Netflix Boss Ted Sarandos Unfollows Meghan Markle and As Ever on Instagram Amid Claims He Is ‘Fed Up’ with the Sussexes

The Instagram Unfollow: What Happened Between Ted Sarandos and Meghan Markle?

In a surprising social media development, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has quietly unfollowed Meghan Markle and her lifestyle brand, As Ever, on Instagram. This move has caught the attention of fans and media alike, especially given Sarandos’s previous public support for the Duchess of Sussex. The unfollowing coincides with reports that Netflix has distanced itself from Meghan’s lifestyle company, sparking speculation about a possible rift between the streaming giant and the Sussexes.

Ted Sarandos was among the first high-profile figures to follow Meghan Markle when she returned to social media earlier in 2025. At that time, Meghan’s lifestyle brand launched its Instagram presence, initially under the name American Riviera Orchard before rebranding to As Ever. Sarandos added both accounts to his curated list of around 450 Instagram follows, signaling his endorsement and interest in Meghan’s new ventures.

However, recent revelations show that Sarandos unfollowed both Meghan and As Ever approximately a month ago. This action was mirrored by Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, who also removed the Sussexes from her Instagram follows. This sudden change has fueled rumors that Netflix’s leadership is growing weary of their association with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

Background: Netflix’s Relationship with the Sussexes

Netflix’s collaboration with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry began with much fanfare. The Sussexes signed a multi-year deal with the streaming platform to produce documentaries, scripted shows, and other content. Ted Sarandos was notably enthusiastic about the partnership, once referring to Meghan as a “rock star” during an interview last spring. The streaming giant appeared eager to leverage the couple’s global popularity to expand its original content offerings.

Despite the initial optimism, the partnership has faced challenges. Content releases have been slower than anticipated, and some projects have been met with mixed reviews. Additionally, the Sussexes have faced intense media scrutiny, which may have complicated Netflix’s public relations strategy. The recent Instagram unfollowing by Sarandos and Bajaria suggests that tensions may have escalated behind the scenes.

What Does This Mean for Meghan Markle and As Ever?

The decision by Netflix’s top executives to unfollow Meghan Markle and her lifestyle brand As Ever on Instagram is more than a simple social media gesture. It may indicate a deeper disconnect between the streaming service and the Sussexes. Industry insiders speculate that this move reflects frustration or dissatisfaction with the Sussexes’ projects or public image.

A Netflix source told the Daily Mail that while Ted Sarandos and Bela Bajaria have distanced themselves on social media, Sarandos’s wife, Nicole Avant, continues to follow Meghan, maintaining a personal friendship. However, Nicole does not follow As Ever, which could imply a nuanced stance within the Sarandos family regarding the Sussexes.

The Daily Mail’s Editor at Large, Alison Boshoff, described the situation as a “Stalinist thoroughness” purge of Meghan and As Ever from Netflix’s social media presence. This phrase suggests a deliberate and comprehensive effort by Netflix’s leadership to sever ties or at least minimize visible connections with the Sussexes.

Analyzing the Impact: How Could This Affect Netflix and the Sussexes Moving Forward?

The unfollowing of Meghan Markle and As Ever by Ted Sarandos raises questions about the future of the Sussexes’ relationship with Netflix. While no official statements have confirmed a fallout, the social media actions speak volumes in today’s digital age, where Instagram follows often symbolize professional alliances and support.

For Netflix, distancing itself from the Sussexes could be a strategic move to protect its brand image amid ongoing controversies surrounding the couple. The streaming platform may be seeking to recalibrate its content strategy and public relations approach without the added complexity of the Sussexes’ high-profile presence.

For Meghan Markle and As Ever, this development could signal challenges in maintaining momentum for their lifestyle brand and media projects. Losing visible support from Netflix’s top executives might impact future collaborations and the brand’s reach within the entertainment industry.

What Fans and Industry Observers Are Saying

Fans of Meghan Markle have expressed disappointment over the apparent cooling of relations between the Duchess and Netflix’s leadership. Many had hoped the partnership would flourish and produce inspiring content reflecting Meghan’s vision. Industry experts, however, caution that such shifts are common in entertainment business relationships, especially when public figures face intense scrutiny.

Some commentators suggest that the unfollowing could be a tactical move rather than a personal slight, aimed at distancing Netflix’s corporate image from potential controversies. Others believe it may foreshadow a more significant restructuring of the Sussexes’ media ventures.

Conclusion

The recent Instagram unfollowing of Meghan Markle and her lifestyle brand As Ever by Netflix boss Ted Sarandos marks a notable moment in the evolving relationship between the streaming giant and the Sussexes. While the full story behind this social media move remains unclear, it highlights the complexities of celebrity partnerships in today’s digital and media landscape. As Netflix appears to step back, Meghan Markle and As Ever face new challenges in their journey to establish a lasting presence in entertainment and lifestyle sectors.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and how it might influence the future of Meghan Markle’s media projects. If you want to keep up with the latest news about Meghan Markle, Netflix, and the entertainment industry, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media!