Meghan Markle’s Podcast: A Closer Look at the Controversy

Meghan Markle's podcast, “Archetypes,” has sparked quite a debate lately, especially regarding its ranking on Spotify.

Many are scratching their heads, wondering how a show can claim to be number one in the U.S. while its latest episode sits at number 24.

It seems that despite the hype, Meghan's podcast never actually reached the top spot, and now it's slipping even further down the charts.

The question looms large: how can it be touted as the most viewed podcast?

The stats on the Spotify YouTube channel tell a different story.

The first video featuring Meghan has garnered a staggering 14,000 downvotes compared to just 1,400 upvotes.

Another episode doesn't fare much better, with 7,900 downvotes against 1,100 upvotes.

These figures suggest that public reception might not be as glowing as expected.

When Meghan and Prince Harry signed their exclusive three-year podcast deal with Spotify for a whopping $18 million, expectations were high.

However, the backlash has been swift and varied.

Critics have taken aim at Meghan's approach, particularly in the inaugural episode, which features tennis superstar Serena Williams.

Before Williams even gets to speak, Meghan takes a lengthy detour into her childhood, recounting a letter she wrote to a company about a sexist advertisement that upset her as an 11-year-old.

Listeners have noted that Meghan's frequent reminders of her friendship with Serena can become a bit grating.

Instead of focusing on Williams, the episode often feels more like a platform for Meghan to share her own experiences.

The Spectator, a London-based publication, did not hold back in its critique, labeling the episode “really all about her.”

The review pointed out that it takes a staggering 11 minutes before Serena has a chance to contribute meaningfully to the conversation.

The review goes on to question how it took 28 people, including eight executive producers, to create an episode that felt so centered on Meghan.

This level of production raises eyebrows, especially when the content seems to prioritize Meghan's narrative over that of her guests.

In the second episode, Meghan shifts gears to discuss the term “diva,” inviting none other than Mariah Carey to join the conversation.

Their dialogue explores how the meaning of the word has evolved over time.

Mariah shares her own struggles with fitting in, a sentiment Meghan claims to resonate with deeply.

Interestingly, this episode allows Mariah to hold her ground, preventing Meghan from completely dominating the discussion.

However, the couple has faced accusations of being disingenuous social media liberals.

Commentator Dan Hodges took to Twitter to express his amusement at how Meghan and Harry appear to manipulate liberal audiences, suggesting they can say anything and still receive support.

This sentiment resonates with many who feel that the couple's narratives often lack authenticity.

Meghan's recent interviews have also drawn sharp criticism.

Commentators like Niall Gardner have contrasted her behavior with that of Kate Middleton, praising the latter's grace and selflessness as the antithesis of Meghan's approach.

Meanwhile, journalist Martin D'Orbny aired his grievances on GB News, labeling Meghan's claims as nonsense and accusing her of exploding the very truth bombs she intended to drop.

D'Orbny highlighted a particularly controversial moment from Meghan's interview, where she recounted an encounter in South Africa.

She claimed a cast member from the Lion King compared her royal wedding to Nelson Mandela's release from prison.

This assertion has raised eyebrows, leading many to question the validity of her narratives.

As Meghan continues to navigate the tricky waters of public perception, her podcast remains a focal point of discussion.