Expert explains 'big difference' in latest Meghan Markle 'terrible behaviour' claims
Meghan Markle has once again been accused of "terrible behaviour" towards employees - claims that have always been rigorously denied.
A veteran royal watcher and media expert says there is one "big difference" about the latest claims that Meghan Markle is guilty of "terrible behaviour" toward employees.
The Hollywood Reporter and Access Hollywood recently claimed a "very high-up source who works for" the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had said that "everyone is terrified of Meghan".
Sources called her a "dictator in high heels" who "belittles"' people.
The entertainment industry bible alleges that Meghan has reduced "grown men to tears". A source close to the Sussexes said claims were "fabricated".
However, the couple have reportedly had an employee exodus. And the co-editor-in-chief of The Hollywood Reporter is standing by its story.
Maer Roshan told Access Hollywood that one US-based source called Meghan "unbearable" and "condescending". And Roshan said the Duchess was to blame for the apparently high "churn and burn" rate.
"Duchess Difficult is a nickname that has trailed Meghan Markle for quite a few years, continued Roshan. "What is new is that this notion, since coming to America, that a lot of these rumours were manufactured by the Palace – the reporting that we did suggests that probably isn't true and there is still this undercurrent of fear."'
In 2021, it was alleged that Meghan bullied staff members at Kensington Palace and reduced them to tears. However, these allegations were dismissed by the Sussexes as a smear.
But one royal expert says there is a "big difference" with these new claims.
Writing for the Mail Online, Jan Moir suggests it is significant that it is US news outlets that are making the claims this time around.
Describing, The Hollywood Reporter as a "neutral observer", Moir says these new claims will be " devastating" for the Sussexes' reputation. She claims that it will be so damaging because they have, in the past, dismissed such claims by blaming the Royal Family and the British press.
However, other publications were quick to defend the couple.
American showbiz magazine US Weekly run a piece praising Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan. It painted a portrait of a couple that has no airs and graces - and are kind and considerate.
It quotes former Archewell president Mandana Dayani, who says: "Meghan always served the most incredible lunches and her latest beautiful concoctions" during weekly meetings at the Sussexes' Montecito home. Another former staffer recalled how the couple "want to take care of us".
They said: "Meghan will do things like: 'You mentioned on the call your skin is bothering you. I put together a kit for you.'"
Another said: "If you're in a meeting and a great idea is referenced, she makes sure to give props [respect and appreciation] to the person who generated the idea' And after a big trip, every employee gets a personal email thanking them for their contribution in making it a success."
