Meghan Markle Makes Surprise Red Carpet Appearance amid Netflix Report Buzz

The Duchess of Sussex stepped out with close friend Kelly McKee Zajfen amid reports of tension with Netflix over her and Prince Harry's projects.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 5:07am

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Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance on the red carpet at the Alliance for Children's Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children event in Beverly Hills, California, on Thursday, March 19. The appearance comes amid reports of tension between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Netflix over their various projects, including their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview and Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare. However, both Netflix and the couple have denied these reports, with Netflix's Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria stating, "Don't believe whatever you read."

Why it matters

Meghan Markle's surprise red carpet appearance is significant as it comes amid reports of a potential rift between the Sussexes and Netflix, a key partner for their Archewell production company. The reports have raised questions about the status of the couple's relationship with the streaming giant and the future of their various projects with Netflix.

The details

Meghan Markle stepped out with her close friend Kelly McKee Zajfen, co-founder of the Alliance of Moms, at the Alliance for Children's Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children event in Beverly Hills. This was Meghan's first public appearance since the reports of tension with Netflix surfaced. The reports claimed that Netflix was "blindsided" by the couple's 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview and Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare, which aired close to the release of their Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, in December 2022. However, both Netflix and the couple have denied these claims, with Netflix's Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria stating that "deals come and go all the time" and that the company still has a working relationship with the Sussexes.

  • Meghan Markle and Kelly McKee Zajfen attended the Alliance for Children's Rights 34th Annual Champions for Children event on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
  • The Variety report alleging tension between the Sussexes and Netflix was published in March 2026.
  • The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, was released in December 2022.

The players

Meghan Markle

The Duchess of Sussex, who made a surprise red carpet appearance amid reports of tension with Netflix over her and Prince Harry's projects.

Kelly McKee Zajfen

Meghan Markle's close friend and co-founder of the Alliance of Moms, who accompanied the Duchess to the event.

Bela Bajaria

Netflix's Chief Content Officer, who disputed the reports of tension between the streaming giant and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Prince Harry

The Duke of Sussex, who is Meghan Markle's husband and has also been involved in projects with Netflix.

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What they’re saying

“Don't believe whatever you read.”

— Bela Bajaria, Netflix Chief Content Officer

The takeaway

Meghan Markle's surprise red carpet appearance amid the reports of tension with Netflix underscores the ongoing scrutiny and speculation surrounding the Sussexes' relationship with the streaming giant. While both parties have denied any rift, the situation highlights the challenges and complexities that can arise when high-profile public figures engage in major media partnerships.