Oprah Winfrey, once a vocal supporter and close confidante of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, has reportedly distanced herself from the royal couple, further solidifying a trend of Hollywood A-listers turning their backs on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. According to multiple insiders, the 72-year-old media mogul has been quietly reducing her association with the couple over the past 18 months, a move that mirrors the broader shift in celebrity sentiment toward the Sussexes.
Winfrey's initial embrace of Meghan and Harry, including the landmark 2021 interview that drew global attention, now appears to be a cautionary tale for other stars. While she has not severed all ties, sources claim that Winfrey is keeping the couple at arm’s length, carefully balancing her desire not to miss out on a potential bombshell interview against the growing reputational risks of being closely linked to Brand Sussex.
The distancing is part of a larger pattern. In recent months, the Sussexes have lost the support of fashion titan Anna Wintour, philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, and even members of the Kardashian family. Industry insiders suggest that Meghan’s business strategy, including a fashion app that pays her a commission on sales generated through her outfit reveals, has rubbed many the wrong way. “No one wants to hang out with Meghan,” a source told RadarOnline.com. “She might sell clothes while using their name. Can you imagine? ‘What to wear to visit Oprah.’”
For Oprah, the calculation is largely strategic. Media commentator Paula Froelich, speaking to The Daily Mail, noted that Oprah has been “long-arming the Sussexes for some time.” She emphasized that Oprah cannot let them drift too far because if a major event occurs—divorce, death, or drama—she will want the interview. But the risk of being permanently tarnished by association is significant. The 2021 interview, which many critics panned as too soft and overly deferential, damaged Oprah’s reputation as a hard-hitting journalist. “She was seen as a sycophant rather than a great interviewer,” Froelich stated.
Meanwhile, the Sussexes appear unaware of their growing isolation. A source close to the couple explained, “They don’t get it. They never think it is them. They love famous people—they are very name-droppy. The association gives them a kick. But if someone stops calling, they don’t ask why.” This lack of self-reflection has fueled the exodus. As one insider put it, “They have truly lost the plot. I hear she’s spiraling badly because she knows nothing is working. The whole thing about her (As Ever) stuff selling out isn’t true anymore. I don’t think either of them is happy.”
The fallout extends beyond Oprah. Meghan is said to have snubbed Lauren Sánchez before Sánchez’s wedding to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. An insider claimed, “She snubbed Lauren before the wedding. Meghan was invited to things by Lauren and didn’t want to go. She didn’t want to be seen with her because she thought she was trashy.” Such actions have created a ripple effect, with Sánchez now reportedly unwilling to associate with the Duchess. Similarly, Anna Wintour, who once championed Meghan’s fashion choices, has reportedly cut off communication. Even the Kardashians, known for their media savvy, have distanced themselves, likely due to Meghan’s perceived transactional approach to relationships.
For Prince Harry, the situation is equally concerning. His autobiographical book and subsequent media appearances have done little to mend bridges with the royal family or Hollywood’s elite. Instead, they have reinforced an image of a couple who feel victimized by the press and misunderstood by those around them. The financial implications are stark: maintaining their lifestyle in the United States reportedly costs $5 million per year, and without a steady stream of lucrative deals or high-profile endorsements, the Sussexes face an uncertain future.
The broader context of Hollywood’s relationship with the British royals has always been complex. While figures like Oprah, George Clooney, and David Beckham once flocked to the couple, the novelty has worn off. The Sussexes’ preference for privacy, combined with their willingness to leverage their royal status for commercial gain, has created a paradox that other stars find off-putting. Unlike traditional celebrities who keep their personal and professional lives separate, Meghan and Harry have blurred these lines, making every interaction a potential business opportunity.
Media experts point out that Oprah’s strategic retreat is a wise move. By not completely severing ties, she retains the option of an exclusive interview if a major story emerges—such as a tell-all from Meghan about her strained relationship with the royal family or a candid discussion about Harry’s rift with his father. However, Oprah’s own legacy is at stake. The 2021 interview not only failed to advance her reputation but also opened her up to criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Conservatives accused her of biased reporting, while liberals felt she was too lenient on the couple’s more controversial claims.
Meanwhile, the Hollywood community is becoming increasingly vocal about the challenges of associating with the Sussexes. A-list stars who once defended the couple now prefer to stay silent. Even celebrities who have not publicly cut ties are reportedly keeping their distance, fearing that a close association could harm their own brand. This is especially true for those who are actively navigating their own media narratives or who value authenticity over transactional relationships.
The situation underscores a fundamental disconnect between the Sussexes’ self-perception and their public image. While they see themselves as progressive, resilient figures fighting against systemic injustice, many in Hollywood perceive them as entitled, out of touch, and overly concerned with image management. The couple’s failure to acknowledge the role their own behavior plays in the breakdown of these relationships is a recurring theme in insider accounts.
Looking ahead, the Sussexes may need to recalibrate their approach if they hope to regain Hollywood’s favor. This could involve more genuine engagements with charitable causes, fewer commercial tie-ins, and a willingness to listen to constructive criticism. For now, the trend is clear: the A-list friends who once surrounded them are stepping back, and Oprah Winfrey is leading the charge. Whether this marks the end of the Sussexes’ Hollywood aspirations or merely a challenging chapter remains to be seen.
Source: AOL.com News