Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are being warned to “stay silent” over Israel’s conflict with Hamas – or risk jeopardizing their future in Hollywood.
This follows an astonishing public tirade by Meghan’s new image-maker – super-agent Ari Emanuel – against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
And it comes amid a bitter war of words between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters that has polarized the world of show business.
A senior studio production executive, who has close ties to Emanuel’s WME agency, told Daily Express US: “Prince Harry and Meghan must resist any temptation to join a debate that has become so toxic it could create hostility for years to come.
“There are likely to be long-lasting divisions in Hollywood as a result and they could find themselves frozen out if they take a stance on one side or the other… and that’s the last thing they need.”
The royal couple have already lost their $20 million contract with Spotify and their major source of income – their $100 million five-year deal with Netflix – is up for renewal in 2025.
Our source said: “It’s one thing for Ari Emanuel to spark controversy with his views. He’s one of Hollywood’s biggest power brokers and his position is unassailable.
“But Harry and Meghan could be risking everything if they pitch in with any kind of comment. They’re on shaky ground as it is and they really can’t afford to alienate anyone else or risk losing more public support.”
Both Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s popularity has been plummeting in recent public opinion polls, with Prince William and Princess Kate now the most popular royal couple in America by far.
The source declared: “Prince Harry is well aware that royals should always try to rise above politics, but he and Meghan have an unfortunate tendency to simply sound off about any cause that attracts their attention.
“In this case they need to maintain a dignified silence and Meghan should not be tempted to launch herself into a poisonous debate – even though her new agent has done just that.”
Ari Emanuel, whose brother Rahm was President Obama’s chief-of-staff, stunned delegates at a Bloomberg Media conference by slamming Israel’s Prime Minister for leaving his country vulnerable to attack, saying: “A morally corrupt Bibi Netanyahu exposed Israel to rape and beheadings of babies, children.”
Ironically, his attack followed a similar denunciation of Netanyahu by former President Trump, who said: “He was not prepared, and Israel was not prepared.”
Meanwhile, the gulf between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters in Hollywood has continued to widen since an October 12 open letter signed by 700 celebrities and Hollywood leaders condemned Hamas and demanded the safe return of all hostages being held in Gaza. Signatories included Mark Hamill, Chris Pine, Gal Gadot, Bella Thorne, Michael Douglas and Jamie Lee Curtis.
That letter was followed last week by one signed by more than 2,000 British actors, artists and musicians – including Tilda Swinton, Steve Coogan and Outlander star Sam Heughan – that accused Israel of “war crimes.”
At the same time, 55 American stars – including Joaquin Phoenix, Cate Blanchett, Kristen Stewart and Susan Sarandon – have signed an open letter to President Joe Biden demanding an immediate ceasefire in the conflict.
