There are three articles out today. One from Hollywood Reporter, one from US Weekly countering it, and one from the daily beast, comparing the two.
The post below is the summary of the Daily Beast article.
1. Meghan’s “Demon” Behavior
The Daily Beast opens with allegations from former staff members, describing Meghan Markle as a “demon” who exhibited “psycho moments” as a boss. These employees claimed that while some sources portray Meghan as a kind and generous boss, their experiences reflected a much more hostile work environment. The article suggests that despite efforts to rehabilitate Meghan’s image, particularly in light of Us Weekly‘s positive coverage, many former employees recount a difficult and toxic work culture.
2. Meghan’s Bad Moments Amplified
A palace courtier, who worked with Meghan and Prince Harry, argues that Meghan’s bad moments were amplified and blown out of proportion, especially after the couple’s departure from the royal family during “Megxit.” This source compared Meghan’s behavior to other royals who have also been difficult to work with, such as Princess Margaret and Prince Andrew, whose actions were largely dismissed or treated humorously. However, the courtier acknowledged that Meghan did indeed have some “very bad, even psycho moments,” where she belittled staff in person or over the phone.
3. Bullying Allegations by Jason Knauf
The article revisits public accusations made by Jason Knauf, Meghan’s former press secretary, who complained about her behavior in 2018. Knauf accused Meghan of bullying two personal assistants out of the royal household and deliberately undermining another staff member’s confidence. These incidents were reportedly well-documented, and The Daily Beast points out that the controversy surfaced shortly before Meghan’s high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey. Meghan denied these claims, framing them as part of a coordinated smear campaign.
4. Meghan as a “Classic Narcissist”
Another anonymous former staffer described Meghan as a “classic narcissist,” further fueling the narrative that Meghan’s leadership style could be erratic and unpredictable. The former employee remarked that while Meghan could be “lovely” when things went her way, her demeanor would shift dramatically under pressure, which led to volatile moments in the workplace. This aligns with other stories in the article, where former staff paint her as pleasant only under ideal circumstances.
5. The Florist Incident
In one account, a source told The Daily Beast about an incident where a florist was screamed at by Meghan over the phone for half an hour after they posted a minor detail about a bouquet online. Despite the prestige of working with Meghan, the florist vowed never to collaborate with her again due to the mistreatment. This example is used to illustrate Meghan’s perceived habit of treating those working for her as if they were beneath her, frequently described in the article as being treated “like tradesmen.”
6. Mixed Reviews from Former Chiefs of Staff
While The Daily Beast includes harsh criticisms of Meghan’s management, the article also mentions a few positive testimonials. Former chief of staff, Josh Kettler, who left after just three months, stated that he was “warmly welcomed” by Meghan and Harry, praising them as dedicated and hardworking. Similarly, another ex-chief of staff, Catherine St-Laurent, described her time working with the couple as “incredibly meaningful.” These statements reflect the duality in how former employees view their time with the Sussexes.
7. Team Meghan’s Response
Despite the negative portrayals, Team Meghan’s loyalists continue to speak positively about their time with her. Staff members emphasize how Meghan and Harry picked “the best of the best” for their team and nurtured them like “seeds” to help them grow. Global press secretary Ashley Hansen shared a personal story about Meghan and Harry’s care when she underwent surgery, showcasing their concern and empathy toward their staff. However, these anecdotes seem to be at odds with the harsher criticisms presented throughout the article.
CONCLUSION
Who benefits from these portrayals? Meghan seems to be a tough boss with strong boundaries that had high goals for her staff. She did the right things to nurture them. Staff turnover is common. But when race is the real issue, anything Meghan does is amplified to her detriment.
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