Netflix has delayed the launch of Meghan Markle’s new cooking and gardening series “With Love, Meghan” due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The eight-part series was originally scheduled to premiere on January 15 but will now air on March 4.
The decision comes as wildfires continue to ravage parts of LA, with the death toll now reaching 24 people.
The streaming giant postponed the show’s release amid growing concerns about the sensitivity of airing a lifestyle programme during the ongoing natural disaster in California.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry likely had ‘zero influence’ over last move
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A Hollywood insider has alleged that Netflix made the scheduling decision, not the Duchess of Sussex.
Speaking to The Daily Beast, the executive alleged that Meghan and Harry’s production company Archewell has “zero influence” on such matters.
“Netflix write the rules. It’s their world, we just get to play in it,” the Hollywood insider claimed.
GB News has contracted the Duchess of Sussex for comment.
Meghan’s Netflix show is titled ‘With Love, Meghan’NetflixThe claim comes amid speculation about who was behind the postponement of the highly anticipated series.
Meghan released the following statement regarding the delay: “I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California.”
The situation in LA remains critical, with the National Weather Service issuing red flag warnings for severe fire conditions through Wednesday.
Forecasts predict sustained winds of 50 mph, with gusts reaching 70 mph in mountain areas.
Meghan has delayed her Netflix series until March 4
Netflix
The death toll from the wildfires increased significantly late Sunday, according to an update from the Los Angeles County medical examiner.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited a volunteer shelter in Pasadena on January 10 to assist with wildfire relief efforts.
The couple met with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and emergency workers tackling the Eaton Fire.
Harry and Meghan helped serve meals to evacuees who had fled their homes due to the fires.
Meghan Markle visited locals in Los Angeles after the devastating wildfires
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Mayor Gordo praised their involvement, noting that the couple “really buoyed the spirits of the first responders”.
According to People, the Sussexes donated essential supplies and worked alongside World Central Kitchen to serve meals.
They also spent time connecting with affected families and elderly residents who the fires had displaced.
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede told the Mail that airing the show during this “tragic and difficult” time would appear “insensitive”, but noted the show could successfully launch at a later date.