The Story of The Grifters: How Meghan and Harry Are Looking For Freebies

by Venus Sanders

It's not surprising that in Hollywood, it's all about who you know. Relationships can elevate your career and image to unimaginable heights. Let's take the story of Anna Sorokin, aka Anna Delvey, a con artist who pretended to be a wealthy heiress, infiltrating New York's upper-class social and art scenes from 2013 to 2017. Born to working-class parents in the Soviet Union, Sorokin immigrated to Germany with her family at the age of sixteen in 2007.

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Netflix's adaptation of the story was riveting, with Anna Delvy played by 'Ozark's' very own Julie Garner. Through the story, we witness how Anna, despite having barely any money, managed to swindle the elite, from renting jets to attending lavish dinner parties. This demonstrates how one aspect begets another in the world of the wealthy: if you appear to fit in, kindness and generosity become an expectation. This holds true even in cases such as high-end modeling agencies like Couture Modeling, which, for a whopping $3,500 a year price tag, can grant you free entrance to the Ritz Carlton for brunch, rubbing elbows with the rich and a gift bag worth thousands.

But why does it seem that we are witnessing the downfall of the Duke and Duchess? They are not pretending to be wealthy and elite, yet many brands and companies seem to be parting ways and refusing to work with them. It appears that the couple has not been receiving good press lately, with many believing that their popularity started spiraling downward after the Oprah Interview in 2021. Recent headlines inform us that Spotify executive Bill Simmons has labeled Harry and Meghan as 'grifters' after their $20 million podcast deal seemingly came to an end.

"The effing grifters, that's the podcast we should have launched with them. I've got to get drunk one night to tell the story of the zoom I had with Harry to help him with the podcast idea. It's one of my best stories." Simmons said.

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British writer and former BBC journalist, Tom Bower adds, "The grifters' story is quite fascinating. The reason they're called the grifters is that they're scroungers, the Sussexes. Harry and Meghan were invited to this sun-kissed place by the beach, where they would stay for a couple of days and ride on the hosts' private jets as usual.

Then they heard that someone else interesting was there, who also had a beautiful house by the beach. Meghan approached her and said, 'Can we talk? Let's become friends.' The next day, after being flown back home on their private jet, Harry called this particular woman and asked, 'Can we borrow your house? Meghan wonders if we can have it.' The woman, puzzled by the request, reluctantly agreed.

Then the following day, Harry called again with another request, 'Meghan also asks if we can use your private jet.' That is exactly what the grift is all about—scrounging. Harry and Meghan are constantly looking for freebies, whether it's jets, houses, meals, or anything else, and that ultimately frustrated Spotify and Netflix." Bower goes on to mention that during their time with Netflix, the Royals requested that the streaming giant be solely responsible for paying their staff and security.

Both Meghan and Harry have been quiet despite the claims, even with the rumor that Meghan was denied a collaboration with Dior. Their spokesperson stated, '...there have been no contract negotiations or recent contact with the Duchess of Sussex.'

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It appears that the couple is on their way to becoming social pariahs, with even Taylor Swift rejecting the offer to be featured on Meghan's podcast prior to its cancellation. But why could this be happening? Some speculate that it's because Meghan and Harry have seemingly branded themselves as untrustworthy.

Another incident worth noting is from their documentary, 'Harry and Meghan,' where Meghan exclaimed she had received a text message from Beyoncé. This was quickly deemed tacky and distasteful by fans.

It seems that both brands and companies are actively seeking to distance themselves from the royals. However, what are your thoughts on this matter? Do you believe it is fair and the appropriate approach to take?