It has been noted that The Duchess of Sussex has been dismissed as a talentless broadcaster by one of Hollywood’s most powerful figures.
Jeremy Zimmer, who has guided the film careers of stars such as Benedict Cumberbatch and Damian Lewis, gave his withering verdict on the abilities of the American former actress after streaming giant Spotify axed its £18million deal with her and Prince Harry after just one podcast series.
Zimmer, the chief executive of United Talent Agency, said he was not surprised that Spotify had ditched the couple.
‘Turns out Meghan Markle was not a great audio talent, or necessarily any kind of talent,’ he said.
Speaking to the news website Semafor at the Cannes Lions advertising festival in France, Zimmer added.
‘And, you know, just because you’re famous, doesn’t make you great at something.’
Spotify is said to have pulled the plug on its deal because it ‘expected more content’ from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their Archewell Audio team, according to Variety magazine.
Archewell delivered just one series – 12 episodes of Meghan’s Archetypes show last year on the social stereotypes around women – and a 30-minute festive special in 2020 featuring a handful of celebrity friends and their son, Archie.
Archetypes was an initial ratings success when it was released last summer and talks for a second series were said to be under way before they reportedly stalled. Spotify was said to have paid a staggering £18million to sign the Sussexes up for a ‘multi-year partnership’.
The Sussexes highlighted a joint statement from themselves and Spotify saying they had ‘mutually agreed to part ways’.
Yesterday, it was claimed that pop superstar Taylor Swift rejected the chance to appear on Meghan’s podcast, even though the duchess sent her a personal invitation. After Meghan sent her a handwritten note, Swift declined through her representative, according to the Wall Street Journal.
And while the couple’s £80million Netflix deal has still seen only a documentary about themselves and series Live To Lead materialise, it appears they are about to delve into the world of Charles Dickens.
