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Tag: Netflix

  • Oscars to start streaming on Youtube from 2029

    Oscars to start streaming on Youtube from 2029

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029.

    While sharing the information on Wednesday, December 17 2025, the Academy mentioned that it signed a multi-year deal that will give YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.

    This is the latest big change in Hollywood dealing with studio sales and mergers, along with steep production cuts.

    Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a statement, “The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible – which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.”

    Over decades, viewership of the awards show has declined, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a significant number of younger viewers tuning in from cell phones and computers.

    In a statement, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called the Oscars “one of our essential cultural institutions” and said that partnering with the Academy would “inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy”.

    ABC, which has aired the awards since 1976, said it is looking ahead to the final three ceremonies it will still broadcast.

    The development comes as Warner Bros Discovery advised its shareholders on Wednesday to reject a hostile takeover offer from Paramount Skydance in favour of a competing bid from streaming company Netflix.

    Industry observers say neither option is favourable for a sector that has suffered heavy cutbacks in recent years. Like major film studios, cable television networks have struggled as audiences increasingly turn to streaming platforms.

    YouTube securing the rights to the Academy Awards further points to a future where streaming services continue to dominate.

    Movies made with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) can now compete for top honors at the Oscars, according to new rules from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

    In a statement released in April 2025, the Academy explained that using AI or other digital tools in a film’s production will not increase or reduce its chances of being nominated. The update comes as part of a wider move to clarify how technology fits into modern filmmaking.

    Some of this year’s Oscar-winning films already used AI in creative ways. For example, “The Brutalist,” which earned Adrian Brody the Best Actor award, used AI to fine-tune the actor’s Hungarian accent. In the musical “Emilia Perez,” AI voice-cloning tools helped improve the singing voices of the cast.

    Even though AI is becoming more common in filmmaking, the Academy made it clear that human involvement will still play a major role in deciding which films deserve to win.

    These new guidelines were shaped by recommendations from the Academy’s Science and Technology Council.

    Along with the AI update, the Academy has also introduced another important rule: moving forward, voters must watch all the nominated films in a category before they are allowed to vote for the winner. This change is meant to make the selection process more fair and informed.

    AI is now being used more widely in music and film production because it can quickly adjust voices, images, or even entire scenes. However, not everyone is excited about this shift. Many actors and artists are concerned that AI might take away jobs or use their work without permission.

    The Academy’s new stance suggests that as technology continues to evolve, the film industry—and its biggest awards—will continue to adapt as well.

    Actors and screenwriters previously highlighted fears about losing work to AI during the 2023 strikes in Hollywood.

    “If you can take my face, my body and my voice and make me say or do something that I had no choice about, that’s not a good thing,” actress Susan Sarandon told the BBC from a picket line.

    And screenwriters are concerned studios would seek to cut costs and save time by using tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT for tasks such as researching, treatment and script writing, instead of humans.

    Safeguards around the use of AI were established as part of the agreements reached between unions and studios that marked the end of the strikes.

    But while some actors have seemingly embraced the technology, others, such as Scarlett Johansson, have issued warnings about its potential to allow abuse of their image or likeness.

    Animators told the BBC in 2024 generative AI tools were not yet good enough to be able to replicate the quality of their work – certainly not to an award-winning standard.

    “It’s like having a bad writer help you,” said Jonathan Kendrick, co-founder and chairman of global streaming service Rokit Flix.

    “Sure it will get an outline done, but if you need something with emotional weight, an AI isn’t going to get you an Oscar.”

  • Netflix to increase subscription prices in US, 3 others after gaining 19m subscribers in 2024

    Netflix to increase subscription prices in US, 3 others after gaining 19m subscribers in 2024

    Netflix is planning to raise prices in several countries after gaining nearly 19 million new subscribers in the last months of 2024.

    The streaming service announced that it will increase subscription fees in the US, Canada, Argentina, and Portugal.

    When asked if the UK would see price hikes, a Netflix spokesperson replied that there was “nothing to share right now.”

    Netflix reported better-than-expected subscriber growth, boosted by the second season of the popular South Korean series Squid Game and sports events, including the boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.

    In the US, the price of nearly all subscription plans will go up, including the standard plan with no ads, which will now cost $17.99 (£14.60) a month, up from $15.49.

    The plan with ads will also increase by one dollar to $7.99.

    The last time Netflix raised prices in the US was in October 2023, also increasing costs for some UK plans.

    “We will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can re-invest to further improve Netflix,” the company explained.

    Netflix ended last year with more than 300 million subscribers. It had expected to add 9.6 million new subscribers between October and December, but it surpassed that expectation.

    This will be the last time Netflix reports quarterly subscriber growth, as it plans to “continue to announce paid memberships as we cross key milestones.”

    Along with Squid Game and the Paul vs. Tyson fight, Netflix also aired two NFL games on Christmas Day.

    The company will stream more live events, including WWE wrestling, and has secured the rights to broadcast the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031.

    Technology analyst Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight stated that Netflix “is now flexing its muscles by adjusting prices given its far stronger and diversified programming slate compared to rivals.”

    Netflix’s net profit between October and December doubled to $1.8 billion compared to the same period last year.

    Sales grew from $8.8 billion to $10.2 billion.

  • An open letter to Netflix: Super Story creator slams streaming platform for selection bias

    An open letter to Netflix: Super Story creator slams streaming platform for selection bias

    Veteran filmmaker Wale Adenuga, the creator of iconic Nigerian TV shows like Papa Ajasco and Super Story, has openly criticised Netflix’s operations in Nigeria.

    In a strongly worded statement titled “A Critique of Netflix’s Approach in Nigeria,” Adenuga accused the streaming giant of perpetuating a flawed system that prioritises connections over quality and creativity in its movie selection process.

    Adenuga lamented that Netflix and similar platforms have relied heavily on the influence of wealthy and well-connected producers, sidelining truly talented filmmakers without access to such networks.

    He argued that the selection process has degraded the quality of Nigerian films featured on the platform.

    “The problem lies in the corrupted and poor selection process of movies. Without a shadow of a doubt, I believe that Netflix and similar platforms based their acquisitions more on how famous and connected the producers were rather than the creativity and quality of the films themselves,” Adenuga said.

    Wale Adenuga criticized the quality of Nigerian films on Netflix, contrasting them with the impactful works of legendary filmmakers like Tunde Kelani and Zeb Ejiro. He accused some producers of exploiting international partnerships for personal benefit, sidelining the broader film industry. Adenuga called for reforms, suggesting Netflix implement a fair and open system for selecting Nigerian content, allowing diverse producers to pitch their projects. This, he argued, would ensure only the best stories represent Nigeria on the global stage.

    “A good movie that scores 90 per cent on storyline and 50 per cent on technicalities will be far more embraced by the Nigerian audience than a movie with a 90 per cent technical score but only 50 per cent on storyline,” Adenuga concluded.

    The filmmaker’s candid remarks have sparked discussions about fairness, quality, and inclusivity in the Nigerian film industry’s collaborations with international platforms.

  • Idris Elba urges African filmmakers to explore opportunities beyond Netflix

    Idris Elba urges African filmmakers to explore opportunities beyond Netflix

    The actor from Beast of No Nation recognised that although platforms for global exposure of African content are valuable, genuine success depends on enhancing local capabilities and infrastructure.

    During the Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) that commenced in Accra on Monday, October 7, Idris Elba expressed his commitment to strengthening Africa’s film industry.

    He emphasised the need for a resilient sector capable of self-sustainability, complete with a distribution network that operates independently from Western platforms.

    “The lifespan of African cinema is endless. We need to talk about distribution, we need to talk about how to grow the industry. For instance, filmmaking in Ghana is growing and we have seen fantastic stories and creative talents, not to mention the fantastic wealth of tourism.

    “We have to win our developing market in Africa. Inasmuch as we want to appeal to the international market, we have to win our own first. When you watch American box-hit movies, usually, they make box offices in America before other countries,” he stated.

    For him, the key is raising the profile through better infrastructure, distribution channels, and connecting filmmakers with audiences on the continent and globally.

    “The future relies on us, our own distribution. We must fill the cinemas with our people first.

    “So it’s important not to always focus internationally but to focus on home.

    Also, we need to build films that get to the standard of the rest of the world. There’s no excuse because we all need to adhere to the democratisation of equipment, which means that we can all shoot with good cameras and microphones.

    “We have to be committed to quality, which means that we need education or to educate one another and make sure that the standard raises,” he added.

    Idris Elba’s commitment to African cinema goes beyond words. Through his production companies, IE7 and The Akuna Group, Elba is investing in the continent’s creative potential, cultivating homegrown talent.

    He noted that African storytellers must balance authenticity with international appeal, making their stories familiar and engaging for a global audience.

    “Remember that when we tell a story, we want everyone to pay attention to it, so we have to tell stories that are familiar to the international market.

    “And with the combination of all that, with distribution and other relevant elements, we can bolster our fortunes and set our foot further,” he said.

    The second Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) kicked off on Monday, October 7, and concluded today, October 10, 2024.

    Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the 2024 summit broadened its focus, bringing together industry leaders and film enthusiasts from across the globe to discuss innovative approaches for advancing cinema in Africa.

    A Legacy Awards ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 9, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, recognising notable individuals who have made impactful contributions to the development of the continent’s film industry.

    The summit wrapped up yesterday, culminating in the filming of several selected movies.

  • Actor Chance Perdomo dies in motorcycle accident

    Actor Chance Perdomo dies in motorcycle accident

    Talented actor, Chance Perdomo, known for his role in the Netflix hit series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, has tragically passed away at the age of 27 in a motorcycle accident, as confirmed by his publicist.

    The British-American star, born in Los Angeles and raised in Southampton, gained recognition for his exceptional talent, earning a nomination for best actor at the 2019 Bafta TV awards for his role in BBC Three’s drama Killed by My Debt.

    In a heartfelt statement, his publicist expressed, “His insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him. His warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest.” The statement also requested privacy for Perdomo’s grieving family.

    While details of the accident remain undisclosed, it has been reported that no other individuals were involved in the incident.

    Besides his portrayal of warlock Ambrose Spellman in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Perdomo showcased his acting prowess as Andre Anderson in Amazon Prime’s Gen V, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and colleagues alike.

    Remembering Perdomo’s vibrant spirit, Amazon MGM Studios and Gen V co-producers Sony Pictures Television described him as “charming” and an “enthusiastic force of nature,” emphasising the profound impact he had on those around him.

    Perdomo’s journey into acting began in 2017 with the CBBC series Hetty Feather, eventually leading to his breakthrough in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and earning him recognition as one of Bafta’s “Breakthrough Brits” in 2019.

    Reflecting on his career and the success of Killed by My Debt, Perdomo expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response to the powerful docudrama based on Jerome Rogers’ tragic story, a message that resonated deeply with audiences.

    His legacy extends beyond the screen, as he took time to inspire and motivate young minds, emphasizing the value of hard work and passion during a visit to his former secondary school in Southampton.

    The untimely loss of Chance Perdomo leaves a void in the entertainment industry, but his remarkable talent and impactful presence will be remembered by fans and colleagues worldwide.

  • NFA should help in promoting Ghanaian movies on Amazon, Netflix platforms- Martha Ankomah appeals

    NFA should help in promoting Ghanaian movies on Amazon, Netflix platforms- Martha Ankomah appeals

    Renowned actress Martha Ankomah recently brought attention to the hurdles faced by Ghanaian filmmakers in getting their content onto major streaming platforms like Amazon and Netflix.

    Speaking at the inaugural Film Investment Breakfast Meeting organized by the National Film Authority (NFA), Ankomah emphasized the pressing need for support and collaboration within Ghana’s film industry to improve its accessibility and reach.

    “When you go on Amazon and Netflix, there are Nigerian movies…But for us in Ghana, it’s difficult to get our movies there. I don’t know how they do it, but it would be great if the NFA could help us get our films on those platforms,” Martha Ankomah stated.

    The event, attended by dignitaries, celebrities, and industry experts, showcased a collective effort to tackle challenges and explore opportunities within Ghana’s vibrant film landscape.

    Insights from speakers including Juliet Asante, Danny Damah, Shirley Frimpong Manso, and Ivan Quashigah underscored the significance of strategic partnerships and investment in driving the sector’s growth.

    Ankomah’s notable career and contributions to Ghanaian cinema, highlighted by her roles in movies like ‘Heart Of Men’, ‘Deadly Heart’, and ‘The Dirty Fantasy’, lend weight to her advocacy for broader exposure of Ghanaian films on global platforms.

    The NFA’s role in facilitating this process could have a substantial impact on enhancing the visibility and recognition of Ghana’s rich cultural narratives in the global film market.

    Watch video below:

  • Blockbuster movie ‘Taste of Sin’ featuring Duncan-Williams now streaming on Netflix

    Blockbuster movie ‘Taste of Sin’ featuring Duncan-Williams now streaming on Netflix

    Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, known for his spiritual leadership as the Founder and General Overseer of the United Denominations of Action Chapel Churches Worldwide, steps onto the silver screen in the captivating film “Taste of Sin.”

    With its gripping storyline and stellar cast, “Taste of Sin” has been generating significant buzz, immersing audiences in its compelling world.

