Netflix calls for delay of new Megan series amid wildfires in Los Angeles

Netflix is ​​now facing calls to delay the release Meghan MarkleA long-awaited cooking series due to the wildfires ravaging much of Southern California.

The Duchess and her husband Prince Harrypreviously asked Americans to “check in” on the disabled and elderly, and others to donate to the Red Cross as recovery efforts continue.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently visited the devastated communities and distributed food to the victims.

Megan was gearing up to launch her latest project, but the devastating fires in Los Angeles made many question the timing of the show’s debut.

According to Daily Mailseveral PR gurus have expressed concern about the release of her cooking show, which is set to hit Netflix on January 15.

The Duchess of Sussex’s lifestyle series “Love, Meghan” is part of her and Prince Harry’s $100m (£80m) deal with the streaming giant. A trailer has already been released, showing her cooking in Montecito’s kitchen and picking produce from her garden.

However, due to the ongoing fires in Los Angeles, many advertising professionals believe that keeping the proposed release date would be “insensitive” and “tone deaf”, with many adding that Netflix should delay the release.

“I think Netflix executives will have to make some big decisions about whether or not to air ‘Love, Meghan’ next week,” shared British brand and culture expert Nick Eade.

“Because the series is so focused on life in California, Los Angeles, and Montecito, which provides a glimpse into a desirable and inspiring life, I suspect it will be pulled from the current schedule and delayed for at least a few months.” — he added.

Ede went on to suggest that if Netflix were to shelve Meghan’s show, it would be a “positive step” for the royal family and the streaming platform after years of constant scrutiny and bad press.

“A show like Megan’s is time-sensitive, so it can be aired later,” the expert said. “We know how important the community is to both Meghan and Harry and the last thing they would want is a backlash over the show airing when they are currently doing everything they can to support those in this time needs.”

Phil Dampier, author of Royally: Harry and Meghan in Their Own Words, echoed Ede’s sentiments, saying: “The timing for Meghan’s Netflix show couldn’t be worse, with hundreds of people losing their homes in horrific fires. “

“The last thing anyone wants is a program about friends going out to eat canapes or put flowers when the city is burning and people have lost everything,” Dempire told the news outlet.

Dampier praised the pair for easing the pain of many victims, but shared that they “can’t really win” because some would say it’s a “PR move”.

He added that it would be “smart” for Netflix to “pull the show” and “bring it back in the summer” if things pick up. However, Dampier noted that due to the extent of the damage, it would “take years.”

Dampier also suggested that Netflix would “probably want to continue the show, but it would be wise for Meghan to ask them to put it on hold,” especially given her relationship with the streaming platform.

The royal author also noted that while Meghan is not to blame, he can’t see the show “succeeding in the current climate”.

Dampier believes the series is the “last roll of the dice” from the company’s point of view, and if it “doesn’t work out,” they will likely cut ties with the Montecito family.

“It just looks so bad for her to go forward and no one is going to watch in Los Angeles,” he added.

According to the news outlet, other royal experts and PR gurus have weighed in on the issue, with Richard Fitzwilliams saying the show “must be shelved” or risk showing the Sussexes are “out of touch”.

Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are supporting bushfire victims in their own way as efforts to contain the fires continue.

On Friday, the former royals visited the Pasadena Convention Center, which is being used as an evacuation center. They comforted the victims, handed over food and other necessary things.

According to Telegraphthe couple have already donated to relief efforts through their Archewell Foundation, including “clothing, baby items and other essential items for those affected by the fires.”

Harry and Meghan, who live about 90 miles north of the Los Angeles area in the enclave of Santa Barbara, also opened the doors of their Montecito mansion to friends and loved ones affected by the fires, as they are not currently under a stay-at-home order. evacuation.

After they left the shelter, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo spoke to Fox 11, highlighting the couple’s true commitment to supporting the community.

“They didn’t come here to advertise; they came here to work,” Gordo said New York Post. “We visited some families in the affected areas and got a first-hand look at some of the affected areas.”

The mayor added: “And then they wanted to visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and our neighbors. They really lifted the spirits of the first responders.”