Impact and Consequences

The unfolding situation could have significant implications for both parties.

For Netflix, stepping back from the Sussexes may signal a shift toward more commercially reliable content partnerships.

For Meghan and Harry, the cooling relationship raises questions about their long-term standing in Hollywood.

Their production company, Archewell Productions, may face greater challenges securing major collaborations if industry confidence continues to dip.

What’s Next?

Although the partnership hasn’t been formally terminated, signs point to a gradual winding down.

Netflix has indicated that some level of collaboration may continue through a “first look” deal, but expectations appear to be more cautious.

Meanwhile, the Sussexes are likely to explore new opportunities—whether through independent ventures, media deals, or expanding their brand beyond streaming platforms.

Summary

A simple Instagram unfollow has revealed deeper tensions between Netflix leadership and Meghan Markle.

What began as a high-profile, mutually beneficial partnership now appears to be under strain, with both sides offering conflicting accounts of what went wrong.

While public appearances remain polished, the future of their collaboration looks increasingly uncertain.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Ted Sarandos quietly unfollowed Meghan Markle and her brand As Ever on Instagram
• Netflix executive Bela Bajaria also distanced herself online
• Meghan’s lifestyle brand struggled and was ultimately dropped
• Conflicting reports highlight tension between Netflix and the Sussexes
• Allegations about Meghan’s behavior were strongly denied by her legal team
• Industry insiders suggest Netflix is losing confidence in the partnership
• Meghan continues public appearances despite ongoing controversy
• The future of the Netflix-Sussexes deal appears uncertain and possibly winding down