    Originally hitting theaters in 2023, the blockbuster movie is now streaming on Netflix, reaching a broader audience with its compelling narrative.

    Produced by Dominion TV in collaboration with Sami’s Media, “Taste of Sin” explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and hope against the backdrop of two intertwined pastors’ lives.

    The movie boasts a star-studded cast of Ghanaian talents, including Jackie Appiah, Majid Michel, James Gardiner, Kofi Adzololo, Kalsuom Sinare, Akosua Agyepong, Roselyn Ngiza, Caroline Sampson, Ekow Blankson, Sonia S. Ibrahim, Jonathan Eze Nwaihobi, and Abena Akuaba Appiah, with a special debut appearance by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

    “Taste of Sin” showcases exceptional production values, featuring stunning cinematography, lavish set designs, and a mesmerizing soundtrack that heightens the tension and drama. The series seamlessly blends suspenseful storytelling with intricate character development, keeping viewers engaged and eager for more.

    Rosa Whitaker, President of Dominion TV, celebrated the Netflix premiere as a significant milestone for Africa’s creative economy and Dominion TV’s mission to inspire and empower audiences worldwide.

    To dive into the world of “Taste of Sin” and explore more about Dominion TV, visit www.dominiontv.net and follow @mydominiontv on social media.

  • Dominion TV movie “A Taste of Sin’’ currently streaming on Netflix

    Dominion TV movie “A Taste of Sin’’ currently streaming on Netflix

    Premier Christian lifestyle television and film network in Africa, Dominion TV continues to make headlines in the entertainment industry with its latest achievement.

    The blockbuster movie “A Taste of Sin,” which enjoyed immense success in cinemas in 2023, is now available for streaming on Netflix.

    Produced by Dominion TV in collaboration with Sami’s Media, this captivating film has been garnering praise for its gripping storyline and immersive cinematic experience.

    Featuring a star-studded cast of Ghanaian talents including Jackie Appiah, Majid Michel, James Gardiner, Kofi Adzololo, Kalsuom Sinare, Akosua Agyepong, Roselyn Ngiza, Caroline Sampson, Ekow Blankson, Sonia S. Ibrahim, Jonathan Eze Nwaihobi, Abena Akuaba Appiah, and a special debut appearance by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, “A Taste of Sin” delves into themes of faith, forgiveness, and hope within the lives of two pastors.

    The film’s production values are exceptional, showcasing stunning cinematography, lavish set designs, and a mesmerising soundtrack that adds depth to the narrative.

    Its seamless blend of suspenseful storytelling and intricate character development has kept viewers enthralled and eager for more.

    Rosa Whitaker, President of Dominion TV, expressed her excitement about the Netflix premiere, stating that it marks a significant milestone for Africa’s creative economy and aligns with Dominion TV’s mission to inspire and empower audiences worldwide.

    Watch video below:




  • Few Ghanaian movies on Netflix because we lack distributors – Film critic

    Few Ghanaian movies on Netflix because we lack distributors – Film critic


    Ghanaian film critic Tony Asankomah recently discussed the issue of film distribution in Ghana and its impact.

    During a recent interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, he highlighted the distribution gap as the reason for the lower visibility of Ghanaian films on Netflix.

    “A lot goes into it, talking about the quality and the standards, the requirements that they need to enable you get your film onto Netflix. But I have maintained and I am saying this that, our biggest problem as a space is because we do not have Ghanaian distributors who understand the terrain for distribution of films now.”

    “So all the Ghanaian films that you see on Netflix, they didn’t get there by chance. They went through a distributor who could be a Nigerian or South African company who understands the model and these distribution companies always have a quota of films they have to submit. So of course, I am from this country, I would prioritize content coming from my country that content coming from Ghana,” he told the host Kwame Dadzie.

    He pointed out that he had observed several excellent Ghanaian films unable to reach Netflix due to the distributor they worked with. Additionally, he mentioned witnessing poor-quality films from various regions making it onto Netflix.

    He also mentioned the challenge of demand meeting supply as a factor contributing to the scarcity of Ghanaian movies on Netflix.

    “We have come to understand how Nigerians paying for subscription. So if Netflix is paying for their data they know where the money is coming from. They know those who are paying more for subscription. They will entertain them. They look at the analytics and know the type of films they watch, these are the kind of content they are interested in,” he said.

    Netflix is an American over-the-top (SVOD) subscription video on-demand service that mainly streams original and acquired movies and TV series across different genres. It is accessible globally in multiple languages.

    Some Ghanaian films on Netflix are ‘The Burial of Kojo’, ‘Keteke’, ‘Azali’, ‘Gold Coast Lounge’, ‘Side Chic Gang’, ‘Aloe Vera’, ‘Ties That Bind’, among others.

  • Documentary: Netflix to tell Man City’s treble story in a blockbuster deal next month

    Documentary: Netflix to tell Man City’s treble story in a blockbuster deal next month

    Netflix has secured the rights to air the behind-the-scenes story of Manchester City’s historic Treble-winning season.

    The club had embedded a camera crew within the first-team squad, capturing their journey to victory in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.

    Although the footage was initially compiled by City Studios, the club’s in-house production company, there was considerable interest from external companies in acquiring it for their own platforms.

    After a competitive bidding process, Netflix emerged as the winner, agreeing to a seven-figure deal with City to broadcast the six-part series titled ‘Together: Treble Winners’.

    The series will be available in over 200 countries worldwide starting in April, with a trailer expected to be released soon. Additionally, it will be dubbed or subtitled to cater to various language markets.

  • Ghana’s LGBTQ+ bill and potential impact on Netflix subscriptions

    Ghana’s parliament recently passed the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values’ ‘ legislation, ushering in stricter penalties against LGBTQ+ individuals and activities.

    The controversial bill has now triggered worries about its potential impact on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime, which have gained significant traction in Ghana.

    One of the focal points of concern revolves around whether the bill’s provisions criminalising the “promotion” of LGBTQ+ rights could restrict these platforms from offering content featuring same-sex relationships to Ghanaian audiences.

    Section 3(2)(i) of the bill places a mandate on the media industry to “promote and protect Ghanaian family values,” raising questions about the extent to which international streaming services may fall under its jurisdiction.

    While the bill grants the National Media Commission (NMC) the authority to regulate local television content, uncertainty remains regarding its reach and enforceability on global platforms like DStv, Amazon Prime, and Netflix.

    Experts speculate that even if restrictions are imposed, individuals might turn to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access the content, potentially making effective regulation of private viewing habits challenging.

    The bill’s potential impact on popular LGBTQ+ themed shows is also under scrutiny, with concerns raised about shows like “Heartstopper,” “Sense8,” “Sex Education,” and “Schitt’s Creek.”

    These shows, known for their diverse and inclusive representation, could face limitations if the bill is interpreted to restrict such content.

    Despite the government’s efforts to suppress public displays of LGBTQ+ identities and content, doubts linger about the bill’s effectiveness in achieving its intended goals.

    Critics argue that while it may impact public visibility, it is unlikely to completely restrict private access or fundamentally alter individual beliefs.

    With the support of Ghanaian Christian and Muslim leaders, the bill now awaits President Nana Akufo-Addo’s signature.

    While the President’s stance on the matter remains publicly unknown, many anticipate his approval, raising concerns about potential censorship and the future of LGBTQ+ content on streaming platforms in the country.

  • Avatar: The Last Airbender, “Beautifully crafted disappointment,” critics react to movie

    Avatar: The Last Airbender, “Beautifully crafted disappointment,” critics react to movie

    Netflix‘s recently released live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender, has generated a range of critical opinions.

    The eight-part series, a remake of the original by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, who initially joined but later left the project, is receiving both praise and criticism.

    Variety describes the 2024 Albert Kim remake as a “beautifully crafted disappointment,” with critic Aramide Tinubu acknowledging its improvement over the 2010 film but suggesting it falls short of the original masterpiece.

    Tinubu notes the series’ visual authenticity and diverse cast but criticizes the majority of performances for lacking the emotional depth required for a narrative centered on themes of genocide, war, and totalitarianism.

    While The Guardian’s Jack Seale awards the series four stars, praising its stunning landscapes and talented young cast, Empire’s Kambole Campbell gives it two stars, noting a departure from the original’s charm in favor of a more self-serious tone.

    Campbell described the show as a “rather drab and thinly sketched spin on well-worn fantastical tales.”

    The Telegraph’s Anita Singh offers a middle-ground review, awarding the series three out of five stars for being fast-paced, action-packed, and entertaining for children.

    Singh acknowledged the lack of subtlety and broad characterizations but commends the show’s overall appeal.

    However, Vulture’s Jackson McHenry delivers a harsh critique, pointing out numerous flaws, including wooden acting, lackluster writing, garish costumes, and a dull premiere that feels more like a tedious assignment than an exciting adventure.

    In essence, Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender is provoking a diverse range of responses, leaving fans and critics divided on its success in capturing the essence of the original animated series.

  • LilWin speaks on upcoming Netflix movie project

    Renowned Ghanaian actor, Kwadwo Nkansah known popularly as  LilWin, is set to collaborate with top Nigerian movie stars on an ambitious Netflix-standard project titled “A Country Called Ghana.”

    The film, expected to showcase a blend of Ghanaian and Nigerian talent in a compelling storyline, is part of LilWin’s commitment to revitalizing the Ghanaian movie industry.

    Welcoming Nollywood’s finest actors, including Ramsey Noah, Charles Awurum, and Victor Osuagwu (aka “Awilo Sharp Sharp”), LilWin expressed his desire to kindle a renewed interest in Ghanaian local films.

    The actor, who recently established a film village in Kumasi, sees this project as a crucial step toward meeting international cinematic standards.

    In an interview with GNA Entertainment, LilWin emphasized his dedication to elevating the Ghanaian movie scene, asserting, “I want to contribute my quota to the upliftment of the Ghanaian movie industry, which is why I am investing in various movie projects.”

    The upcoming “A Country Called Ghana ” is slated to be shot over one month and is anticipated to surpass the success of LilWin’s previous “Mr. President” project.

    Expressing his dream of reaching Hollywood, LilWin believes that this collaboration will attract global attention to Ghanaian cinema.

    He urged corporate entities to support the project, emphasizing its significance in advancing the local film industry.

    The complete cast of “A Country Called Ghana” is scheduled to meet the press on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at the F2 Hotel and Apartment in Kumasi.

    See pictures below:

  • Netflix cancels Halle Berry’s Sci-Fi film, “The Mothership,” due to extensive reshoots needed

    Netflix cancels Halle Berry’s Sci-Fi film, “The Mothership,” due to extensive reshoots needed

    American actress Halle Maria Berry’s film was turned down by the esteemed TV network Netflix.

    Netflix has decided not to release Halle Berry’s highly anticipated sci-fi film, “The Mothership,” according to reports from US media outlets.

    The Hollywood Reporter reveals that the streaming giant made the decision due to significant reshoots required during the post-production stage.

    Filming for “The Mothership” was completed by co-producer Halle Berry and her team in 2021, with an initial release planned for 2022.

    Despite being part of Berry’s multi-picture partnership with Netflix, neither the actress nor the streaming platform has made any public comments regarding the cancellation.

    The film, touted as a sci-fi adventure, follows Sara Morse (played by Halle Berry) a year after her husband mysteriously disappears from their rural farm.

    Netflix had initially announced the project in February 2021, building anticipation with a captivating trailer that promised an extraterrestrial journey in search of truth and family.

    Sources cited by various US entertainment news outlets suggest that prolonged delays in post-production were the primary reason for Netflix’s decision not to move forward with the release.

    “The Mothership” was set to be the directorial feature debut for British Oscar nominee Matthew Charman. Despite this setback, Halle Berry remains engaged with Netflix, having debuted on the platform as a director with the drama “Bruised” in 2020. She is also set to co-star in the upcoming action thriller, “The Union,” alongside Mark Wahlberg.

    Netflix recently reported a surge in sign-ups at the end of last year, attributing the growth to a crackdown on password-sharing and increased customer engagement. With over 13.1 million new subscriptions in the final quarter of 2023, the streaming giant is confident in its growth trajectory and has plans to raise prices.

  • Ghanaian music ‘Kyɛnkyɛn bi adi m’awu’ banger featured in British sci-fi drama on netflix

    Ghanaian music ‘Kyɛnkyɛn bi adi m’awu’ banger featured in British sci-fi drama on netflix

    In the recently released British science fiction drama, “The Kitchen” on Netflix, the unmistakable influence of Ghanaian music adds a unique flavor to the storyline.

    The film revolves around a community’s steadfast refusal to abandon their homes, despite a government plot to eliminate all social housing in London.

    As the protagonists navigate the corrupt system, they find solace and entertainment in the rhythmic tunes of veteran Ghanaian highlife artistes.

    One memorable scene features a character inserting a vinyl disk into a record player, filling the air with the enchanting melodies of Alhaji K Frimpong’s 2010 hit, “Kyɛnkyɛn bi adi m’awu.”

    In another impactful moment, the decade-old hiplife collaboration, “Odo Ndwom” by legends Kofi Nti, Ofori Amponsah, and Barosky, sets the background tone.

