Meghan Markle’s latest public appearance has erupted into controversy after organizers of the prestigious TIME100 Summit 2025 flatly rejected her request to promote her podcast, “Archetypes,” during her scheduled speech. Sources reveal that the Duchess of Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 was left fuming, sparking what insiders are calling a “behind-the-scenes meltdown” at the event known for its focus on leadership and innovation.

Markle had been invited to discuss media impact but attempted to pivot the conversation towards self-promotion, leading to internal debates among the summit’s planners. One insider emphasized, “This event is about shared ideas, not selling products.” They expressed concerns that allowing Markle to advertise her podcast could open the floodgates for other speakers to do the same, undermining the summit’s integrity.

This marks yet another instance of Markle’s perceived attempts to leverage high-profile platforms for personal branding. Critics are quick to recall her appearance at the Invictus Games, where she controversially shifted focus from veterans’ stories to her own role—a move many deemed tone-deaf.

Industry analysts are now pointing to a troubling trend: the Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 brand’s influence appears to be waning. Following Spotify’s decision to cancel their deal due to low retention rates, and Netflix recalibrating its relationship with the couple, the rejection at TIME100 signifies a growing resistance to Markle’s PR-first approach.

Despite her royal ties and media presence, the refusal to allow her podcast promotion underscores a significant shift in public and institutional perception of her. As the tide of sentiment turns, the Duchess may need to reevaluate her tactics—are they fostering influence, or are they burning essential bridges? The fallout from this incident highlights the precarious balance between celebrity and relevance in an ever-critical media landscape.