In a bombshell 8,000-word exposé, Vanity Fair has delivered what some are calling the most damaging profile yet on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Titled American Hustle, the article meticulously dissects the couple’s tumultuous journey in Hollywood, shedding light on their alleged struggles, failed deals, and Meghan’s rumored workplace demeanor. The revelations have ignited heated discussions about their credibility and long-term prospects in the entertainment industry.

The Allegations: Meghan’s Reputation as a Difficult Employer

One of the most scathing accusations in the article revolves around Meghan’s reported mistreatment of employees. The piece details complaints from staffers who worked closely with the Duchess of Sussex, painting her as a demanding and often unpredictable boss. It reiterates claims made by former royal aides in the UK and brings new allegations from her tenure in Montecito.

Among the most shocking assertions is that some employees were left so emotionally drained after working on Meghan’s Archetypes podcast that they required long-term therapy. The report suggests that Meghan engaged in manipulative workplace behavior, playing “mind games” and making employees question their standing in the team. The Hollywood Reporter had previously published similar claims, but the weight of Vanity Fair—a publication with a reputation for rigorous fact-checking—has made these allegations even harder to dismiss.

The Vanity Fair Investigation: A Legal Minefield

Given Meghan and Harry’s history of being litigious, Vanity Fair reportedly went through an exhaustive legal process before publishing the article. Sources close to the publication confirm that every claim was vetted multiple times to ensure accuracy, making it unlikely that the Sussexes will pursue legal action.

Interestingly, the couple has not formally denied the allegations. Instead, their response—delivered through sources—described the article as “distressing.” However, distress does not equate to defamation, and the silence on specific claims has only fueled speculation.

Harry’s Role: A Prince Without a Kingdom

While Meghan is portrayed as the driving force behind the couple’s financial pursuits, Harry is described as a man struggling to find his identity. The article reveals that the Duke of Sussex would prefer to focus on charity work while leaving the heavy lifting of their commercial ventures to Meghan. This dynamic has reportedly caused friction, as Meghan remains eager to establish herself as a Hollywood powerhouse while Harry leans into his past as a working royal.

Adding to the couple’s woes, Vanity Fair also revisits Harry’s failed pitch to Spotify, where he proposed interviewing world leaders such as Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and Pope Francis about their childhood traumas. His premise? That, like himself, these figures had difficult upbringings but turned into sociopaths—an idea that was swiftly dismissed by executives as unworkable and tone-deaf.

The Fallout: Dead Deals and Waning Interest

Another revelation in the article is that Meghan and Harry’s $20 million deal with Penguin Random House, signed in 2021, has reportedly “quietly dissipated.” Initially expected to produce multiple books—including leadership guides and wellness content—the deal appears to have fizzled due to underperformance and missed deadlines.

Similarly, their Spotify deal was axed after delivering just one series, while their Netflix contract has failed to generate the blockbuster content that was initially promised. Insiders suggest that major platforms no longer see the couple as bankable assets.

The Divorce Memoir Rumors

Perhaps the most explosive claim in the article is that Meghan allegedly had representatives test the waters with publishers for a “post-divorce” memoir. While the report clarifies that this was merely a speculative discussion rather than an active project, the implication has fueled rampant speculation about the state of their marriage.

Though sources insist that Harry and Meghan remain deeply in love, the article’s inclusion of this anecdote raises questions. Vanity Fair is not known for including unsubstantiated rumors, suggesting that there is at least some basis to the claim.

Public Perception: Is Meghan’s Brand Irreparably Damaged?

The timing of the Vanity Fair exposé couldn’t be worse for Meghan, whose upcoming Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, is scheduled for release in March 2025. The show—reportedly focused on lifestyle and cooking—was already facing skepticism, but now, with these allegations dominating headlines, its success seems even less certain.

Industry insiders suggest that the American public is growing tired of Meghan and Harry’s narrative. Their perceived victimhood, coupled with their lavish Montecito lifestyle, has not sat well with audiences. Additionally, their recent visit to Los Angeles fire victims—widely criticized as “disaster tourism”—only exacerbated the public’s frustration with their performative activism.

What’s Next for the Sussexes?

With their Hollywood dreams unraveling, Meghan and Harry face an uncertain future. Their streaming deals have stalled, book deals have evaporated, and their once-loyal fanbase is shrinking. While their supporters argue that this is yet another targeted media attack, the reality is that major players in the industry are beginning to see them as more trouble than they are worth.

Ultimately, Vanity Fair’s article may mark a turning point. Meghan and Harry can either shift strategies—embracing a more authentic, less combative approach—or risk fading into irrelevance. Either way, the next few months will be critical in determining whether the Sussex brand can be salvaged or if their American hustle has officially run out of steam.