Taylor Swift's Royal Diss: Why She Said 'No' to Meghan Markle's Podcast
Did the pop star know that Archetypes was on the brink of collapse?
It looks like Taylor Swift has no interest in getting involved in the drama surrounding the British royal family. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the pop star turned down Meghan Markle's offer to be a guest on her podcast Archetypes, which was canceled by Spotify earlier this month. Swift's official representative reportedly reached out to the Duchess to decline her request, which Markle made in a personal handwritten note.
Archetypes is a podcast created by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's podcast production company, Archewell Audio. It premiered on Spotify in August last year and only lasted for one season of 12 episodes. On the podcast, Markle had conversations with big names in pop culture, historians, and experts about stereotypes against women.
The first three episodes featured such high-profile guests as tennis legend Serena Williams, pop icon Mariah Carey, and fan-favorite comedian Mindy Kaling. However, Markle's extensive connections weren't enough to keep the podcast afloat. Spotify decided to end its $20-million deal with Archewell Audio and part ways with the royal couple before Season 2 production could even begin.
It was reported that the company's executives were furious with the way the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were conducting business.
'I wish I had been involved in the "Meghan and Harry leave Spotify" negotiation. "The F**king Grifters." That's the podcast we should have launched with them,' Spotify's head of podcast innovation and monetization Bill Simmons said on his own podcast (via The Guardian).
Whether Taylor Swift felt that Archetypes was on the verge of collapse, didn't want to deal with the controversial royal couple, or just wasn't interested in participating in a podcast — neither the Wall Street Journal nor Swift's representatives have given an answer as to why she declined Markle's invitation. But there's no reason to suspect the star of malicious intent.
Swift has a reputation of being reserved about her private opinions on social matters, as she's always been unwilling to share them in interviews. She has previously said that she'd rather make music than talk about such issues. Besides, the pop icon's plate has been full lately with a world tour, re-recording singles, and preparing for the release of a new album, Speak Now.
Suffice it to say, Taylor Swift has been too busy to do podcasts, even with the Duchess of Sussex as the host.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian.