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The End of Prince Harry and Meghan’s Partnership with Spotify
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, have recently ended their association with Spotify’s renowned podcast platform, making them the latest prominent figures to do so.
The lucrative agreement between the couple and the audio giant has officially concluded, as confirmed by both parties through a joint statement on Thursday.
The Splitting of Ties
“Spotify and Archewell Audio have mutually agreed to part ways, and we are proud of the series we created together,” stated the joint announcement.
Archewell Audio, a production company founded by the Sussexes, was established for the purpose of this collaboration.
Bill Simmons’ Candid Criticism
Bill Simmons, the head of global sports content at Spotify and owner of The Ringer platform, did not shy away from expressing his disappointment regarding the royal couple’s departure from the platform.
During a recent episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” he openly referred to Harry and Meghan as “f—ing grifters,” referencing a Zoom conversation where they apparently brainstormed ideas for a podcast.
“I should have launched a podcast titled ‘The F—ing Grifters’ with them. One night, I’ll have to share the story of my Zoom call with Harry when he sought my help for a podcast idea. It’s truly one of my best stories,” Simmons candidly expressed.
Simmons has a history of criticizing Harry, even during their tenure at the same company. In January, he publicly expressed his embarrassment at having to “share Spotify with him.”
“Send this guy to the sun. I’m exhausted by him. What does he contribute? He incessantly complains and gives interviews. Who cares about his life? He wasn’t even the favorite son. I can’t stand him,” Simmons vented.
The Spotify Deal
Harry and Meghan originally signed a partnership deal with Spotify in 2020, which was presented as a “multiyear collaboration with Spotify to produce podcasts and shows that amplify diverse voices and perspectives.”
The couple released a podcast series called “Archetypes,” hosted by Meghan, which premiered in August 2022 and featured a total of 12 episodes.
According to The Associated Press, the podcast topped the charts in the United States and six other countries, earning it the People’s Choice Award for Best Podcast.
In Conclusion,
The conclusion of Prince Harry and Meghan’s podcast partnership with Spotify has garnered attention, particularly due to the critical remarks made by Bill Simmons, Spotify’s head of global sports content. While the joint statement emphasized a mutual agreement to part ways, Simmons’ candid commentary about the royal couple’s departure has sparked controversy. Despite their successful podcast venture, the end of their collaboration with Spotify marks a significant shift in the audio landscape for Harry and Meghan, leaving room for new opportunities and endeavors in the future.