Meghan Markle: 2025's Most Disliked? Brand Impact & Poll Analysis

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has once again found herself at the epicenter of public scrutiny, securing the top position on Ranker.com's 2025 list of most disliked celebrities. This recurring sentiment, culminating in approximately 48,000 votes, places her at the forefront of a contentious public discourse. Her husband, Prince Harry, also featured prominently, ranking third, underscoring a persistent public ambivalence towards the couple. This article delves into the ramifications of this widespread disapproval, exploring its origins, the subsequent financial implications for their multi-million dollar brand, and the broader societal perception of the Sussexes’ ventures.

The Unpopularity Contest: 2025's Most Disliked Rankings

On October 23, 2025, Ranker.com unveiled its latest user-driven poll, positioning Meghan Markle as the most disliked celebrity for the fourth consecutive year. Amassing a significant 48,000 votes, her lead was substantial, with Prince Harry occupying the third spot, nestled between Sean "Diddy" Combs and Oprah Winfrey. The comprehensive list of the top ten also included figures such as Chrissy Teigen, Amber Heard, Bill Cosby, Kris Jenner, Ellen DeGeneres, and Jada Pinkett Smith, collectively reflecting a public sentiment often shaped by scandal and controversy.

The immediate aftermath on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), saw an eruption of commentary, memes, and critical observations. Users frequently referenced past events, such as alleged "fake tears" during public appearances and questioned Markle’s legitimacy as a "celebrity" post-royal life. This digital backlash is not merely superficial; it represents a tangible surge in negative public opinion, amplified by their recent high-profile engagements in October, including an appearance at Fortune's Most Powerful Women summit and a humanitarian gala. The collective narrative emerging from these platforms suggests a deep-seated skepticism regarding the couple’s motivations and public persona, further entrenching the "Megxit" narrative five years after their departure from royal duties.

Examining the Top Disliked Figures

• Meghan Markle: #1 (48,000 votes)
• Sean "Diddy" Combs: #2
• Prince Harry: #3
• Oprah Winfrey: #4
• Jada Pinkett Smith: #5
• Ellen DeGeneres: #6
• Chrissy Teigen: #7
• Amber Heard: #8
• Bill Cosby: #9
• Kris Jenner: #10

Megxit's Echoes: Five Years of Public Scrutiny

The genesis of much of the public's current sentiment can be traced back to January 2020, a period colloquially termed "Megxit," which marked the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family. This pivotal move initiated a transatlantic relocation to Montecito, California, and a subsequent pivot towards independent media and philanthropic endeavors. Their journey since has been characterized by a series of high-profile media engagements, including the polarizing 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, which revealed intimate details of their experiences within the monarchy.

Post-royal life also saw the couple ink substantial deals with streaming giants. Their $100 million partnership with Netflix yielded documentaries like "Harry & Meghan," yet subsequent projects, such as "Heart of Invictus," reportedly struggled to achieve the anticipated impact. Similarly, their multi-million dollar Spotify podcast deal for "Archetypes" was eventually terminated prematurely, signaling a mismatch between expectations and deliverables, partly attributed to inconsistent content production and evolving public interest. These ventures, intended to establish their independent media empire, have instead become recurring points of public criticism, contributing to the persistent negative narrative.

Recent public appearances have further fueled the flames of discontent. Meghan Markle's participation in the Fortune Most Powerful Women panel on October 15, alongside influential figures such as Kamala Harris and Selena Gomez, was met with cynicism. Critics questioned the relevance of her contribution to a discussion on "leading in a dynamic world," particularly in the wake of the "Archetypes" podcast's cancellation. Just days prior, their acceptance of the "Humanitarians of the Year" award at the Project Healthy Minds gala on October 9 sparked widespread irony and criticism, with some political figures, including Donald Trump, publicly denouncing the accolade amid global humanitarian crises.

Reputation's Price Tag: Financial Fallout for the Sussexes

In the intricate world of celebrity, public polls and perception wield significant influence over financial viability. The Sussexes' estimated combined net worth of $60 million in 2025, as reported by Finance Monthly, is largely underpinned by their media deals, such as the Netflix agreement, and the philanthropic contributions to their Archewell Foundation. However, a pervasive negative public image can profoundly impact these revenue streams.

Industry analyses suggest that a detrimental public perception can lead to a 15-25% reduction in sponsorship revenue in the short term, especially when targeting broad, mainstream demographics. For figures as polarizing as Meghan Markle, while niche activism alliances might offer premium partnerships, the broader commercial appeal can be severely curtailed. The premature termination of their $20 million Spotify deal in 2023 serves as a stark example of how unmet performance metrics and a challenging public narrative can directly translate into financial shortfalls. Similarly, the efficacy of the Archewell Foundation's fundraising efforts and grant allocations can be hampered if donor confidence wavers due to sustained negative public opinion.

The financial landscape for public figures is intrinsically linked to their brand image. The Sussexes, having transitioned from royal patronage to independent brand building, rely heavily on their public appeal to secure endorsements, media contracts, and philanthropic funding. A consistent narrative of public disapproval and criticism, therefore, poses a tangible threat to their economic standing and the long-term sustainability of their various ventures. The challenge lies in recalibrating their public image to mitigate financial risks while staying true to their core values and objectives.

Navigating the Scrutiny: The Sussexes' Path Forward

As the enduring public sentiment expressed through the 2025 "most disliked" poll persists, Meghan and Harry continue to pursue their hybrid ventures. Meghan's burgeoning lifestyle brand, "As Ever," aims to cater to discerning consumers, while Prince Harry's ongoing commitment to the Invictus Games underscores his dedication to veteran support and sports. These initiatives represent strategic attempts to cultivate positive brand associations and demonstrate their commitment to meaningful work beyond their royal past.

However, the consistent pulse of public disapproval serves as a critical warning. In the high-stakes calculus of celebrity brand management, popularity directly correlates with economic viability. Their future financial success and the impact of their philanthropic endeavors will largely depend on their ability to effectively navigate and potentially reshape public perception. The current narrative suggests a challenging road ahead, where every public appearance and business decision will be meticulously scrutinized. The balancing act between personal narratives, public expectations, and commercial interests remains a delicate and ongoing challenge for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Public Pulse: Probing Meghan's Polarizing Profile

• Why Did Meghan Markle Top the 2025 Most Disliked List?
  Meghan led Ranker's poll with 48,000 votes, fueled by enduring "Megxit" narratives, and recent backlash from her Fortune panel appearance and a humanitarian award ceremony, with Prince Harry ranking third in the 87,000-vote tally.
• What Is Meghan Markle's Net Worth in 2025?
  Meghan Markle's net worth, combined with Prince Harry, is estimated at $60 million in 2025, according to Finance Monthly. This fortune is largely supported by lucrative Netflix deals, Archewell Foundation funding, and various lifestyle ventures, all of which are subject to reputation-related risks.
• How Does Public Backlash Impact the Sussexes' Finances?
  Public backlash can significantly reduce sponsorship opportunities by 15-25%, as per industry experts. This affects their substantial Netflix agreements and the appeal to donors for the Archewell Foundation. However, focusing on niche activism can sometimes open alternative, albeit targeted, revenue streams.