Meghan Markle bully probe could ‘decimate’ Oprah chat with team in ‘shock mode’
Oprah Winfrey’s bombshell interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could be "decimated" if Buckingham Palace’s bullying investigation against the Duchess of Sussex prove to be true, a brand and reputation management expert told the Daily Star.
Prince Harry and Suits star Meghan will put life in the Royal Family under spotlight on March 7 when a pre-recorded interview with U.S. chat show host Oprah is aired.
Snippets of the CBS-funded show have revealed the couple to be critical of the Firm, media and the way Princess Diana was treated prior to her death.
In the wake of these clips, bullying accusations against expectant mother Meghan have surfaced after leaked emails between her 2018 former PR chief, Jason Knauf, to Palace HR, reportedly show a complaint was raised against her.
The Times reported the allegations, which include claims Meghan's behaviour "completely destroyed" aides, an accusation the Duchess and her team have vehemently denied.
A spokesman for Meghan said: "She is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma.
"Let's just call this what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation. We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of The Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet."
Brand and PR expert, Eric Schiffer, who lives in the United States, claims Oprah could be "decimated" by the accusations if the "bullying investigations prove true."
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He said it will ultimately come down to the "evidence that supports the accusations" and said it is likely Meghan’s team will go into "shock mode."
The allegations could also cause her reputation to "suffer" with the public, but added that people should’t be quick to judge.
Mr Schiffer said it is important to "wait this one out" and see what is "collected in the investigation and see the full extent of the fallout."
Oprah's most explosive interview moments explored ahead of Harry and Meghan tell-all
The expert told Daily Star: "Meghan and Harry are doing the interview to try to boost their brand and shift the image as out of touch elites playing the game of royals but now stripped of their titles.
"They will play the part of victims, hoping to gain slivers of sympathy from the public. They both know this kind of crafted attention equals the ability to somewhat recover from their self-inflicted wounds and better draw in more cold cash for the couple."
"If the bullying investigations prove true, the Oprah interview is decimated. If there is strong evidence that supports the accusations, then Meghan's brand will be in shock mode and will suffer with the public. We will have to wait this one out to see what is collected in the investigation and see the full extent of the fallout."
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