    The infusion of these highlife songs into the fabric of the classic British film has sparked excitement among Ghanaians and reinforced the global influence of indigenous Ghanaian music.

    See below tweet

  • Netflix pulls down Nayanthara movie following criticism from Hindu organisations

    Netflix pulls down Nayanthara movie following criticism from Hindu organisations

    An Indian movie that upset Hindu people has been taken off Netflix a few days after it was made available to watch.

    Netflix removed the Tamil-language movie Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food because the company that owns the rights asked them to.

    The movie features Nayanthara, who plays a Hindu Brahmin woman wanting to be a chef.

    She goes against her family’s religious beliefs and eats meat, and she’s learning to cook it.

    Many Brahmins do not eat meat because their caste rules do not allow it.

    Extremist Hindu groups didn’t like some parts of the movie, like when the actress is shown praying as a Muslim before making biriyani.

    Some Hindus were upset because a Muslim character in a scene said that the Hindu god Ram ate meat.

    The people who made the movie have not said anything about the problem yet.

    Nayanthara and two others linked to the movie are also facing a police case in Madhya Pradesh.

    People who strongly believe in Hinduism have said that many movies and shows in the last few years have disrespected their religion. In 2021, the people who made a show called Tandav on Amazon Prime said sorry because they were accused of making fun of Hindu gods.

    The movie Annapoorani came out in theaters on December 1st. Critics had different opinions about it. Some liked how it showed a woman from a traditional family going after her dreams, but others thought it had too many unfinished storylines.

    India’s Central Board of Film Certification, also called the censor board, approved the movie for public showing.

    However, the arguments started a few weeks after people saw it on Netflix, which started showing it on December 29th.

    Last week, a man named Ramesh Solanki told the police in Mumbai that he didn’t like some parts of a movie. The police are deciding whether to take action. Solanki says he is a proud Hindu Indian who loves his country. He said this on X, which used to be called Twitter.

    According to Reuters, a group called Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) shouted chants outside the Netflix office in Mumbai.

    On Thursday, Mr. Solanki and a VHP spokesperson showed a letter of apology from Zee Entertainment Enterprises. This company owns Zee Studios, which helped make the movie Annapoorani.

    “We don’t want to offend the Hindu and Brahmin community with our film,” the letter said.

    The people making the film will fix any problems and are working with Netflix to take the film off the website until it is changed.

    Zee did not reply to the email from the BBC asking for a comment.

    Some people were glad that the movie was removed from Netflix, but others were upset about it. Actress Parvathy Thiruvothu said this would create a bad example.

  • “John no dey joke” – Ghanaians go gaga over John Dumelo’s ‘well-played role’ in new Netflix movie

    “John no dey joke” – Ghanaians go gaga over John Dumelo’s ‘well-played role’ in new Netflix movie

    Ghanaian actor John Dumelo recently shared the trailer of his upcoming Netflix film, “Blood Vessel,” on Instagram, sparking excitement and anticipation among fans.

    Dumelo’s portrayal of a navy commander in the movie has garnered attention for its authenticity and the actor’s commitment to the role. Fans praised Dumelo for seamlessly embodying the character, including the Ghanaian touch of speaking Twi.

    The trailer showcased the navy commander facing a moral dilemma when offered a bribe by illegal smugglers, highlighting the character’s commitment to integrity.

    Many applauded Dumelo’s stellar performance and the film’s engaging storyline, with some drawing parallels to his real-life political ambitions.

    John Dumelo’s role in the movie gets much attention, garnering several reactions from social media users.

    dkbghana said: When you know u have a political career ahead, you choose non-corruptible roles

    amg_maxisway reacted: Baddest , John no Dey joke , business minded , Ayawaso all the way, no corrupt leader here , fun’s of john gather here.


    gh_cooler said: Ahh but this Oyibo man paa, is that how to bribe an officer in such a venture? Dey play .

  • Netflix discontinues its free membership promotion in Kenya

    Netflix, a company that lets you watch movies and shows online, will stop offering its service for free in Kenya next month. They want to find ways to make more money because there are other companies they are competing with in the market.

    In 2021, Netflix let people in East Africa watch some shows and movies without having to pay for a subscription. This was an effort to enter Kenya’s booming streaming market.

    Netflix says they will no longer have a free plan starting from 1 November.

    “We will cancel your membership automatically when the free plan ends, so you don’t need to do anything,” the company stated.

    It told its customers to switch to better plans that cost more money.

    Netflix has decided to lower the prices for its subscribers in Kenya due to tough competition.

  • Black Book movie considered as Netflix’s ‘largest ever’ Nigerian film – Director

    The Black Book has achieved the status of being Netflix’s ‘biggest ever’ Nigerian film, according to its director.

    This action movie, which debuted on Netflix last Friday, tells the story of a deacon seeking justice for his late son, who was wrongfully accused of kidnapping.

    Director Editi Effiòng shared on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Just got off a call with Netflix. #TheBlackBook is a global hit! The biggest film out of Nigeria on Netflix ever.’

    Data from the streaming platform reveals that within two days of its release, The Black Book garnered 5,600,000 views and became the fourth most-watched film of that week.

    Over the past five years, Netflix has expanded its collection of African-made films and TV shows, including popular titles like South Africa’s ‘Blood and Water’ and the pan-African reality TV show ‘Young Famous and African.

  • Taiwan election: Netflix actress chosen as Terry Gou’s running mate by Foxconn founder

    Taiwan election: Netflix actress chosen as Terry Gou’s running mate by Foxconn founder

    Terry Gou, the founder of Foxconn, has picked Tammy Lai, an actress, to be his partner in the presidential election in Taiwan.

    Many people were surprised by today’s announcement because Ms. Lai doesn’t have any experience in politics.

    Mr Gou is running as a candidate by himself after not being chosen by the main opposing party, Kuomintang.

    Taiwan has been a country that is governed by the people since 1996. China is very important in this situation because it says the island belongs to them and they might use force to bring it under their control.

    Mr Gou, who supports China, is not doing as well as William Lai, Ko Wen-je, and Hou Yu-ih in various surveys.

    Ms Lai, who is 60 years old, has been working in the entertainment industry for many years. She acted as a presidential candidate, a character that seemed to be based on President Tsai Ing-wen, on the show Wave Makers on Netflix. Earlier this year, the series led to the emergence of a Me too movement in Taiwan.

    However, according to a local magazine called Business Today, he had already left the island before she was born.

    Mr Gou has been trying to convince voters by talking about his achievements in business and his past work with China. He founded Foxconn in 1974 and now it is a major supplier for Apple.

    Ms Lai said she had an open mind. After spending some time with Mr. Gou, I have realized that I can work well with him because he is very fascinating.
    People are wondering about Ms. Lai’s nationality because laws in Taiwan say that people who want to be president can only have one nationality. A spokesperson said that Ms. Lai will respond to the question on her own later.

    Dennis Weng, a professor at Sam Houston State University in the US, said it was a smart decision for Mr Gou. However, it may not have a big impact on the outcome of the January election in the end.

    Tammy Lai did really well in Wave Makers, and lots of young people were in the audience. “He said that young people don’t like Terry Gou,” he told the BBC in Chinese.

  • First feature film from Zambia available on Netflix

    First feature film from Zambia available on Netflix

    A heartfelt movie about a young person with albinism growing up will be the first Zambian film to be available on Netflix.

    Can You See Us? is a movie made by Zambian filmmaker Kenny Mumba. It tells the story of a young person who has a genetic condition and shows how they deal with bullying, tragedy, and a little bit of hope.

    People with albinism can have very light skin, white hair, have trouble seeing things that are far away, and are sensitive to bright light.

    The movie “Can You See Us. ” was released to the public in 2022. It was shown at the Zambian film festival as a contender for the “best feature film” and “best cinematography” awards.

    Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, also praised Mr. Mumba’s film, saying it was very moving and emotional.

    Just a month ago, a new TV show from Zambia called Supa Team 4 was released on Netflix. It is the first animated series from Africa to be on the platform.

  • Netflix’s African cartoon series achieves new heights with tv series

    Netflix’s African cartoon series achieves new heights with tv series

    Supa Team 4 is the first original African cartoon series on Netflix.

    The eight-part television series follows four female teenage superheroes who are trying to preserve their city in a futuristic version of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital.

    The series’ Zambian writer and creator, Malenga Mulendema, expressed her hope that it will pave the way for more African stories to be told on streaming services like Netflix.

    “The story is similar across the continent – the talent is there and the stories are there but the opportunities are few and far between.

    “With partnerships with companies like Netflix, you have more chances to create and have the world see your stories.”

    After being selected as one of the winners of an all-African talent contest sponsored by Disney and the animation studio Triggerfish, Malenga Mulendema developed the series.

    Sampa the Great, a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Zambia, has also donated her voice to the series and performed the title song.

    “Animation series shaped our childhoods and to know young Zambians get to see what they’ve never seen on TV before is amazing!” she posted on Instagram.

    The series will be available in English and Zulu.

  • Netflix’s subscriber surges over password crackdown

    Netflix experienced a surge in new sign-ups during the summer after taking decisive actions to tackle password sharing issues.

    As a result, the streaming giant’s subscriber base reached an impressive 238 million by the end of June, with an additional 5.9 million members joining since March.

    This unexpected growth came as part of the company’s endeavors to reinvigorate its expansion, following an unusual decline in subscribers during the previous spring.

    Nevertheless, Netflix is currently confronted with challenges arising from ongoing strikes by writers and actors in the United States. Despite these obstacles, the company has managed to attract a remarkable number of new subscribers, surpassing initial expectations.

    Netflix said it would spend less on content this year than expected as a result of the walkout – the industry’s biggest in six decades, while boss Ted Sarandos said “we need to get this strike to a conclusion”.

    “This strike is not an outcome that we wanted,” he said. He said the company was committed to reaching an “equitable” agreement that helped the industry move into the future.

    But he added: “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

    Amidst intensifying competition and increasing household expenses, Netflix has encountered a significant growth slowdown since the onset of the pandemic. This challenging situation has been exacerbated by what analysts perceive as saturation in some of its largest markets.

    During the first half of the previous year, the company experienced a decline of approximately 1 million accounts. Although it managed to recover from those losses and regain its momentum, the sudden downturn served as a wake-up call for Netflix.

    Consequently, the company has been diligently working to strengthen its growth prospects and remain competitive in the ever-evolving streaming industry.

    Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia

    IMAGE SOURCE, NETFLIX. Image caption: The latest season of the Witcher has been popular with Netflix viewers in July.

    Netflix attributed the recent customer enticement to the introduction of new cost-effective options, which offer alternatives to the standard subscription.

    In May, the company launched its “paid sharing” program in key markets such as the UK and US, where users are charged an additional fee if they choose to share passwords with individuals outside their households. This program offers a discounted rate, being slightly below half the price of a regular £10.99 subscription in the UK. Additionally, this initiative has now been extended to more than 100 countries.

    Furthermore, in a bid to cater to a wider audience, Netflix introduced a budget-friendly streaming plan with advertisements last year. Moreover, the company implemented price reductions in numerous countries during February.

    Overall, these strategic moves have played a pivotal role in attracting new customers and retaining existing ones, while also enhancing the company’s market presence globally.

    Netflix said few people had cancelled as a result of the password changes and it believed the programme would fuel similar subscriber gains in the months ahead.

    It has estimated that more than 100 million households share passwords in breach of its official rules.

    “While we’re still in the early stages, we’re seeing healthy conversion of borrower households,” the company said in a quarterly update to investors. “Now that we’ve launched paid sharing broadly we have increased confidence in our financial outlook.”

    Paolo Pescatore, analyst at PP Foresight, said the subscriber gains were robust and a “strong endorsement” of Netflix’s strategy.

    But he called the password crackdown a short-term measure, saying the company would need to fine-tune its pricing in the months ahead.

    “The company is still in a far stronger position compared to rivals and remains the benchmark,” he said, noting that Netflix’s streaming plan with advertising is much cheaper than many current offerings from rivals.

    Analysts said the company’s big library and the scale of its international production may help it in the months ahead, as Hollywood wrestles with the impact of the strikes.

    These have already disrupted production schedules for a number of films and series.

    “Of everyone in the entertainment industry, Netflix appears to be the best positioned,” said Brandon Katz, entertainment industry strategist at Parrot Analytics, which tracks streaming demand, noting that the company still leads its peers, despite strong competition.

    Despite the increase in subscribers, Netflix’s reported revenue of $8.18 billion (£6.32 billion) was deemed disappointing by investors, as it only rose by 2.7% compared to the previous year. The company’s profits reached $1.49 billion.

    Netflix clarified that it had deliberately limited price hikes in recent months, resulting in a slowdown in revenue growth. While gains from its password crackdown and new advertising initiatives were not substantial enough to offset this slowdown, the company anticipates a change in the situation by the end of this year due to an expected increase in advertising revenue.

    To drive price-conscious customers towards the ad-funded version, Netflix has taken measures such as discontinuing its least expensive commercial-free plan in the US, UK, and Canada.

    By incorporating these strategies, Netflix aims to optimize its revenue streams and address the challenges posed by limited price increases and the changing landscape of streaming entertainment.

    Membership of its ads plan “nearly doubled” from March – though from a “small base”, the company said.

    “Netflix needs to squeeze as much juice as it can from different avenues, given a recent lack of price increases could suggest that inflation is starting to bite Netflix’s ability to crank up its subscription price, as households look to trim their spending,” said Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

    “Initial progress seems positive, but we are realms away from knowing for sure if this venture is the cash cow it’s been sold as.”

    Shares, which have surged 60% this year amid investor enthusiasm for the company’s plans, dipped in after-hours trade.

    Ms Lund-Yates said the company had delivered a “sturdy” performance and the fall reflected the high expectations for the company.

  • UK affected by Netflix password sharing crackdown

    UK affected by Netflix password sharing crackdown

    Netflix has recently implemented its long-awaited crackdown on password sharing in major markets like the UK and the US.

    In an effort to increase subscriber numbers, the streaming giant has begun notifying customers that they will need to pay a monthly fee of £4.99 ($7.99 in the US) if they wish to share their account with individuals outside their households.

    Although this move is aimed at boosting revenue, it has faced resistance in certain countries where it was previously tested.

    For instance, in Spain, where an additional account was charged at 5.99 euros (£5.27), Netflix lost over a million subscribers in the first quarter of the year, according to Kantar.

    On Tuesday, Netflix sent out an email to customers in 103 countries and territories, including Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Mexico, and Singapore, informing them about the changes in account sharing policies.

    The company previously warned investors there would be cancellations as it expands its programme, but said: “Longer term, paid sharing will ensure a bigger revenue base from which we can grow as we improve our service”.

    In Canada, where the changes were introduced in February, its paid membership base is now larger than it was before the changes, and revenue growth picked up, it said previously.

    Netflix had previously estimated that more than 100 million households share passwords despite this being against its official rules.

    The company wants to tap into this audience to make more money, as its subscriber growth slows and increased competition challenges its dominance of the streaming market.

    Heavyweights such as Disney and Amazon have weighed in with their own services, and Netflix has a host of other rivals.

    These entertainment giants are vying for customers, many of whom have been under pressure from the soaring pace of general price rises.

    Netflix has been trying to tempt users with a less expensive streaming option with ads, and cut prices in 116 countries in the three months to March.

    It has also been expanding its paid sharing programme, which it started trialling in some countries last year.

    The move to notify customers brings the scheme to some of the company’s most important markets. Netflix has 233 million subscribers globally.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpNaEea99BM

  • Hollywood screenwriters to strike over unpaid salaries

    Following the failure of last-minute wage negotiations with major studios, thousands of Hollywood screenwriters for television and movie will strike on Tuesday.

    A Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, the first in 15 years, will see more than 9,000 writers – 98% of voting members – walk out from midnight.

    It is expected to affect Tuesday’s late-night shows, while forthcoming shows and films could face delays.

    Picketing will begin on Tuesday afternoon, the Guild also said.

    In 2007, writers went on strike for 100 days, at a cost of around $2bn to the industry.

    This time around, writers are clashing with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) – which represents the major studios, including Disney and Netflix – in demand of higher pay and a greater share of the profits from the modern streaming boom.

    On Monday evening, the WGA said the decision was made after six weeks of negotiations produced a “wholly insufficient” response to “the existential crisis writers are facing”.

    Key issues in the talks have been how writers get paid for shows which often remain on streaming platforms for years, as well as the future impact of artificial intelligence on writing.

    ‘Sticking points’

    The WGA criticised studios for creating a “gig economy” that aims to turn writing into an “entirely freelance” profession. “For the sake of our present and our future, we have been given no other choice,’ the guild stated in a lengthy document.

    It called for a TV staffing minimum, ranging from six to 12 writers per show, as well as a guaranteed minimum number of weeks of employment per season.

    In their own statement on Tuesday, the AMPTP called those the two “primary sticking points”.

    For their part, the collective studios previously said they must cut costs due to financial pressures, while noting how the overall “residuals” payments to writers hit an all-time high of $494m (£395m) in 2021.

    They noted on Monday they had been been willing to increase compensation and streaming residuals but for “the magnitude of other proposals still on the table that the Guild continues to insist upon.”

    The AMPTP also rejected a guild demand that the use of AI bots be banned from writing or rewriting material, instead offering to hold “annual meetings to discuss advancements in technology”.

    Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight ShowImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption

    Late night TV might be the first to go

    On Sunday evening, the Deadline Hollywood outlet reported that production on late-night shows including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (pictured above) will all come to a halt.

    Arriving at Monday night’s Met Gala, Fallon said he hoped the strike would not go ahead, but at the same time wanted to see “a fair deal” agreed for writers. “I need my writers real bad, I got no show without my writers”.

    Late Night host Seth Meyers expressed his support for the strike on the corrections segment of his show on Friday.

    “I also feel very strongly that what the writers are asking for is not unreasonable,” Meyers said. “As a proud member of the Guild, I’m very grateful that there is an organisation that looks out for the best interests of writers.”

    Alex O’Keefe, writer on the comedy-drama series The Bear and a member of that union, told the BBC on Monday that half of all writers were paid the minimum by studios.

    He said the creative output of his writing colleagues was better than ever, matching the demands of the streaming age, but writers are paid less than ever.

    “And writers like me, especially young, black writers, indigenous writers, writers of colour have brought a whole new wave of creativity to the process.

    “But we are finding ourselves unable to survive in places like New York City and Los Angeles, where we need to be to be in writers’ rooms.”

    ‘Underclass in Hollywood’

    O’Keefe went on to stress that while there are some writers who are “doing very well”, many writers, including some showrunners on big shows, were not.

    “I wouldn’t classify all writers as being poor or broke, but I can say myself I have $6 in my bank account,” he said.

    He said that when he and his colleagues won best comedy series at the Writers Guild of America Awards, he went to the ceremony in a suit bought for him by his friends and family.

    “The bowtie was bought on credit, I didn’t have any money, I had a negative bank account,” he explained.

    Stars of the TV series The Bear, including Jeremy Allen White (front row, second left)Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption

    Stars of the TV series The Bear, including Jeremy Allen White (front row, second left)

    When he worked on The Bear, he did so from his “tiny” Brooklyn apartment.

    “My heat was out, I had a space heater, I plugged in the space heater, [and] sometimes all the lights would go out. I’d end up in the public library, writing this show that has now become a huge hit and made lots of money for some people… a couple of people.

    “But not for the people who were the creators, who really poured their hearts and their souls into the characters and into the stories and the moments that you remember.

    “So there is a huge underclass right now in Hollywood.”

    The actors’ union SAG-AFTRA and the directors’ union DGA have voiced solidarity with striking writers.

  • Egyptians ‘go hard’ on Netflix for depicting Queen Cleopatra VII as Black

    Egyptians ‘go hard’ on Netflix for depicting Queen Cleopatra VII as Black

    Egyptians are up in arms against film streaming site Netflix over the depiction of Queen Cleopatra VII as a black African.

    The depiction is contained in a Netflix docudrama series African Queens.

    Only the trailer of the series has been released attracting the anger but producers are standing their grounds on their decision on choice of actress for the role.

    People from across the Egyptian society are using formal and informal channels to channel their grievance including a lawyer who filed a complaint that accuses Netflix of violating media laws and aiming to “erase the Egyptian identity”.

    A top archaeologist insisted Cleopatra was “light-skinned, not black”.

    The producer defended the depiction stating: “her heritage is highly debated” and the actress playing her, Adele James, told critics: “If you don’t like the casting, don’t watch the show.”

    Jada Pinkett Smith, the American actress who was executive producer and narrator, was meanwhile quoted as saying: “We don’t often get to see or hear stories about black queens, and that was really important for me, as well as for my daughter, and just for my community to be able to know those stories because there are tons of them!”

    About Cleopatra – BBC content

    Cleopatra was born in the Egyptian city of Alexandria in 69 BC and became the last queen of a Greek-speaking dynasty founded by Alexander the Great’s Macedonian general Ptolemy.

    She succeeded her father Ptolemy XII in 51 BC and ruled until her death in 30 BC. Afterwards, Egypt fell under Roman domination.

    The identity of Cleopatra’s mother is not known, and historians say it is possible that she, or any other female ancestor, was an indigenous Egyptian or from elsewhere in Africa.

  • Egyptians sue Netflix for referring to Queen Cleopatra as Black

    Egyptians sue Netflix for referring to Queen Cleopatra as Black

    Egyptians are furious with the movie streaming service Netflix because Queen Cleopatra VII is portrayed as a black African.

    The portrayal appears in the docudrama series African Queens on Netflix.

    Only the trailer of the series has been released attracting the anger but producers are standing their grounds on their decision on choice of actress for the role.

    People from across the Egyptian society are using formal and informal channels to channel their grievance including a lawyer who filed a complaint that accuses Netflix of violating media laws and aiming to “erase the Egyptian identity”.

    A top archaeologist insisted Cleopatra was “light-skinned, not black”.

    The producer defended the depiction stating: “her heritage is highly debated” and the actress playing her, Adele James, told critics: “If you don’t like the casting, don’t watch the show.”

    Jada Pinkett Smith, the American actress who was executive producer and narrator, was meanwhile quoted as saying: “We don’t often get to see or hear stories about black queens, and that was really important for me, as well as for my daughter, and just for my community to be able to know those stories because there are tons of them!”

    About Cleopatra – BBC content

    Cleopatra was born in the Egyptian city of Alexandria in 69 BC and became the last queen of a Greek-speaking dynasty founded by Alexander the Great’s Macedonian general Ptolemy.

    She succeeded her father Ptolemy XII in 51 BC and ruled until her death in 30 BC. Afterwards, Egypt fell under Roman domination.

    The identity of Cleopatra’s mother is not known, and historians say it is possible that she, or any other female ancestor, was an indigenous Egyptian or from elsewhere in Africa.

  • Netflix to expand in Africa after creating hit shows

    Netflix to expand in Africa after creating hit shows

    The world’s largest online streaming service, Netflix, has announced plans to expand operations in Africa, claiming that its $175 million (£140 million) investment there since 2016 has already produced several successful episodes.

    A report on Netflix’s influence in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya was launched at the same occasion when the news was made, which took place in Johannesburg.

    According to the report, the company has created 12,000 jobs on the continent and intends to build on this success beyond just three countries.

    “We have undertaken this report to reflect on Netflix’s social and economic impact in the key countries,” Netflix’s sub-Saharan Africa policy director, Shola Sanni, said in its introduction.

    “We are still in many ways at the inception stages of our investment journey, so it’s doubly exciting to know that we are poised to deliver even greater impact if we maintain our current momentum – and if the right circumstances for investments in our sector continue to prevail.”

    She pointed to African productions like Silverton Siege (South African), Aníkúlápó (Nigerian) and Disconnect: The Wedding Planner (Kenyan) as all having at one point made it into Netflix Global Top 10 lists.

    However to keep telling African stories on a global stage, Netflix needed to have the support of “governments, civil society, private sector and industry” to allow the create industries to thrive, Ms Sanni said.

    “Enabling policy frameworks, flexible regulatory mandates and ease of doing business are inextricably bound to the continued growth of the audio-visual sector and streaming services.”

  • Cristiano Ronaldo’s wife breaks down as she recounts death of son

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s wife breaks down as she recounts death of son

    Georgina Rodriguez, the partner of Cristiano Ronaldo, broke down when she retold the story of how her infant son passed on last year.

    The couple agonisingly lost a child last year in one of the lowest moments of their lives.

    She was due to give birth to twins, but only one – the girl – survived.

    Appearing in the second season of her Netflix documentary, I am Georgina, Rodriguez is expected to shed more light on the incident when the series officially debuts on March 24.

    In the trailer, a picture of her holding the surviving baby, Bella Esmeralda sends her into a whirlwind of emotions. She admits that her adorable baby girl gives her the strength to carry on.

    “Life is hard. Life continues. I have reason to carry on and be strong,” Rodriguez said, as quoted by the Sun.

    The 29-year-old model also thanks Ronaldo for his immense contribution during their trying times. “Cris encouraged me massively to carry on with all my commitments. He said: ‘Carry on with your life. It’s going to do you good’.

    ” The first season of the TV series had six episodes. Rodriguez relocated to Saudi Arabia after Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr, following the termination of his contract at Manchester United.

    Inside Ronaldo’s chapel

    Sports Brief also reported on Ronaldo revealing how his ritual of speaking to his late father and son inspires him to become a better human being. The Al-Nassr captain is widely considered one of the greatest footballers to have graced the sport thanks to his impressive achievements.

    Despite being on the wrong side of 38, Ronaldo has not lost his passion and continues to aspire for greatness even in the twilight of his career.

    He was recently adjudged the Saudi Professional League’s Player of the Month for February after notching eight goals in only four games.

  • Netflix reduces subscription prices in more than 30 countries

    Netflix reduces subscription prices in more than 30 countries

    Netflix recently reduced its subscription prices in more than 30 countries across Asia, Europe, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East.

    The streaming firm made this announcement on Thursday as it attempts to attract more subscribers amid various stiff competition and tight consumer budget.

    Netflix had in recent times reduced prices in India and some parts of South-East Asia following a decline in growth. However, Thursday’s decision only affects countries that account for a small fraction of its customer base.

