Renowned presenter Jeremy Clarkson has once again made headlines with his scathing remarks directed at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry regarding their lucrative podcast deal with Spotify.
In a recent column, the Grand Tour host compared the Sussexes’ earnings to those of US comedian Joe Rogan, whom he professed to be unfamiliar with.
Clarkson expressed astonishment at Rogan’s staggering $100 million deal for his podcast, contrasting it with the comparatively modest $18 million garnered by Harry and Meghan.
In his column for The Sun, Clarkson derided the royal couple, known for their aspirations of global stardom, for selling recordings of themselves conversing for a fraction of what Rogan commands.
He quipped that the Sussexes are apparently 5.55 times less captivating than someone as obscure to him as Joe Rogan.
The controversy surrounding the podcast deal intensified after Spotify removed Neil Young’s music from its platform due to objections over hosting Rogan’s podcast, which garners an estimated 200 million downloads monthly and recently secured a £75 million sports broadcasting deal.
Clarkson’s critique comes in the wake of reports that Spotify is recruiting in-house producers to bolster content creation for Harry and Meghan’s podcast following a dearth of episodes since its launch over a year ago.
The streaming service’s proactive measures reflect the challenges faced in delivering on the high-profile deal with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Clarkson’s skepticism towards the couple’s creative endeavors extends to their Netflix partnership, dismissing it as likely to produce lackluster content.
Notably, Clarkson’s disdain for Harry and Meghan’s ventures into entertainment is palpable as he scoffs at the prospect of their programming offering meaningful insights or inspiration.
His acerbic comments underscore a broader skepticism towards celebrity-driven content production, particularly in light of the Sussexes’ ambitious plans for documentaries, scripted shows, and children’s programming.
Clarkson’s candid assessment of the situation reflects a prevailing sentiment that the couple’s forays into media may fall short of expectations.
In a surprising turn, Meghan Markle announced her involvement in a new animated series titled “Pearl,” celebrating historical women of influence.
The project, spearheaded by Meghan’s Archewell Productions, aims to spotlight extraordinary female figures through the lens of a 12-year-old protagonist.
This initiative marks a departure from the controversies surrounding Meghan and Harry’s media engagements, signaling a shift towards more uplifting and educational content.
Clarkson’s critical stance towards Meghan resurfaced during a segment on his television show, where he humorously dissected her infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Mocking the perceived awkwardness of the interview, Clarkson jokingly referenced a purported flatulence incident involving Meghan, drawing parallels to Piers Morgan’s skepticism of her credibility.
Amidst the lighthearted banter, Clarkson acknowledged legal disclaimers cautioning against misinterpretation of the comedic exchange.
As the discourse surrounding Harry and Meghan’s media ventures continues to evolve, Clarkson’s candid commentary serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in navigating the intersection of celebrity, entertainment, and public scrutiny.
While opinions may vary on the merits of the Sussexes’ creative pursuits, Clarkson’s outspoken critiques underscore the enduring fascination with royal figures and their forays into the realm of popular culture.
Related Stories
