Spotify’s head of podcast innovation and monetization Bill Simmons blasted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after the company recently parted ways with the couple.
Markle’s podcast “Archetypes” examined the historical and cultural stereotypes of women. It was produced by the company Archewell Audio, which Markle co-founded alongside her husband.
“Archetypes” aimed to “investigate, dissect and subvert the labels that try to hold women back,” according to its description. On her podcast, Markle interviewed celebrities such as professional tennis player Serena Williams, singer Mariah Carey, model Paris Hilton, and talk show host Trevor Noah.
The partnership between Archwell Audio and Spotify was intended to include multiple programs, but only one series and holiday special were produced.
“Spotify and Archewell Audio have mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together,” the two entities said in a statement.
On an episode of his show, “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Simmons said that the couple were “f—ing grifters.”
“I wish I had been involved in the ‘Megan and Harry leave Spotify’ negotiation,” he said. “‘The f—ing Grifters.’ That’s the podcast we should have launched with them. I gotta get drunk one night and tell the story of the Zoom I had with Harry to try and help him with a podcast idea. It’s one of my best stories.”
Bill Simmons absolutely HATES Prince Harry
We need to know what Harry said to Bill on that Zoom pic.twitter.com/lsxNoSPaCU
— The r/BillSimmons Podcast (@rBillSimmonsPod) June 16, 2023
“Shoot this guy to the sun. I’m so tired of this guy,” Simmons said, referring to Harry. “What does he bring to the table? He just whines about s— and keeps giving interviews … Who cares about your life? You weren’t even the favorite son.”
“You live in f—ing Montecito and you just sell documentaries and podcasts and nobody cares what you have to say about anything unless you talk about the royal family and you just complain about them,” Simmons added.
According to the New York Post, Simmons criticized Harry several times before, including while he was at the same company. In January 2023, Simmons said he was “so tired of this guy,” and it was “so embarrassing that he’s on our platform.”
“I can’t stand him,” Simmons said. “So tired. I’m so embarrassed that I f—ing have to share Spotify with him. The guy sucks.”
