Meghan Markle has been dealt a potential setback after a source close to The Gentlemen reportedly dismissed suggestions that the Netflix drama used her name to generate publicity, insisting the show does not need celebrity casting stunts.
The clarification follows claims from a friend of the Duchess of Sussex, who previously told The Telegraph that Meghan had been used to help promote the second season of Guy Ritchie’s crime drama.
According to the earlier account, the Sussexes’ camp was unhappy with how reports about Meghan’s possible involvement had emerged, particularly amid speculation about conversations between her representatives and the production.
The friend alleged that the show’s team had benefited from the publicity surrounding the Duchess, suggesting the reports helped attract attention to the new season.
The source also claimed that the production had already commissioned a third season and was looking for ways to build interest in the latest instalment.
“It’s the oldest marketing trick in the book: get a big name to read a script, then leak that you’re ‘in conversation’ with them when, in reality, nothing is particularly far along,” the friend reportedly told The Telegraph.
The source added that the situation had left “a bit of a sour taste” in the Sussex camp, while claiming Netflix had gained substantial publicity and viewing figures from the attention.
However, a separate source close to The Gentlemen production has now pushed back against the suggestion that the series used Meghan’s name as a promotional tactic.
Speaking to The Times, the insider reportedly rejected the idea, saying: “This is not a show in need of stunt casting.”
The brief remark offered a contrasting account of the controversy, with the production-side source indicating that the drama did not require a celebrity casting stunt to generate interest.
The competing comments have fuelled debate over how the reports about Meghan’s possible involvement first emerged and whether discussions about a potential role were ever at an advanced stage.
However, neither account establishes that Meghan was formally offered a part or that she was confirmed to be joining the cast. The reported interest appears to have centred on speculation about conversations rather than an announced casting decision.
The clarification also does not establish that the production deliberately leaked information about Meghan, despite the earlier allegation attributed to her friend.
For the Duchess, the episode represents another round of public speculation about her entertainment ambitions as she continues to develop projects outside the Royal Family.
Meghan has previously pursued television and lifestyle ventures, while her connection to Netflix through projects with Prince Harry has kept her professional plans under scrutiny.
For now, The Gentlemen team’s reported response has added a new twist to the story, but the circumstances surrounding the alleged discussions remain unclear and no casting announcement involving Meghan has been made.
