As wildfires continue to ravage parts of Los Angeles, Meghan Markle has made a huge decision regarding one of her upcoming projects – and a PR expert believes it may just change the future for her and Prince Harry
Meghan Markle dropped a bombshell statement after making a huge decision regarding her latest career move.
The Duchess of Sussex announced that her eagerly-awaited Netflix show, With Love, Meghan has been postponed and will not be dropping on the streaming platform this week. It comes as devastating wildfires have blazed across Los Angeles and southern California, where the new cookery show was filmed last year.
And Meghan explained in a statement that the show will now premiere on March 4 rather than in the coming days. She said: “I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California.”
Meghan Markle in her new Netflix show With Love, Meghan (
Image:
PA)
The move has raised eyebrows, but one PR expert believes the Duchess would have had no choice if she wanted to avoid being branded “tone deaf”. PR and personal branding expert Mayah Riaz told the Mirror: “Given the severity of the wildfires, which have resulted in loss of life and property, proceeding with the show’s original release date could have been perceived as insensitive.
“In terms of choice, while Meghan could have proceeded with the original release, doing so might have attracted criticism for being tone-deaf to the ongoing crisis. Delaying the show allows her to avoid potential backlash and demonstrates respect for the affected communities. With regards to potential risks associated with postponing the show, it’s important to consider the context. The delay is relatively short, moving the premiere from January 15 to March 4.”
Harry and Meghan comfort victims of the fire (
Image:
Fox News)
And now, with the show not premiering for another seven weeks, Mayah believes it may even help the show gain even more interest ahead of release and finally turn the tide for her and Harry. She added: “This brief postponement is unlikely to diminish audience interest; in fact, it may build anticipation and provide additional time for marketing efforts.
“Meghan hasn’t just delayed the premiere, but she and Harry have been actively involved in relief efforts. This has generated media coverage, indirectly benefiting the show’s promotion.
“I believe a longer lead time before the show’s premiere can help create more hype. It allows for a more comprehensive marketing strategy, including teasers, interviews, and promotional events, which can engage potential viewers and build anticipation. Given Meghan’s existing public profile and the curiosity surrounding her projects, this additional time can be leveraged to maximise viewership upon release.”
The delay of the series comes as both Meghan and Prince Harry hugged residents and spoke to emergency crews at a meal distribution site for people affected by the fires on Friday. Harry and Meghan live in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, 90 miles from Los Angeles.
It is believed the couple have donated clothing, children’s items and other essential supplies for people affected by the fires. They also invited friends and loved ones who had been forced to evacuate into their home, it is understood. In a statement on their website last week, they said: “In the last few days, wildfires in southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life.”
They added: “If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate, and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do. Be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbours to see if they need help evacuating. Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.”
