Meghan Markle's Nickname From Spotify Co-Workers Revealed
Meghan Markle has been in the spotlight lately following a scathing article by Vanity Fair, which featured claims of "bullying."
Meghan Markle has been in the spotlight lately following a scathing article by Vanity Fair, which featured claims of "bullying" and "mean girl" behavior.
A royal correspondent has now claimed that former co-workers gave the Duchess a nickname during her Spotify podcast days, likening her to a manipulative TV character.
Following the resurfacing of bullying allegations, sources close to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have dismissed the reports, noting how "distressing" it has been for the royal couple.
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Why Meghan Markle Was Allegedly Dubbed 'Eva' By Staff During Spotify Tenure
In an interview with Fox News Digital, royal correspondent Neil Sean revealed that Meghan earned an unflattering nickname while working with Spotify on her podcast, Archetypes.
Sean claims former Spotify employees referred to the Duchess of Sussex as "Eva," a nod to the 1955 film "Queen Bee" starring Joan Crawford.
He said, "Ex-staff members… told me they decided to christen her 'Eva' and this was used as a warning signal to let people know that she was either arriving or on the warpath."
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Sean added that it "wasn't an engaging pet nickname," explaining that it "came from the 1955 camp classic 'Queen Bee' starring the ultimate diva… herself – Joan Crawford… This is because, like the Joan character [Eva Phillips], she stung her victims to pieces. This is exactly how staff felt about working alongside [Meghan]."
However, Meghan was apparently unaware of the moniker during her time at Spotify.
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Staff Criticize The Duchess's Behavior And Alleged Demands During California Projects
Sean's remarks came shortly after Vanity Fair published a critical cover story detailing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's life in California.
According to Sean, "there were many things that were not covered."
He told the news outlet that "Behind the scenes, staff [found] Meghan really difficult to deal with, simply because of her… mood swings and just how well certain aspects of her career [were] going… [they] thought she was quite tough and bossy, so decided to [give her] the nickname of that character… She was high camp without realizing it."
Sources also alleged that Meghan insisted on dealing exclusively with "the person at the top" during collaborations, emphasizing her status as a duchess and royal family member.
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"When that person is not around, they have to be reminded that they are dealing with somebody who is a duchess and more importantly, a member of the British royal family," Sean was allegedly told.
He continued, "This worked at the beginning as people were… beguiled by Meghan's presence. But it quickly wore off when she became demanding… clearly forgetting her struggling actress days."
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Prince Harry Was Also Given A Scathing Nickname By Former Staff
According to Sean, Meghan wasn't the only subject of behind-the-scenes chatter. Prince Harry was reportedly given the nickname "Tim Nice But Dim," referencing a well-known British TV comedy character.
Sean noted that, like Meghan, Harry was also said to be unaware of the nickname he was given by staff.
Several former employees who worked with the couple spoke to Vanity Fair and shared candid accounts of their experiences.
They described Meghan as initially "warm and effusive," fostering a sense of "professional camaraderie."
However, this positive demeanor reportedly shifted whenever something went wrong—"often due to Meghan and Harry's own demands."
In such moments, Meghan was described as "cold and withholding towards the person she perceived to be responsible."
Former Employees Felt Ostracized By Meghan Markle's Leadership Style
Kinsey Schofield, host of the "To Di For Daily" podcast, also shared her belief in the claims surrounding Meghan's alleged behavior toward employees.
"Former Sussex employees, Meghan love-bombs potential employees and employees that stay in line," Schofield said. "But once you deviate from her vision, she ostracizes you. Once you're out in the cold, you become obsessed with working your way back into her good graces. Late nights, going the extra mile, and raining praise on Meghan and her ideas."
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Schofield explained that she wasn't surprised by the lingering allegations of bullying during Markle's time as a working royal.
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"They're likely true," she said. "Royal author Valentine Low told me that former Sussex employees approached him about speaking out once they heard about Meghan's Oprah interview [in 2021]. They wanted to make sure their version of events was out there too."
Schofield explained that "former employees watch what they believe is a really insincere performance in an attempt to change public perception, and it angers them, so they speak out."
The Recent Reports Have Left Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Feeling 'Distressed'
After Vanity Fair's scathing article on the Sussexes, a source close to the couple revealed to The Times that they found the allegations "distressing."
Close associates of Harry and Meghan also told The Daily Beast that the pair are disheartened by the accusations, particularly given their challenging situation: Harry's legal battles in the U.K. and Meghan's highly anticipated Netflix show being postponed.
The Sussexes allegedly feel the bombshell cover story "has succeeded in making a bad time worse."