Meghan Markle's ex-agent reveals why he really stopped representing her


The Duchess's former talent agent Ari Emanuel spoke to Megyn Kelly about why they no longer work together and her upcoming projects


Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, smiling in a strapless black and white dress.© Variety via Getty Images
Eleanor Dye
Eleanor DyeOnline Royal Correspondent
1 hour ago

Meghan Markle's former agent Ari Emanuel has revealed why he really decided to stop representing her. 

The Hollywood power broker, 65, previously represented the Duchess of Sussex, 45, through his William Morris Endeavor (WME) Group – but they recently parted ways. 

Speaking to US broadcaster Megyn Kelly on her show this week, Ari confirmed the decision was "nothing about her," saying he had a "lot on my plate".

He confirmed it had been his decision to step away, explaining: "I just had to shift my focus to other things that were a priority for me.

Ari Emanuel in a blue tuxedo and a woman in a beige turtleneck dress smiling together.© Getty Images for Academy Museum
Ari didn't hold back when asked about Meghan's career

"Listen, I got a busy life. She is finding her voice; I am happy for her. The great thing I hope for as a parent of starting William Morris Endeavor is there's people here that they can handle stuff and handle clients.

"And for me, I just had a lot on my plate with starting a new company; I run TKO, I have clients. And it was better to let them deal with her and execute against her needs and her desires. And I'm happy that everybody's doing it. I didn't want it occupying my brain."

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Meghan, her husband Prince Harry, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, returned to the UK in August after six years in California.

Inside Meghan's relationship with Ari Emanuel

While Meghan no longer works with Ari personally, she's understood to still be represented by other WME agents after first signing with them in 2023. 

Ari, author of Roll the Calls, also gave an interview to The Sunday Times last month when he was asked about the Duchess's future career. 

"Here's the great thing: I don't have to think about that any more," he simply said.

Sarah Staudinger and Ari Emanuel© Getty
Ari Emanuel and Meghan's relationship was said to have soured. Pictured with Sarah Staudinger

Neither Meghan nor Ari have previously commented on their working relationship. 

However, previous reports suggested it had "soured" quickly, with Variety claiming the talent agent had dropped off her account after just three months.

In February last year, it was also suggested that Meghan and Ari had not met since January 2024.  

Ari is widely considered to be a very powerful figure in the entertainment industry and founded the Endeavour Talent Agency in 1995, which merged with WMA in 2009.

Meghan's 'booked' and busy diary revealed

In his interview with Megyn, Ari also reveals hints about what Meghan is up to now, after moving to the UK. 

Speaking about the Duchess and Prince Harry, he said: "I think she's actually getting booked and there's reality stuff and TV stuff. They're doing stuff. I don't know about it."

Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle during an official photocall to announce their engagement at The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace© Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Meghan is said to be booked and busy after returning to the UK

Meghan is said to be ready to "stick her head above the parapet" as she prepares to step out with Prince Harry in the UK this week for the first time in six years. 

The Sussexes will visit three charitable organisations in Nottingham this Thursday, the city where they made their first public appearance together in 2017.

Sources close to the couple told HELLO! Meghan will continue to focus on her children, her As Ever brand, her acting career and charitable causes, in that order.

A friend told us that "her diary is full", adding: "She's looking at loads of acting offers. She's meeting a lot of writers and creatives, and reading a lot of scripts. If there's anything that stands out as being amazing, then she'll do it."

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