Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos sparked further speculation around Meghan Markle after discreetly making a gesture that did not go unnoticed.
The streaming boss recently unfollowed the Duchess of Sussex and her lifestyle brand on Instagram, raising questions about the current status of their relationship as behind-the-scenes tensions and conflicting accounts continue to surface.
Ted Sarandos no longer follows Meghan Markle and her brand
The latest buzz began when it emerged that Ted Sarandos had quietly unfollowed Meghan Markle and her lifestyle project, As Ever, on Instagram.
The decision reportedly came around the same time that Netflix distanced itself from the brand, fueling curiosity about whether the two events were related.
Sarandos was previously among the high-profile figures who followed Meghan during her return to social media in early 2025. He also followed her business account, initially launched as American Riviera Orchard before changing to As Ever.
However, Meghan and the brand have now disappeared from her following list. Bela Bajaria, head of content at Netflix, also reportedly did the same, adding to speculation that something might have changed internally.
Interestingly, Sarandos’ wife, Nicole Avant, still follows Meghan on Instagram, even though she no longer follows the brand.
A Netflix source told the Daily Mail“Nicole and Meghan are still friends.”
Meghan’s relationship with Netflix faces scrutiny
While the unfollowing alone has raised eyebrows, it comes amid growing talk of a possible cooling of relations between Netflix and the Sussexes.
In the past, Sarandos has openly praised Meghan, even calling her a “rock star” during a public appearance last year.
That admiration seemed linked to the success of the couple’s 2022 documentary, “Harry & Meghan,” which reportedly sparked huge interest, with even the small details featured in the series selling out quickly.
However, according to a Daily Mail report, the atmosphere behind the scenes may have changed significantly.
The outlet reported that Meghan and her brand appeared to have been removed with “Stalinist thoroughness” by Netflix management, suggesting a deeper disconnect.
Sources also said Sarandos and Bajaria made private remarks about the couple that were “not complimentary,” although the details were not disclosed.
Meghan Markle brand exit raises questions
The fate of Meghan’s lifestyle brand complicates matters even further. Netflix had invested in the company, but it ultimately failed to achieve the expected success, leading to its official end on March 6.
An insider summed up the disappointment by saying: “There was all this stuffing. We thought there would be more.”
Meanwhile, those close to Meghan reportedly felt that Netflix had taken too cautious an approach in rolling out the brand, limiting its potential growth.
The mismatch between expectations and execution appears to have played a role in the decision to part ways, although neither party has publicly presented it as a consequence.
Conflicting claims about tensions between Meghan and Netflix
As speculation intensified, reports surfaced claiming Sarandos had become frustrated with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
One widely circulated claim suggested he wouldn’t call Meghan “unless there was a lawyer on the line.”
Netflix quickly responded, calling the report “absolutely inaccurate.” Meghan and Harry’s lawyer, Michael J. Kump, also strongly denied the claim, calling it “patently false.”
According to Kump, Meghan remains in regular contact with Sarandos, noting that she has “been at his house, without a lawyer” and continues to communicate directly with him.
At the same time, other insider accounts paint a more tense picture. A source said Variety“The mood in the building is ‘It’s over,'” suggesting frustration within Netflix’s ranks.
There were also allegations that Meghan was difficult to work with at times, including allegations that she would leave Zoom calls in the middle of a meeting or talk over Prince Harry.
Her legal team rejected the claims, insisting she had stepped down only to care for her children.
Meghan Markle’s future with Netflix remains uncertain
Despite the swirling rumors, Netflix executives have maintained that the partnership with Meghan and Harry is still intact.
At the March 18 “Next on Netflix” event, Bela Bajaria addressed the speculation directly, emphasizing that not everything reported should be taken literally.
As The Blast reported, she reiterated that the relationship between the streaming giant and the Sussexes remains positive.
Bajaria also highlighted ongoing discussions around future projects, including the potential development of a film involving the couple. Reflecting on the nature of such partnerships, she added: “Deals come and go all the time. There are deals we don’t renew.”
His comments suggest that while some collaborations may end, this does not necessarily mean a complete breakdown in relationships.
Still, the timing of Sarandos’ social media decision, combined with recent developments surrounding Meghan’s brand and mixed messages from insiders, continues to fuel speculation.
For now, the situation remains complex, with public statements insisting that all is well while subtle signals suggest a more complex reality behind the scenes.