Meghan and Harry Were Not Paid for Their Oprah Interview
The Claim
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were paid millions of dollars for their interview with Oprah Winfrey.
News posted on
Emerging story
On Sunday, March 7th, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were interviewed by Oprah Winfrey to discuss their contentious relationship with the royal family. Among many explosive revelations from the interview: Meghan said that the family was concerned over the color of their son Archie’s skin, that they declined to give Archie a title, and denied the family security detail. She said that relentless attacks from the press and lack of support from the family had at one time lead her to contemplate suicide. The couple also revealed the sex of their second child.
The broadcast attracted over 17 million viewers from around the world, and it was widely discussed on social media. Many users supported the couple, while others expressed disdain and skepticism, taking particular issue with how much the couple was being paid.
Headlines also seemed baiting:
Misbar’s Analysis
During the first few minutes of the interview, Winfrey states, “I just want to make it clear to everybody, that… there has not been an agreement. You don’t know what I’m going to ask, there is no subject that’s off limits, and you are not getting paid for this interview.” Meghan replies, “That is correct.”
CBS paid at least $7 million to Winfrey’s production company, Harpo, for the rights to the interview, but Meghan and Harry did not recieve any payment. Speculation surrounding finances seems to have stemmed from viewers questioning the motivations behind the interview. Meghan and Harry no longer receive a stipend from Harry’s father Prince Charles, or any funds from U.K. taxpayers.
Harry told Winfrey that he is supporting their new life in California with his inheritance from his mother, Princess Diana. The couple also signed a large deal with Netflix in September, which would pay them to produce documentaries and other programming.
Most journalists oppose the practice of paying interviewees. It’s considered unethical, as it can impinge upon objectivity, and influence the information being shared.
