In a striking twist, The Cut magazine, once a proponent of Meghan Markle, has taken a critical stance on her recent endeavors with Prince Harry.
The recent critique by The Cut on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's projects marks a notable shift in the magazine's previously supportive viewpoint, Mail Online reported.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have faced fluctuating media attention since stepping back from royal duties and forging a new path in the entertainment industry. Their latest project, a Netflix docuseries titled "Polo," aimed to capture the essence of polo with a focus on wealthy athletes competing in the US Open. However, the series has been met with critical disdain, highlighting the couple's struggles to establish a successful media presence outside of the royal framework.
The critique from The Cut was penned by Danielle Cohen and bore the headline 'Harry and Meghan's Projects Can't Stop Flopping.' This shift to a more critical tone contrasts sharply with the magazine’s August 2022 cover interview with Meghan, which was much more supportive.
"Polo" was released earlier in the week and almost immediately received poor reviews from critics across the board. The Mail's Jane Fryer called it "flat, plodding, and rather boring," while Stuart Heritage from The Guardian predicted the series would quickly fall into obscurity.
Danielle Cohen, who has also covered various high-profile topics including criticisms of celebrities and political campaigns, admitted in the article that she had not watched "Polo." Nevertheless, she based her criticism on the overwhelmingly negative reviews from other critics. This approach suggests a reliance on the broader critical reception to frame the magazine's new stance on the couple's initiatives.
The negative reaction has not been isolated to "Polo." Previous productions from the couple have also faced similar scrutiny. Their initial Netflix documentary and other projects have often received mixed reviews, despite high expectations stemming from their high-profile backgrounds and a substantial production deal with Netflix worth £80 million.
This ongoing pattern of unfavorable outcomes has led to speculation about the stability of their Netflix deal, with industry experts like Nick Ede suggesting that "Polo" could be the 'nail in the coffin' for their arrangement with the streaming giant.
In a recent reflection on her media interactions, Meghan Markle admitted to being 'too trusting' during her initial cover interview with The Cut, a sentiment she echoed in a later discussion with Variety. These admissions reveal an ongoing tension between her disposition and the harsh realities of media scrutiny and public expectations.
These statements and the subsequent media fallout underscore the complexity of the couple's relationship with the press. While they have previously enjoyed favorable coverage, the tide seems to be turning as their projects underwhelm critics and audiences alike.
The latest article from The Cut might represent a broader shift in sentiment among U.S. media outlets towards Meghan and Harry. This development could potentially influence public perception and the couple’s future projects, posing a significant challenge in their efforts to redefine their public roles beyond royal duties.
Aside from The Cut, other publications and media critics have voiced their dissatisfaction with "Polo." The Telegraph dismissed the series as 'a tedious inside-look at posh polo,' and The Decider criticized it as 'mostly boring.' These reviews contribute to a unified chorus of disappointment, which compounds the scrutiny of Harry and Meghan’s output.
Despite serving as executive producers and their intention to show the "true spirit of polo," the couple's limited appearance in the docuseries has been a point of contention. Critics and audiences have lamented the lack of engaging content and significant input from the couple, further diluting the project's impact.
In conclusion, as Harry and Meghan navigate their post-royal careers in the global media landscape, they continue to encounter both opportunities and significant challenges. The recent backlash and changing tone of previously supportive outlets like The Cut serve as a reminder of the volatile nature of public and media sentiment, particularly in the world of high-stakes entertainment and celebrity culture.