    Subscription charges have been lowered in Yemen, Jordan, Libya, Iran, Kenya, Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Venezuela, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, amongst others.

    The cuts apply to certain price plans, with subscription charges falling by half in some cases.

    The company did not name the UK or the US as countries where it had cut its prices.

    According to a statement from Netflix, it said “We’re always exploring ways to improve our members’ experience. We can confirm that we are updating the pricing of our plans in certain countries”

    The firm’s shares closed 3.4% lower in New York on Thursday after the Wall Street Journal first reported the story.

    Furthermore, the company has clamped down on subscribers sharing their login details and passwords. In some countries, Netflix introduced limits on password sharing, requiring customers to pay extra charges if they want friends and family to share their subscriptions.

    Netflix previously expanded password sharing in countries including Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain; the feature was previously piloted in Latin America. The users will no longer be able to share passwords, they can however transfer profiles.

    However, people using an account can now easily transfer a profile to a new account, which they have paid for; keeping their personalized recommendations, viewing history, My List, saved games, and more.

    Netflix reduces subscription prices in more than 30 countries
    (Image credit: TRE / JBKlutse Foundation)

    Also, members of a household can still easily watch Netflix on their personal devices or log into a new TV, like at a hotel or holiday rental. Aside from this, the users’ Standard or Premium plan in many countries (including Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain) can add an extra member sub-account for up to two people they don’t live with; each with a profile, personalized recommendations, login, and password — for an extra CAD$7.99 a month per person in Canada, NZD$7.99 in New Zealand, Euro 3.99 in Portugal, and Euro 5.99 in Spain.

    This news will come as a relief for Netflix users considering the high inflation rates around the world at the present time. Users can now enjoy watching  Netflix at a lower price.

  • Netflix extends crackdown on password sharing to Canada, New Zealand, others

    Netflix extends crackdown on password sharing to Canada, New Zealand, others

    Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain are the additional four nations where Netflix is imposing restrictions on password sharing.

    If customers in certain nations want to share their subscription with friends and relatives who don’t reside with them, they must pay an additional cost.

    The measure, which will take effect in the UK by the end of March, comes in response to a crackdown on password sharing in South America.

    According to Netflix, 100 million people worldwide use shared accounts.

    Netflix’s capacity to invest in new television content was being hampered by the loss of revenue from the shared accounts, the company claimed. It has stated that it intends to expand the new strategy to more nations in the upcoming months.

    It has previously been simple for subscribers to give their login information and password to pals who live outside of their home.

    When it tweeted, “Love is sharing a password,” in 2017, Netflix even seemed to be endorsing the behavior.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/flight-attendants-can-earn-up-to-385000-at-netflix/

    However, increasing consumer subscription cancellations due to rising living expenses and increased competition in the streaming industry have forced Netflix to concentrate on increasing its revenue.

    The company claimed that permitting accounts to be used by multiple people in a single household had “caused confusion” regarding who could share what and how.

    It said members in Canada, New Zealand, Spain and Portugal would now be asked to set up a “primary location” for their account and manage who has access to it.

    Members would still be able to watch Netflix when they travelled, both on personal devices and logging in in other places, for example in a hotel, it said.

    For CAD$7.99 (£4.92) Canadian subscribers can add up an extra member as a “sub account” the blog said, with a maximum of two sub accounts per subscription.

    The fee would be similar in New Zealand at NZ$7.99 (£4.17). There would be a price difference for sub accounts between Portugal at €3.99 (£3.54) and Spain at €5.99 (£5.32).

    Netflix chief operating officer Gregory Peters last month acknowledged that the changes would not be “universally popular” and warned investors to expect some cancellations.

    He said the firm expected to eventually make up those losses.

    In the first half of 2022, Netflix saw its subscriber numbers fall sharply. It cut hundreds of jobs and put up prices to cover rising costs.

    But the company saw a bigger-than-expected rise in user numbers in the last three months of 2022, up 7.66 million, taking its total paid subscribers worldwide to nearly 231 million.

    In November, it introduced a cheaper ad-supported option in 12 countries, including most of Europe, the UK and the US.

  • Harry and Meghan to testify in defamation case brought by duchess’s half-sister

    Harry and Meghan to testify in defamation case brought by duchess’s half-sister

    In her lawsuit against the duchess, Samantha Markle alleges that Meghan made “demonstrably false and malicious statements” to a “worldwide audience.”

    Following the judge’s denial of a motion to halt the testimony, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be forced to testify under oath in a US defamation case brought by the duchess’s half-sister.

    A lawsuit against the duchess for “defamation and injurious falsehood” was filed by Samantha Markle in 2021, following the couple’s high-profile tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.

    Samantha Markle asserted in a document filed in March of last year that Meghan made “demonstrably false and malicious statements” to a “worldwide audience.”

    The duchess previously filed a motion to stop a person from being forced to testify under oath during depositions, where a person is made to give testimony under oath, from taking place in the case.

    However, this motion was dismissed by Florida judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell on Tuesday.

    “Defendant Markle does not show that unusual circumstances justify the requested stay, or that prejudice or an undue burden will result if the court does not impose a stay,” the documents state.

    “Defendant Markle does not satisfy the high standard required to stay discovery pending the resolution of a dispositive motion.”

    Samantha Markle
    Image:Samantha Markle is suing her sister for ‘defamation and injurious falsehood’

    In their joint interview with US talk show host Winfrey in March 2021, Harry and Meghan spoke about both their families and made a series of allegations about the Royal Family.

    Samantha Markle’s original complaint stated the comments made by the Sussexes during the interview had reached “roughly 50 million people in 17 countries”.

    In the filing she alleged she was defamed by Meghan in the interview when the duchess “falsely and maliciously” said that she was “an only child”.

    “Plaintiff – who suffers from multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair – brings this action for defamation based on demonstrably false and malicious statements made by her half-sister to a worldwide audience, including roughly 50 million people in 17 countries who watched the Oprah Winfrey interview with the defendant, Meghan Markle, and her husband, Prince Harry of England,” the filing stated.

    “Meghan – who was featured with Prince Harry on the cover of Time Magazine’s annual feature on ‘The World’s Most Influential People’ published and disseminated false and malicious lies designed to destroy Plaintiff’s reputation and which have subjected Plaintiff to humiliation, shame and hatred on a worldwide scale.”

    The filing also added that Meghan had used “the powerful resources of the royal family’s public relations operation” to disseminate and spread “lies worldwide” about Samantha Markle and their father, Thomas Markle.

    “The defendant orchestrated the campaign to defame and destroy her sister’s and her father’s reputation and credibility in order to preserve and promote the false ‘rags-to-royalty’ narrative,” the filing stated.

    “(It was) a premeditated campaign to destroy their reputation and credibility so they could not interfere with or contradict the false narrative and fairy tale life story concocted by the Defendant.”

    The planned depositions come following the Sussexes’ explosive Netflix series and the publication of Harry’s memoir Spare last month.

  • Lauren London griefs over death of Love Nipsey Hussle

    Lauren London griefs over death of Love Nipsey Hussle

    Lauren London has received praise for her work in the Netflix comedy You People, but there is one person whose opinion she would have liked to hear: her late boyfriend Nipsey Hussle.

    On Monday’s episode of the PEOPLE Every Day podcast, London, 38, opened up about her latest role, and how she’s “still a work in progress” these days, nearly four years after the death of her love Nipsey Hussle.

    London says that while she has been focusing on trying to find peace and celebrate her parenting and career triumphs, including the “success of having a job and meeting people and people showing me love,” she still experiences “the feeling of there’s one person you wished was here to watch the movie with you.”

    “I also don’t want to give a misconception that I’m at peace and I’m walking around on a cloud,” London told PEOPLE Every Day host Janine Rubenstein. “I have to wake up with the intention of this every day because there are days I don’t want to, and I’m like angry about it. And that’s what healing is. It is up and down, side to side, all over the place. You know what I mean? And with each new level, there’s something else.”

    “And I wish he was here, so it’s really a choice,” London continued. “And so I’m making a choice every day, but I don’t wanna give off this perception that, you know, ‘Oh, everything’s all flowers…’ But I think if you make the choice and that you’re intentional with how you would like to show up in life, it could be more gentle than harsh.”

    London shared some of her happier moments with Rubenstein as well, including sweet anecdotes about her children and funny stories from the set of You People, which also stars Eddie Murphy, Nia Long, and Jonah Hill. You People, written by Hill, 38, and Black-ish‘s Kenya Barris, tells the story of Hill and London’s relationship as they try to navigate the awkward waters of meeting each other’s families.

    The film also stars Sam Jay, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Duchovny, Elliott Gould, Travis Bennett, Molly Gordon, Rhea Perlman and others.

    As London explained, she and Hill share a special friendship, and even bond over “anxiety and work and grief.”

    “He’s a real genuine person and I think I would consider myself a really genuine person,” she said. “And I think when you have a mutual respect for each other and you’re both mature and grown and you really want to do good work, it created like a friendship. And outside of that, we are both from Los Angeles — we actually have a lot more in common than you would think.”

    London also spoke on one of her favorite days on set, when she filmed a scene with Long, Murphy, Hill, Louis-Dreyfus and Duchovny, all “in the same room” together.

    “It was just fun and it was really, you know, like a masterclass watching Eddie and Julia and David and Nia and even Jonah,” she said. “I say Jonah’s an improv master and so was Eddie and you know, all of them. So it was just a lot of laughter, you know, Eddie and Julia talking about their SNL days. I’m asking Mia about Boyz n the Hood because I grew up watching that stuff. And she’s an LA girl and, yeah, it’s just, those are my favorite days.”

    You People is currently available to stream on Netflix.

  • Khawaja, an Australian cricketer born in Pakistan, faces visa delays from India

    Khawaja, an Australian cricketer born in Pakistan, faces visa delays from India

    He was the only player, according to Cricket Australia, who was unable to travel to India for the Test series.

    Usman Khawaja, the Australian opener, missed the team’s flight to India for their four-Test tour due to a visa holdup, according to Cricket Australia (CA).

    According to a CA spokesperson, the batsman, who was born in Pakistan, was the only member of Australia’s team who did not board the flight on Wednesday because his visa was late.

    Khawaja posted online a meme from the popular Netflix series Narcos where infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar sits on a garden chair staring into space, with the caption “Me waiting for my Indian Visa like… #stranded #dontleaveme #standard #anytimenow”.

    CA was expecting the visa to arrive later on Wednesday and said Khawaja had been booked on a flight out on Thursday.

    Some team support staff are also flying out on Thursday.

    In 2011, Khawaja had said he was denied entry into India “because he was not born in Australia”. However, since then Khawaja has visited India several times.

    Pakistan and India have had fraught relations since partition in 1947 and those tensions have routinely seeped into sports.

    Australia will try to win their first Test series in India in almost a decade. Tests will be played in Nagpur, New Delhi, Dharamsala and the last one at the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

    After being left out of the Test side for about two years, Khawaja made a stunning return against England in the 2021-22 Ashes.

    He notched up his 4,000th Test run in a recent match against South Africa in Sydney, where he was 195 not out.

    Khawaja was awarded the inaugural Shane Warne Men’s Test Player of the Year award for his 1,020 runs at an average of 78.46.

  • Netflix says ‘any claims of serious injury are untrue’ amid coverage of ‘Squid Game’ reality spin-off

    Netflix says ‘any claims of serious injury are untrue’ amid coverage of ‘Squid Game’ reality spin-off

    Netflix has responded to tabloid claims surrounding the production of its upcoming Squid Game reality series spin-off.

    As you may or may not have seen in recent days depending on your tolerance for articles of the tabloid variety, claims have surfaced regarding less-than-ideal conditions amid the series production in the U.K. British tabloids The Sun and The Mirror, for example, have both claimed that freezing temperatures during a round of Red Light, Green Light led to a contestant being taken away on a stretcher.

    Worth pointing out again, of course, is that initial claims stemmed from the tabloid side of the universe. At any rate, Netflix and series co-producers Studio Lambert and The Garden have now addressed such claims. In a report shared early Wednesday, Deadline cited a statement from all three in which the “very cold” temperatures were acknowledged while more serious claims were repudiated.

    Namely, the statement said, “any claims of serious injury are untrue.” 

    When reached for comment by Complex on Wednesday, a rep for Netflix shared the same excerpted statement in full. Read it below.

    “We care deeply about the health and safety of our cast and crew, and invested in all the appropriate safety procedures. While it was very cold on set – and participants were prepared for that – any claims of serious injury are untrue.”

    Also on Wednesday, Variety (not a tabloid) shared a report stating that “fewer than five players” are alleged to have utilized medics on the set. One such contestant, according to their report, hurt their shoulder. The rest, allegedly, were treated for what was reported as “mild ailments.”

    A source close to the production tells Complex that no one was taken off the set on a stretcher. Additionally, the source confirmed that one person did hurt their shoulder from running into a wall. Three others, meanwhile, were treated for “mild medical conditions.” There were no additional injuries on the set, the source added.

