Sussex setback: Royal couple faces ‘thumbs down’ drama as charity effort flops
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are facing a challenging period as they grapple with a significant and distressing situation.
The pair, who have been at the centre of media attention since their departure from royal duties, announced a major new project with the intention of making a positive impact.
However, the reception they received was far from what they might have hoped for, and it's a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of public opinion, especially in the digital age.
The Sussexes' latest venture, the Archewell Foundation’s Parents’ Network, is a charitable initiative aimed at supporting parents whose children have been affected by online bullying and the darker aspects of the internet.
This cause, undeniably noble in its intent, should have been met with applause and support.
Yet, the response on social media, where their interview discussing the project was posted, tells a different story.
At the time of writing, the video had amassed a staggering 31,000 thumbs down compared to a mere 3,400 thumbs up.
This overwhelming disparity in public opinion is reminiscent of the platform's unpredictable beginnings.
The Sussexes are learning firsthand that the internet can be an unforgiving arena.
The negative reception of their interview is a curious phenomenon, especially when contrasted with other public figures' appearances on the same platform.
For example, an interview with Nancy Pelosi on the same CBS Sunday Morning news show garnered a more balanced ratio of likes to dislikes (8700 likes to 2000 dislikes) despite the polarised political climate in the United States.
The Pelosi video had also been viewed 170,000 times more than the Sussex video.
The comments section of the Sussexes' interview video painted a harsh picture, with viewers criticising the couple for what they perceive as ‘using other people’s tragedies to raise their own profile’.
Another person claimed that they are ‘victimising’ the parents involved in the new project, who were also interviewed for the segment.
‘Need a petition, stop the Sussex,’ according to another commenter.
The top-voted comment read, ‘If Meghan doesn’t believe in royal titles, then why does she always put that title forward?
This backlash is steeped in irony, considering the couple's efforts to combat the very online negativity that they are now facing.
It raises the question of whether the Sussexes and their team consider the interview a success, given that the media coverage has largely focused on other aspects of their lives, such as Meghan's mental health struggles during her time as a working royal, rather than the Parents’ Network launch.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have had a mixed track record with their post-royal charity endeavours.
While Prince Harry's Invictus Games continue to thrive, other initiatives, such as Meghan's 40x40 mentoring project and her advocacy for paid parental leave, seem to have faded into the background without much follow-through.
The couple's ability to generate buzz and excitement with grand ideas is evident, but the execution and lasting impact of these initiatives remain in question.
This pattern has led to growing scepticism about their ability to deliver tangible results, or as some might say, the 'sausage after the sizzle’.
The year has been fraught with challenges for Prince Harry, including controversies surrounding the African Parks conservation charity and the backlash he faced after being named the recipient of the Pat Tillman Trophy at the ESPY Awards.
These incidents have only added to the scrutiny and criticism the couple faces.
As Prince Harry approaches his 40th birthday, he finds himself in a complex position, far from his family in the UK and navigating a career that includes producing content for Netflix and dealing with the harsh judgments of the online community.
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle navigate their current challenges, public scrutiny and media reactions continue to intensify.
This ongoing scrutiny extends beyond personal matters and into their professional endeavours.
For instance, Meghan Markle’s Netflix series has recently come under fierce criticism from a prominent TV host, highlighting the broader impact of their high-profile lives on their projects and public perception.
How do you perceive the Sussexes' efforts to make a difference? What do you think about the public's reaction to their latest project? We invite you to share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.
The pair, who have been at the centre of media attention since their departure from royal duties, announced a major new project with the intention of making a positive impact.
However, the reception they received was far from what they might have hoped for, and it's a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of public opinion, especially in the digital age.
The Sussexes' latest venture, the Archewell Foundation’s Parents’ Network, is a charitable initiative aimed at supporting parents whose children have been affected by online bullying and the darker aspects of the internet.
This cause, undeniably noble in its intent, should have been met with applause and support.
Yet, the response on social media, where their interview discussing the project was posted, tells a different story.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new charity supporting parents of bullied children has received a flood of dislikes on social media. Credit: YouTube / CBS Sunday Morning
At the time of writing, the video had amassed a staggering 31,000 thumbs down compared to a mere 3,400 thumbs up.
This overwhelming disparity in public opinion is reminiscent of the platform's unpredictable beginnings.
The Sussexes are learning firsthand that the internet can be an unforgiving arena.
The negative reception of their interview is a curious phenomenon, especially when contrasted with other public figures' appearances on the same platform.
For example, an interview with Nancy Pelosi on the same CBS Sunday Morning news show garnered a more balanced ratio of likes to dislikes (8700 likes to 2000 dislikes) despite the polarised political climate in the United States.
The Pelosi video had also been viewed 170,000 times more than the Sussex video.
The comments section of the Sussexes' interview video painted a harsh picture, with viewers criticising the couple for what they perceive as ‘using other people’s tragedies to raise their own profile’.
Another person claimed that they are ‘victimising’ the parents involved in the new project, who were also interviewed for the segment.
‘Need a petition, stop the Sussex,’ according to another commenter.
The top-voted comment read, ‘If Meghan doesn’t believe in royal titles, then why does she always put that title forward?
This backlash is steeped in irony, considering the couple's efforts to combat the very online negativity that they are now facing.
It raises the question of whether the Sussexes and their team consider the interview a success, given that the media coverage has largely focused on other aspects of their lives, such as Meghan's mental health struggles during her time as a working royal, rather than the Parents’ Network launch.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have had a mixed track record with their post-royal charity endeavours.
While Prince Harry's Invictus Games continue to thrive, other initiatives, such as Meghan's 40x40 mentoring project and her advocacy for paid parental leave, seem to have faded into the background without much follow-through.
The couple's ability to generate buzz and excitement with grand ideas is evident, but the execution and lasting impact of these initiatives remain in question.
This pattern has led to growing scepticism about their ability to deliver tangible results, or as some might say, the 'sausage after the sizzle’.
The year has been fraught with challenges for Prince Harry, including controversies surrounding the African Parks conservation charity and the backlash he faced after being named the recipient of the Pat Tillman Trophy at the ESPY Awards.
These incidents have only added to the scrutiny and criticism the couple faces.
As Prince Harry approaches his 40th birthday, he finds himself in a complex position, far from his family in the UK and navigating a career that includes producing content for Netflix and dealing with the harsh judgments of the online community.
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle navigate their current challenges, public scrutiny and media reactions continue to intensify.
This ongoing scrutiny extends beyond personal matters and into their professional endeavours.
For instance, Meghan Markle’s Netflix series has recently come under fierce criticism from a prominent TV host, highlighting the broader impact of their high-profile lives on their projects and public perception.
