Meghan and Harry ‘long-armed’ by Oprah for 1 key reason in new blow
The 72-year-old's close links with the Sussexes have relaxed over the past 18 months.
Oprah Winfrey has spent the last 18 months distancing herself from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry as their A-list circle of friends continues to deplete, it has been claimed. While the 72-year-old American TV icon was once a vocal supporter of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, it has been reported that their close relationship has noticeably softened in recent months.
"The truth is, Oprah has been long-arming the Sussexes for some time," NewsNation's Paula Froelich said. However, their ties would never be fully severed, as it is claimed that Oprah wants to keep the couple onside to avoid losing another bombshell TV interview like that in 2021. "She can't let them drift too far away because if something happens, one of the three big Ds, divorce, death, or drama, she will want the interview," Ms Froelich added.
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Ms Froelich told the Daily Mail that many showbiz allies are distancing themselves from Brand Sussex due to the reputational risk long-term alignment carries. She said: "No one wants to hang out with Meghan.
"Lots of reasons, but she might sell clothes while using their name," she says, referring to Meghan's latest business endeavour where she promotes her outfits through a fashion app that gives her a 10% cut of the sales generated. "Can you imagine? 'What to wear to visit Oprah,'" Ms Froelich added.
A distance has already emerged, she said, one that was quite deliberate on Oprah's part.
"Oprah was tarnished by her association with them. The interview she did in 2021 was so soft, and she didn't push back on anything said, so she was seen as a sycophant rather than a great interviewer."
Despite a growing list of celebrity friends who have ditched them, the Sussexes do not believe any fallout is their fault.
"They don't get it. They never think it is them. They love famous people – they are very name-droppy," a source claimed. "The association gives them a kick. But if someone stops calling, they don't ask why."
Insiders claimed British editor Anna Wintour, former journalist Lauren Sánchez Bezos and the Kardashians are no longer on speaking terms with Meghan because she has managed to upset them all, raisng questions on how she and Harry can finance their existence in California, which is said to cost $5million (£3.75million) a year.