    As previously revealed by Netflix, the reality competition spin-off will see 456 players entering the show with the potential of winning $4.56 million by competing in a series of games inspired by the hit series. In September, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed “concerns” some had raised about the spin-off and revealed he had met with the some of the team behind the new Netflix project.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Netflix’s co-founder: Reed Hasting resigns, but subscriptions increase

    Netflix’s co-founder: Reed Hasting resigns, but subscriptions increase

    Reed Hastings is giving up his position as co-CEO of Netflix, a company he co-founded more than 25 years ago.

    His announcement coincided with Netflix’s end-of-year disclosure of a significant increase in subscriber numbers.

    People were expected to cut back on streaming services when money was tight.

    Netflix, however, defied expectations and added more than seven million new subscribers, bucking the trend.

    The film Glass Onion, the new Addams Family spin-off series Wednesday, and Harry and Meghan’s revelations all attracted a lot of viewers.

    “2022 was a tough year, with a bumpy start but a brighter finish,” the company said in a statement.

    Mr Hastings’ long-planned move means he is leaving Netflix in a crowded market, with challenges ahead, but with 231 million viewers signed up around the globe.

    Mr Hastings, who was an early pioneer in the streaming business and is seen as one of the original tech industry disruptors, will stay on as executive chairman.

    The firm will now be run by Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters, both already in senior executive positions.

    “Reed Hastings stepping down from his current role raises a lot of questions about Netflix’s future strategy,” said Jamie Lumley, analyst at research firm Third Bridge.

    “Incoming Co-CEO Greg Peters will have a number of major decisions on his plate from managing high levels of expenses, password sharing, and cracking the code to find the next Stranger Things.”

    Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix
    Image caption,Reed Hastings and a former colleague Marc Randolph founded Netflix in 1997

    Mr Peters has been given a strong start, with total subscribers for the last three months of 2022 up 7.66 million, when the firm had predicted a rise of around 4.5 million.

    Alicia Reese from Wedbush Securities said there were two reasons Netflix had managed to keep subscribers from cancelling.

    “First, viewership trends indicate better retention on popular shows; second, Netflix offering an ad-supported tier to anyone looking to cancel or pause their membership,” she said.

    Both those factors limited customer “churn” she said.

    Revenue rose to $7.9bn (£6.37bn) in the fourth quarter. However, profit was lower in this quarter than the same period a year earlier, and profit for the year as a whole was down from 2021. Although Netflix remained “ahead of its competitors” on profitability, said Ms Reese.

    In early 2022, Netflix faced an uphill battle. It was facing increased competition from rivals such as Amazon, HBO, Apple TV and Disney. It cut hundreds of jobs, but still found it had to put up prices to customers to cover rising costs.

    That dealt a blow to its subscriber numbers in the first half of the year.

    In November, it introduced a cheaper ad-supported option in 12 countries, including most of Europe, the UK and the US,and signalled it would be less tolerant of password sharing in future. Netflix said it was “pleased with the early results” from the service.

    But Paolo Pescatore at PP Foresight said that, as the new ad-funded service had only been introduced in November, most of the additional customers in the last three months of 2022 would be paying full price.

    However, the coming year would be challenging for Netflix, he said, with a “significant slowdown” expected in the ad market.

    “The year ahead is unlikely to be plain sailing as all media companies will have to contend with uncertainty,” he said.

    Netflix shares, which had fallen by nearly 38% in the past year, rose in after-hours trading following the results announcement.

    Netflix started out in 1997 as a mail-order film service. Customers ordered via the website and DVDs were posted to them at home.

    Mr Hastings has sometimes said the idea for Netflix was sparked when he owed a large fine for forgetting to return a video cassette to rental shop Blockbuster and thought a model more like gym membership, with a monthly fee for renting films, would be better.

    However, his co-founder Marc Randolph reportedly disputed this version, saying the pair had simply aimed to emulate Amazon.

  • Flight attendants can earn up to $385,000 at Netflix

    Flight attendants can earn up to $385,000 at Netflix

    For one of its private jets, Netflix is hiring a flight attendant, with the chosen candidate earning up to $385,000 (£313,538) annually.


    The world’s largest streaming service claims to be looking for candidates with “outstanding customer service skills, independent judgement, and discretion.”

    The ability to “operate with little direction and a lot of self-motivation” should also be a requirement.

    Following a decline in subscribers, Netflix cut hundreds of jobs the previous year.

    “The overall market range for this role is typically $60,000 – $385,000. This market range is based on total compensation (vs only base salary), which is in line with our compensation philosophy,” Netflix said in a job listing on its website.

    The company also said it determines an employee’s salary by considering “compensation factors” such as their background, experience and skills.

    The role – based in San Jose, California – requires travel in and beyond the US.

    “The Netflix Aviation department provides exceptional, safe, confidential air transportation,” it said.

    The advert added that the team “helps Netflix reach the world more efficiently and effectively so the company can continue to create joy around the world.”

    The attendant’s duties on a “Super Midsize Jet” will include inspecting emergency equipment in the cockpit, cabin and gallery before takeoff.

    They will also have to be able to lift items as heavy as 13.6kg (30lb) when loading and stocking planes.

    The average salary for flight attendants in the US is just over $62,000 a year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    When contacted by the BBC, a Netflix spokesperson said the company “will not be commenting” on the details of how it calculates the salary of its flight attendants.

    On Thursday the company is scheduled to announce its earnings for the last three months of 2022.

    Last year Netflix said it had added 2.4 million households to its subscriber base in the three months to the end of September, reversing a decline in subscriber numbers.

    Earlier in the year the company revealed its first fall in paying customers in more than a decade after raising prices in key markets.

    Hit shows, including Stranger Things and Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story helped attract viewers back to the service.

    Netflix cut hundreds of jobs last year as it grappled with slowing growth and increased competition.

    The firm has also launched a new streaming option with advertisements and is cracking down on password sharing as it tries to boost growth.

    Source: BBC.com

  • ‘He is now on the institution side’: Harry on relationship with brother, Prince William in Netflix doc

    Prince Harry said that he and Prince William had “been through hell together” in his 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, but the final episodes of Netflix’s Harry & Meghan revealed a rift.

    More than ever, Prince Harry is discussing his relationship with his brother, Prince William.

    The 38-year-old Duke of Sussex discussed his strained relationship with his 40-year-old brother in brand-new episodes of Harry & Meghan that debuted on Thursday on Netflix.

     

    During the Sandringham Summit, in which Harry and William sat down with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles to discuss how the Sussexes could both lead an independent life while remaining of service to the Queen, “It became very clear very quickly that that goal was not up for discussion or debate,” said Harry. “It was terrifying to have my brother scream and shout at me, and my father say things that simply weren’t true and my grandmother quietly sit there and sort of take it all in.”

    Leaving the monumental meeting without a clear path forward, “The saddest part of it was this wedge created between myself and my brother, so that he’s now on the institution’s side,” Harry continued. “Part of that I get, I understand, right, that’s his inheritance. So to some extent, it’s already ingrained in him that part of his responsibility is the survivability and continuation of this institution.”

    <a href="https://people.com/tag/prince-william/" data-inlink="true">Prince William</a>, Prince of Wales, <a href="https://people.com/tag/prince-harry/" data-inlink="true">Prince Harry</a>, Duke of Sussex
    CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

    To that end, Harry opened up about the family’s relationship with the press: how there’s “leaking, but there’s also planting, of sorts,” and how “if the comms team want to be able to remove a negative story about their principal [royal figure], they will trade and give you something about someone else’s principal. So the offices end up working against each other.”

    “William and I both saw what happened in our dad [King Charles III]’s office, and we made an agreement that we would never let that happen to our office,” Harry continued.

    However, in 2020, Harry felt that promise was broken when William’s office released a joint statement from the brothers rebutting reports that Harry and Meghan’s step back from royal life had to do with bullying by William.

    <a href="https://people.com/tag/prince-harry/" data-inlink="true">Prince Harry</a>, Duke of Sussex and <a href="https://people.com/tag/prince-william/" data-inlink="true">Prince William</a>, Duke of Cambridge
    Prince Harry and Prince William. KARWAI TANG/WIREIMAGE

    “We couldn’t believe it,” Harry said. “No one had asked me permission to put my name to a statement like that. And I rang M and I told her and she burst into floods of tears because within four hours, they were happy to lie to protect my brother. And yet, for three years, they were never willing to tell the truth to protect us.”

    In this week’s issue of PEOPLE, a palace source shares that Prince William and Kate Middleton are avoiding the Harry & Meghan docuseries, having aides watch instead.

    Despite an apparent olive branch following Queen Elizabeth’s death in September, when Prince Harry and Meghan joined Prince William and Kate to view tributes to the monarch outside Windsor Castle, the relationship between the brothers remains strained.

    “It will take a long time before there is harmony between the brothers,” says a source close to the royal household. “There is a lot of anger there.”

    Catherine, Princess of Wales, <a href="https://people.com/tag/prince-william/" data-inlink="true">Prince William</a>, Prince of Wales, <a href="https://people.com/tag/prince-harry/" data-inlink="true">Prince Harry</a>, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on the long Walk at Windsor Castle arrive to view flowers and tributes to HM <a href="https://people.com/tag/queen-elizabeth/" data-inlink="true">Queen Elizabeth</a> on September 10, 2022 in Windsor, England. Crowds have gathered and tributes left at the gates of Windsor Castle to <a href="https://people.com/tag/queen-elizabeth/" data-inlink="true">Queen Elizabeth</a> II, who died at Balmoral Castle on 8 September, 2022
    CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

    In the first three episodes of the Netflix series following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan spoke about her lack of understanding of royal life, including her surprise when she first met Kate.

    “When Will and Kate came over and I had met her for the first time, they came over for dinner,” Meghan said in Harry & Meghan. “I remember I was in ripped jeans and barefoot.”

    “Like I was a hugger, always been a hugger,” she added. “I didn’t realize that that is really jarring for a lot of Brits.”

    “I guess I’d start to understand very quickly that the formality on the outside, carried through on the inside,” she continued. “There is a forward-facing way of being and then you close the door and you relax now. But that formality carries over on both sides. And that was surprising to me.”

    A friend of the Princess of Wales tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story that the royal is “warm and friendly.”

    “Kate’s a big hugger,” the friend says. “She is warm and friendly and greets everyone with a big hug and kiss. It comes naturally to her to be like that.”

    <a href="https://people.com/tag/prince-william/" data-inlink="true">Prince William</a>, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, <a href="https://people.com/tag/prince-harry/" data-inlink="true">Prince Harry</a>, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a service marking the centenary of WW1 armistice at Westminster Abbey on November 11, 2018 in London, England. The armistice ending the First World War between the Allies and Germany was signed at Compiègne, France on eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month - 11am on the 11th November 1918. This day is commemorated as Remembrance Day with special attention being paid for this year's centenary
    PAUL GROVER- WPA POOL/GETTY

    In Prince Harry and Meghan’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry said his relationship with Prince William “is space at the moment,” but added that he “loves William to bits — we’ve been through hell together.”

     

    “And you know, time heals all things, hopefully,” he said.

     

    Volumes one and two Harry & Meghan are now streaming on Netflix.

    Source: People.com 

     

  • ‘I still can’t believe she knows who I am’ – Meghan Markle reacts to Beyoncé’s text after the Oprah Winfrey interview

    “I still can’t believe she knows who I am,” the Duchess of Sussex said after Beyoncé surprised her with a text.

    Beyoncé was there for Meghan Markle.

     

    In volume two of Harry & Meghan, which hit Netflix Thursday, the Duchess of Sussex, 41, was touched when the music superstar, 41, reached out to her the day after her and Prince Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey aired in March 2021.

    In episode six, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex worked side by side in their sunny home office in Montecito, California, when Meghan said, “Beyoncé just texted” as Prince Harry, 38, theatrically gasped.

    “Just checking in,” Meghan said with a smile of the message. “I still can’t believe she knows who I am!”

    “Go and call her,” Harry suggested. “No, it’s okay,” his wife replied. “She said she wants me to feel safe and protected. She admires and respects my bravery and vulnerability and thinks I was selected to break generational curses that need to be healed.”

    <a href="https://people.com/tag/prince-harry/" data-inlink="true">Prince Harry</a> <a href="https://people.com/tag/meghan-markle/" data-inlink="true">Meghan Markle</a> working from home
    NETFLIX

    “That’s well said,” Prince Harry replied, as the camera panned away.

    During the wide-ranging conversation with Oprah, which aired on CBS, the California couple talked about losing police protection, escalating strain with the rest of the royal family, and the sex of their baby on the way (daughter Lilibet would be born that June). In perhaps the most shocking moments of the interview, Meghan revealed that she experienced suicidal thoughts and that within the royal family, there were “concerns and conversations about how dark [their child’s] skin might be when he’s born.”

    Almost immediately after Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special aired, the 28-time Grammy winner posted a tribute to the Duchess of Sussex on her website.

    <a href="https://people.com/tag/meghan-markle/" data-inlink="true">Meghan Markle</a> Beyonce
    NIKLAS HALLE’N/AFP/GETTY

    “Thank you Meghan for your courage and leadership,” Beyoncé wrote alongside a photo of the pair at the U.K. premiere for The Lion King almost two years before. “We are all strengthened and inspired by you.”

    Meghan and Beyoncé seemed to hit it off when they met in July 2019 at the London movie premiere for the live-action revamp of The Lion King, in which the “Single Ladies” singer voiced Nala. “My princess,” Beyoncé was spotted saying, as she leaned in for a hug with Meghan.

    Meghan Harry Lion King
    Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Beyonce. NIKLAS HALLE’N/AFP/GETTY

    Observers said that there was a “familiarity” between the two women, so much that many had a hard time believing this was their first time meeting. Their husbands Prince Harry and JAY-Z soon joined the conversation, where the talk quickly turned to their children.

    “The best advice I can give you, always find some time for yourself,” JAY-Z, 53, told the Sussexes, who had recently welcomed son Archie Harrison, now 3 ½.

    Volumes one and two Harry & Meghan are now streaming on Netflix.

    Source: People.com 

  • Harry and Meghan series: New Netflix trailer accuses palace of feeding press stories about duchess

    Netflix has released another look-ahead clip, this time containing snippets of interviews with Meghan, her friend Lucy Fraser, and attorney Jenny Afia – and they are not holding back. This comes ahead of the final three episodes of Harry & Meghan airing on the streaming service.

    The palace is charged with “feeding” stories about the duchess to the media in order to prevent the publication of other, “less favourable,” stories, according to a new trailer for the final episodes of Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary series.

    The streaming service has released another look-ahead clip, this time featuring snippets of interviews with Meghan, her friend Lucy Fraser, and attorney Jenny Afia, ahead of the final three episodes of Harry & Meghan airing on Thursday morning.

    Ms Afia, a partner at the media law firm Schillings, is first to be featured, speaking as footage of Buckingham Palace is shown.

    “There was a real kind of war against Meghan and I’ve certainly seen evidence that there was negative briefing from the palace against Harry and Meghan to suit other people’s agendas,” she says.

    The trailer moves on to Ms Fraser, who says: “Meg became this scapegoat for the palace, and so they would feed stories on her whether they were true or not, to avoid other less favourable stories being printed.”

    “You would just see it play out,” Meghan then says herself. “Like, a story about someone in the family would pop up for a minute and they go, ‘gotta make that go away’.

    “But there is real estate on a website home page, there is real estate there on a newspaper front cover, and something has to be filled in there about someone royal.”

     

  • ‘Harry & Meghan’ documentary: Just after a week of it’s release, becomes most watched documentary debut – Netflix

    A press release from Netflix on Tuesday, the documentary about Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, received 81.55 million hours of viewing in its first week. The duration of that documentary’s premiere week on the streaming service was the longest ever.

    In 85 nations, the show made the Top 10 TV list and peaked at No. 1 in the UK. One billion people watched the Addams Family drama “Wednesday,” which was one of the most watched Netflix series that week.

    On Thursday, part two of “Harry and Meghan” with three additional episodes focusing on their choice to leave the Royal Family will be available on Netflix.

    In a trailer for the second part of the documentary, Prince Harry tells viewers, “they were happy to lie to protect my brother,” while his wife says “I wasn’t being thrown to the wolves, I was being fed to the wolves.”

    Prince Harry discusses “institutional gaslighting” in a new trailer for part two of their highly anticipated Netflix docuseries, which will have three episodes and will be available Thursday.

    In the clip, released Monday, the Duke of Sussex discusses stepping back from royal duties and ponders what might have happened to the couple “had we not got out when we did.”

    “Our security was being pulled. Everyone in the world knew where we were,” Meghan says.

    In the first three episodes of the docuseries, which have already aired, the couple shared intimate details of their courtship, took aim at the “unconscious bias” inside the royal family, and criticized the media attention they’d been subjected to — particularly from Britain’s tabloid press.

    In a Netflix web posting introducing the trailer for the second installment of the series, the company said, “Theirs is one of the most high-profile love stories in history, and even the most plugged-in fans and followers of their story have never heard it told like this before.”

    Buckingham Palace said it would not be commenting on the docuseries when the first part released last Thursday.

  • ‘They lied to protect my brother’ but refuse to tell truth about us – Duke in new Netflix trailer

    In their latest Harry and Meghan series on Netflix trailer, Prince Harry said “They were happy to lie to protect my brother, they were never willing to tell the truth to protect us”.

    Ahead of the second half of the series, the trailer shows the couple saying why they stepped down from royal duties.

    “I wasn’t being thrown to the wolves, I was being fed to the wolves,” says Meghan.

    Prince Harry blamed “institutional gaslighting”.

    “I said, ‘we need to get out of here,’” says Prince Harry in the trailer for the final three episodes being released on Thursday.

    However this brief teaser does not yet say who is being accused of lying or undermining the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, or who was manipulating how they were seen by the public.

    But the tone does suggest these could be more hard-hitting episodes, after the first half of the documentary series had fewer bombshells or revelations than expected.

    The most potentially controversial moment is the reference to Prince William – with the trailer showing the two royal brothers together.

    The commentary from Prince Harry says: “They were happy to lie to protect my brother”, but without saying who “they” were or the context of why Prince William was being protected.

    “I wonder what would have happened to us had we not got out when we did?” says Prince Harry, who now lives with Meghan in California.

    Meghan speaks of security worries – and a clip shows Prince Harry saying they were on a “freedom flight”, suggesting that this was their departure away from the pressure they felt around them in the UK.

    Christopher Bouzy, whose firm tackles abuse and misinformation on social media, appears in the trailer saying: “They were actively recruiting people to disseminate disinformation.”

    There are clips of the couple enjoying their new life, but Prince Harry adds: “To move to the next chapter, you’ve got to finish the first chapter.”

    Source: Skynews.com 

  • Harry and Meghan docuseries: Duchess of Sussex claims she was ‘being fed to the wolves’ before leaving UK

    The Duchess of Sussex has claimed she was “being fed to the wolves” before she left the UK with her husband.

    In a trailer for the latest part of their Netflix docuseries, Meghan says “our security was being pulled” and “everyone knew where we were”.

    Prince Harry is seen in a self-shot video on board their flight to the US, saying: “We are on the freedom flight”.

    Source: Skynews.com 

  • Harry and Meghan: Does Netflix’s documentary live up to the hype?

    Heavily trailed, hugely anticipated – but did ‘Harry and Meghan’ make good TV?

    If you watched the trailers and thought Harry & Meghan, Netflix‘s heavily promoted new series, was going to be explosive, prepare to be disappointed.

    Unless you are an individual member of the Royal Family, in which case, you might be opening the champagne – a drink, we learnt from this new show, that Harry doesn’t usually enjoy.

    To put it kindly, this is slow-burn television.

    Volume One, as it was rather grandiosely titled, came out in three episodes on Thursday.

    Perhaps Volume Two, for which we must wait another week, will get to the details so tantalisingly alluded to in those trailers: who leaked and planted stories about the couple? Who was fighting a “war against Meghan to suit other people’s agendas”? Who was playing a “dirty game”?

    What we got – over almost three hours – were new, private details of their “great love story”, as Harry put it. Think soft focus lenses, Nina Simone playing in the background, lots of private photographs, videos and even, apparently, a call between Meghan and a friend as she was getting engaged (“OMG it’s happening” she says).

    Also discussed at length through the first volume is harassment by the media. Harry calls it his duty to “uncover this exploitation and bribery”.

    More damagingly, the programmes build up a sense that Britain has an endemic problem with structural racism, particularly in relation to the Royal Family and the media.

    Historian and TV presenter David Olusoga describes the optimism many Britons of colour (and others) felt about Meghan’s arrival into the heart of the Royal Family. “There was a hope maybe of having difficult conversations that have been pushed away so many times”. Subtext, addressed later – it wasn’t to be.

    But these three episodes were broadbrush, rather than aimed at specific individuals.

    Netflix has billed Harry & Meghan as an “unprecedented and in-depth documentary series”.

    But the programme, unsurprisingly, was heavily one-sided and selective.

    At one point, Meghan describes the media interview and photocall the couple gave when they got engaged as an “orchestrated reality show”.

    Catherine, William, Harry and MeghanPETER NICHOLLS
    The couples went on an unexpected walkabout together in Windsor, ahead of the funeral of the Queen

    Is that what Netflix’s Harry & Meghan, produced in association with the couple’s company, is?

    Interestingly, they began recording video diaries in March 2020, as they stepped away from royal duties. That was many months before their Netflix deal was announced.

    This is their truth in the hands of the Netflix professionals, a slickly produced narrative about a couple who fell in love and had to sacrifice everything as they butted up against systems, protocols and racism.

    The Royal Family – we are told at the start – didn’t choose to make any comment for the programme makers. Both Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace confirmed they received an email purporting to be from a production company from an unknown organisation’s address and attempted to verify its authenticity with Archewell Productions and Netflix, but did not receive a response, PA reported.

    A source told PA the substance of the email did not address the entire series.

    So what we have is carefully curated to back up the couple.

    Netflix is adept at the modern language of television which steers us through the story. The couple met on social media – perhaps the first royals to do so and certainly a great advert for Instagram. Their early messages are shared with us, popping up on screen in a device so often used by TV in our tech age.

    The interviews with Harry set up his wife as the true heir to his mother, Princess Diana. He says Meghan has the “same empathy, the same warmth”. The show regularly cuts to archive footage of Diana, as Harry discusses his fears that history could repeat itself.

    In the documentary, Prince Harry (seen here with Princess Diana in 1988) says his mother made decisions from her heart, and he says he is "his mother's son"Reuters
    Prince Harry (seen here with Princess Diana in 1988) says she made decisions from her heart, and he says he is “his mother’s son”

    There are also narrative cliffhangers to keep us watching.

    Harry describes trying to deal with the loss of his mother “without much support or help or guidance”, and describes his “second family” in Africa, a group of friends “that literally brought me up”.

    Where was his father? We can’t help asking.

    He talks about how male royals tend to marry women “who fit in the mould” instead of for love. Is he inferring that’s what his brother did? Does Volume Two answer that question?

    Meghan mentions her first meeting with Kate and William, when as “a hugger” she was informal and tactile. She says that is “jarring for some Brits”. Are we supposed to read more into that, after all the stories about the breakdown of relations between the couples?

    These teasers frankly help along a narrative that gets a little repetitive at times.

    The programme seems made primarily for an American audience. And Harry has embraced the language of the US West Coast. He talks about how, just before news of their relationship broke, they went out for one last secret night and managed to “pull the pin on the fun brigade”.

    We hear about “lived experience” and “cause-driven work”.

    But if you were tuning in for jaw-dropping revelations, Prince Charles on Dimbleby, Prince Andrew on Newsnight, Princess Diana on Panorama this was not.

    Prince Charles was interviewed by Jonathan Dimbleby for an ITV documentary "Charles the private man, the public role"PA
    In Jonathan Dimbleby’s ITV documentary in 1994, Prince Charles said he was faithful to his wife until it became clear that the marriage was “irretrievably broken”

    This new Netflix show wasn’t even Meghan and Harry on Oprah.

    That was the last time the couple endeavoured to tell their truth.

    In that bombshell interview, they told Oprah about overt racism by a member of the Royal Family about what colour their future son’s skin might be. We don’t hear anything about that over the three episodes. Who said it still remains a mystery.

    Prince Harry and Meghan being interviewed by OprahHarpo Productions – Joe Pugliese
    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex told Oprah Winfrey that there were “several conversations” within the Royal Family about how dark their baby might be

    But Harry does talk about his own journey to understand “unconscious bias”. He also addresses some of the racism of which he has been accused in the past, describing how “ashamed” he felt after he wore a Nazi uniform costume to a party in 2005.

    The programme shows him on a journey of constant discovery and self analysis about racism.

    It’s left to other contributors to raise Britain’s history around the slave trade, as well as the “skeletons in the closet” in the Royal Family.

    But in the end, will this programme persuade anyone to change their opinions?

    After the show and then Harry’s book, Spare, is published in January, the couple’s “truth” will be fully out there. Will that be enough for them?

    Their currency might begin to wane as they struggle with the law of diminishing returns. They may still want to battle royal institutions and the media, but it may turn out that their real battle will be with ongoing relevancy.

     

     

  • Prince Harry blasts the UK media for ‘exploitation’ and ‘bribery’

    The couple criticises the paparazzi’s persistent harassment throughout the first three episodes of Netflix’s “Harry & Meghan” docuseries, with the Duke of Sussex claiming that being swarmed by cameras makes up most of his early memories.

    Harry recalled how the “Paparazzi used to harass us to the point where we had to be forced into smiling and answering questions to their travelling press pack,” and that made me feel really uncomfortable from the get-go.” Harry said.

    He continued by saying that he had always been told not to respond to cameras and to never “feed into it.”

    And while the press were allegedly supposed to give him and his brother Prince William privacy while attending school, it never worked and there was always photographers.

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in their new series.
    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took aim at the UK press in their new docuseries. Netflix

    Harry & Meghan - Netflix show
    Harry said most of his earliest memories were of being swarmed by the media.

    “I remember thinking how am I ever going to find someone who is willing and capable to be able to withstand all the baggage that comes with being with me?” he said.

    Harry, whose ex-girlfriends include Chelsey Davy and Cressida Bonas, claimed that women would second-guess their relationship with him due to the press surrounding the relationship.

    “Every relationship that I had within a matter of weeks or months were splattered all over the newspapers and that person’s family harassed and their lives turned upside down,” he said.

    “When I got to meet M, I was terrified of her being driven away by the media. The same media that had driven so many other people away from me.”

    Markle, meanwhile, claimed in the second episode of the documentary that paparazzi paid her neighbors in Toronto — where she filmed her show “Suits” in the early days of her relationship with Harry — to live-stream her backyard.

    Newstand
    Harry has previously slammed the UK press as “toxic.” Netflix

    Harry and Markle have been vocal about their disdain for the UK press since they quit the royal family in March 2020, even claiming it was the “toxic” media that led them to leave.

    “We all know what the British press can be like and it was destroying my mental health,” he told James Corden in 2021. “So I did what any husband and what any father would do — I need to get my family out of here.”

  • Meghan and Harry get an insight into their former royal existence.

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shared a slew of never-before-seen photos and video of their life and children in the new Netflix docuseries “Harry & Meghan.”

    The ex-royals — who share Archie, 3, and Lilibet, 1 — shared several snaps and videos in the first three episodes of the show, which dropped Thursday, of their son.

    One video shows him riding around on a suitcase, while another reveals Markle introducing him to a photo of his late grandmother, Princess Diana.

    Harry & Meghan - Netflix show

    Up Next

    “I have always been a hugger… I didn’t realize that…

    The pair also shared pics of themselves before their relationship became public, including shots of them in a photo booth and on their now-famous third date to Botswana in 2016.

    They also included shots of the couple FaceTiming in the early days of their relationship.

    Harry, 38, and Markle, 41 — who left the UK in March 2020 and moved to Montecito, Calif. — were “having second thoughts” about the series following Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September, Page Six previously reported.

    Enlarge ImageArchie and a photo of Princess Diana
    In one video, Markle introduces her son to his late grandmother Princess Diana.
    Netflix

    “Harry and Meghan are panicked about trying to tone down even the most basic language,” an insider told us at the time.

    Since stepping down from their royal duties, the couple — who tied the knot in 2018 — has been the target of international media, TV personalities and social media commentators alike.

    Enlarge ImageMeghan Markle and Prince Harry kissing
    They also shared photos from early on in their relationship.
    Netflix

    They eventually sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a tell-all interview in March 2021, where Markle revealed the scrutiny she was put under by the British press drove her to contemplate suicide while pregnant with her son, Archie.

    “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” she told Winfrey, explaining that she “just didn’t see a solution” to the tidal wave of negative reports about her.

    Harry & Meghan - Netflix show

    Up Next

    “I have always been a hugger… I didn’t realize that…

    “I would sit up at night, and I was just like, ‘I don’t understand how all of this is being churned out.’”

    The “Deal or No Deal” alum and the grandson of the late Queen Elizabeth ll later revealed they had signed on to film a series with the streaming giant, and chose Liz Garbus to direct.

    Enlarge ImageMeghan Markle and Prince Harry
    The first three episodes of their docuseries dropped Thursday.
    Netflix

    “It’s nice to be able to trust someone with our story — a seasoned director whose work I’ve long admired — even if it means it may not be the way we would have told it,” the former “Suits” star told Variety in October about working with the Oscar-nominated director.

    Markle also told The Cut that the series would focus on the couple’s “love story.”

    “[It’s] the piece of my life I haven’t been able to share, that people haven’t been able to see … our love story,” she said.

    The last three episodes of the Netflix series comes out Dec. 15.

     

    Source: pagesix.com

  • Prince Harry, Nazi uniform: One of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made in my life

    Prince Harry has described wearing a Nazi uniform to a costume party in 2005 as “one of the biggest mistakes of my life.”

    In the third episode of the Netflix limited series “Harry and Meghan,” released Thursday morning, the royal expressed regret for his clothing selection, saying he “felt so ashamed afterwards.”

    “It was probably one of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made in my life.” “I felt so ashamed afterwards,” the prince admitted.

    Prince Harry, who was 20 at the time, arrived at a party in London dressed as a nazi soldier with a red armband inscribed with a large swastika.

    Discussing the fallout after the world caught wind of the then 20-year-old’s costume, Prince Harry said, “All I wanted to do was make it right.”

    The royal teen was ordered by his father Prince Charles to do a multitude of things to help mitigate his actions, including visiting Poland’s infamous Nazi death camp Auschwitz and watching ‘Schindler’s List,’ The Post reported in 2005.

    Prince Harry also shared that he spoke with the Chief Rabbi in London, saying that his visit had “a profound impact on me.”

    The Sun released an image of the teenage royal donning the swastika at the 2005 London party.
    The Sun released an image of the teenage royal donning the swastika at the 2005 London party.

    Prince Harry has expressed remorse for his choices as a 20-year-old, calling the Nazi costume “one of the biggest mistakes in my life.”

    Additionally, the royal said in the episode that he went to Berlin to speak with a Holocaust survivor.

    “I could’ve just ignored it and probably made the same mistakes over and over again in my life, but I learned from that,” the prince said.

  • First three episodes of Harry and Meghan now available on Netflix

    The very first three episodes of a new Netflix documentary series directed by and starring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were released on Thursday morning. The six-part series has been billed as an in-depth look at the royal couple’s early relationship and their version of the events that eventually led to them stepping down as full-time working members of Britain’s royal family.

    From the first episodes of the series, Harry made it clear that one of the main sources of the couple’s frustration has been Britain’s media, which he accused of connivance in “exploitation and bribery.”

    “I’m not going to say that it’s comfortable,” Meghan said about why the couple decided to make the documentary. “But when you feel like people haven’t gotten any sense of who you are for so long, it’s really nice to just be able to have the opportunity to let people have a bit more of a glimpse into what’s happened and also who we are.”

    “It’s about duty and service, and I feel as though, being part of this family, it is my duty to uncover this exploitation and bribery that happens within our media,” Harry says. “This isn’t just about our story. This has always been so much bigger than us. Who knows the full truth. We know the full truth. The institution knows the full truth, and the media knows the full truth, because they’ve been in on it.”

    Harry and Meghan met on a blind date in 2016, when the latter was working as a television actress on the sitcom, Suits. Just a few weeks after their first date, Harry invited Meghan to go with him to Botswana.

    “I think for so many people in the family, especially single men, there can be a temptation or an urge to marry someone who would fit the mold, as opposed to somebody who you perhaps are destined to be with. The difference between making decisions with your head or your heart” Harry said in the first episode of the series. “My mum certainly made most of her decisions, if not all of them, from her heart. And I am my mother’s son.”

    The couple got engaged the next year and were married on May 19, 2018. They had their son, Archie, on May 6, 2019.

    “The pain and suffering of women marrying into this institution, I remember thinking: ‘How can I ever find someone who is willing and capable to be able to withstand all the baggage that comes with being with me?” Harry said in the documentary, outlining the way many of his prior relationships had become media spectacles.

    The series features interviews with friends and family of the couple, including Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.

    Since moving to the United States, Harry and Meghan have spoken out about the racism Meghan experienced while living as part of the royal family in the United Kingdom and the toll it took on her mental health. During her time in Britain, she was faced with an onslaught of negative, racist stories in the tabloid press, and last month, a senior British law enforcement officer said there had been multiple, credible threats to her life from the far right.

    “I said to her: ‘This is about race,’” Ragland said in the Netflix series. “Meg said: ‘Mommy, I don’t want to hear that.’ I said: ‘You may not want to hear it, but this is what’s coming down the pike.’”

    Harry said that the guidance from the rest of the royal family and their support staff was to not respond to negative stories about Meghan in the British press.

    “The direction of the palace was: ‘Don’t say anything,’” Harry said. “But what people need to understand is, as far as a lot of the family were concerned, everything that she was being put through, they had been put through as well. So it was almost like a right of passage. And some of the members of the family, it was like: ‘Right, but my wife had to go through that, so why should your girlfriend be treated any differently? Why should you get special treatment? Why should she be protected?’ And I said: ‘The difference here is the race element.’”

    The couple ultimately decided to move to the U.S. and step back from their royal duties. Last year, Harry told Oprah Winfrey that they “did what they had to do,” given what they were facing.

  • Big cats: The US Senate unanimously approves a bill to ban private ownership

    The Senate unanimously approved legislation to restrict private ownership of big cats such as lions and tigers in the United States.

    The Big Cat Public Safety Act would prevent individuals from keeping the animals as pets and from exposing them to public petting and photographing.

    Following the release of the Netflix documentary series Tiger King, efforts to limit private ownership have increased.

    President Joe Biden must now sign the bill into law.

    Democratic Congressman Mike Quigley, who introduced the bill into the House, said on social media that it will mean “a lot of big cats will live better lives”.

    According to estimates from conservationists, as many as 7,000 tigers are living in the US either in zoos or privately owned – nearly double the estimated 3,890 tigers living in the wild worldwide.

    Many in the US are on public display, where the hunt for profits in some privately-owned facilities are alleged to drive a ” relentless breeding cycle that floods the exotic pet trade with surplus tigers who have outgrown the cub stage”, according to the Animal Welfare Institute.

    What’s more, the institute alleges facilities that offer cub petting have been known to kill tigers once they can no longer be used to make money.

    Under the new bill, possession of lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, cougars or any hybrid of these species would be limited to wildlife sanctuaries, universities and certified zoos.

    Those on display would need to be kept at least 15 feet (4.5 metres) away from the public or behind a barrier to prevent contact.

    However, current owners of big cats will be allowed to keep their animals – as long as they don’t allow direct contact between them and the public and register them with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

    Susan Millward, executive director of the Animal Welfare Institute, has said the Big Cat Public Safety Act “will end the horrific exploitation of big cats and bolster public safety”.

    “These beautiful but powerful predators deserve to live in the wild, not be kept in captivity for people’s entertainment—even as cubs,” she added.

    Carole Baskin, one of the stars of the Tiger King series and the founder of the Big Cat Rescue sanctuary, has become a champion of the bill and has said she is “thrilled” by the outcome.

  • Harry & Meghan Netflix Docuseries: Harry pledges the “full truth” in new trailer

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s story will be told on the small screen in an upcoming Netflix docuseries, which will air very soon. On December 1, the streamer released the first teaser trailer for “Harry & Meghan,” but did not reveal a release date. Four days later, on December 5, Netflix released a longer trailer and announced the first instalment will be released on December 8.

    The first teaser features a series of intimate black and white photos taken throughout their relationship that flash across the screen as dramatic music plays. The documentary’s director, Liz Garbus, is heard asking, “Why did you want to make this documentary?”As a photo is shown, Harry responds, “No one knows what’s happening behind closed doors “as a photo of a visibly emotional Meghan appears. He continues, “I had to do everything I could to protect my family.”

    Aside from the two trailers, not much has been shared about the project from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex since they forged their partnership with the streamer two years ago. However, Markle gave a rare update on it in her Variety cover story published on Oct. 19, just days after Deadline reported that Netflix delayed the documentary’s release until next year.”It’s nice to be able to trust someone with our story — a seasoned director whose work I’ve long admired — even if it means it may not be the way we would have told it. But that’s not why we’re telling it,” Markle shared of the docuseries. “We’re trusting our story to someone else, and that means it will go through their lens.”

    Markle and Harry’s multiyear Netflix deal was announced in September 2020, which includes the production of documentaries, docuseries, feature films, scripted shows, and children’s programming. So far, the only other projects the couple has confirmed for the streamer are their other documentary centered on the Invictus Games and their since-canceled animated series titled “Pearl” (Netflix reportedly axed it due to a stock drop).

    Harry and Markle’s documentary was rumored to be a reality TV series, but the couple previously slammed that idea in a statement provided to People. “The Duke and Duchess are not taking part in any reality shows,” a spokesman said.

    Following said rumors, Markle stressed the difference between a “historical documentary” and a “reality docuseries” in her August profile for The Cut, though she didn’t specify which one her and Harry’s Netflix project is. “The piece of my life I haven’t been able to share, that people haven’t been able to see, is our love story,” she told the outlet of what it’ll cover.

    In her profile, Markle said that, at the time, she wasn’t aware of what had and hadn’t been confirmed about the docuseries, but she did take time to praise its director and share what likely inspired the project. “I will tell you, the Liz Garbus is incredible,” she said. “. . . When the media has shaped the story around you, it’s really nice to be able to tell your own story.”

    Read ahead for everything else we know about Harry and Markle’s upcoming documentary so far.

    Netflix announced that Volume I will premiere Dec. 8 and Volume II will premiere Dec. 15. According to Deadline, Harry and Markle’s documentary has been unofficially slated to debut on Netflix for quite a while, though that date has been thrown into question for a variety of reasons. The outlet noted that the streamer was shaken up after “attacks” from former Prime Minister John Major were aimed at “The Crown” season five. Major, as per CNN, reportedly referred to the Netflix drama’s depiction of his time in office as “damaging and malicious fiction.” “They’re rattled at Netflix, and they blinked first and decided to postpone the documentary,” a source told Deadline. Now, however, the series will continue on as planned. Reps for Archewell did not immediately respond to POPSUGAR’s request for comment.