Meghan Markle: Disliked Celeb Poll & $60M Brand Impact

The landscape of public opinion in the digital age significantly shapes the trajectories of prominent figures, none more so than members of the global elite. A recent poll conducted by Ranker.com has cast a spotlight on this phenomenon, designating Meghan Markle as the most disliked celebrity of 2025. This outcome, with Prince Harry also featuring prominently in the top rankings, underscores a persistent public scrutiny that has followed the couple since their departure from royal duties. The implications extend beyond mere public sentiment, posing tangible financial challenges to their multi-million dollar brand and philanthropic endeavors.

Unpacking the Ranker.com Poll: A Public Verdict

On October 23, 2025, Ranker.com, a platform known for its user-driven lists and polls, released its annual "Most Disliked Celebrities" ranking, which garnered over 87,000 votes. The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, secured the top position for the fourth consecutive year, accumulating a substantial 48,000 votes. Her husband, Prince Harry, found himself in a notable third place, flanked by controversial figures such as Sean "Diddy" Combs and media mogul Oprah Winfrey. The top ten also featured other public figures who have faced intense media scrutiny, including Jada Pinkett Smith, Ellen DeGeneres, Chrissy Teigen, Amber Heard, Bill Cosby, and Kris Jenner.

This poll serves as a barometer of prevailing public sentiment, which has been particularly vocal on social media platforms. The results ignited a fresh wave of discussions, memes, and critical commentary. Users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) engaged in widespread mockery, with posts frequently referencing Meghan Markle's public appearances and perceived emotional displays. One widely circulated post sarcastically noted, “After she saw this, to improve her image, she shed some fake tears and made sure the photographer captured that tear while at her friend’s sport event.” Such reactions highlight a deeply ingrained public skepticism surrounding the couple's intentions and authenticity, further solidifying the narrative of "fame-chasing" that critics often attribute to their post-royal endeavors.

The Echoes of Megxit: A Five-Year Retrospective

The origins of the sustained public disapproval can be traced back to January 2020, when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back as senior members of the British royal family – an event colloquially termed "Megxit." This seismic shift, which involved relocating to Montecito, California, initiated a new chapter for the couple, marked by a pivot towards media production, philanthropic work, and various public engagements. However, this transition has been fraught with challenges and has consistently fueled public debate.

Key milestones in their post-royal journey have often served as flashpoints for criticism. The 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where the couple aired grievances regarding their experiences within the monarchy, significantly polarized audiences globally. While some lauded their candidness, others perceived it as a betrayal of royal protocol and a public airing of private matters. Subsequent ventures, such as their reported $100 million deal with Netflix, yielded documentary series like "Harry & Meghan" but also faced scrutiny for projects that did not fully materialize, like certain Spotify podcast initiatives, which reportedly ended due to unmet metrics. Their podcast "Archetypes" was eventually axed, adding to the narrative of unfulfilled potential.

Recent public appearances in October 2025 further intensified the spotlight. Meghan Markle's participation in Fortune's Most Powerful Women summit, alongside figures such as Kamala Harris and Selena Gomez, drew sneers from critics who questioned her credentials for a panel discussing "leading in a dynamic world," especially in light of the Archetypes podcast cancellation. Similarly, their recognition as "Humanitarians of the Year" at the Project Healthy Minds gala on October 9 sparked considerable irony and criticism, including remarks from public figures like Donald Trump and extensive negative coverage in UK media. These events, intended to bolster their image, instead became catalysts for renewed public dissatisfaction, directly feeding into the sentiment reflected in the Ranker.com poll.

Reputation's Reckoning: The Economic Impact on the Sussex Empire

In the intricate world of celebrity branding, public perception directly correlates with financial viability. The Sussexes' combined net worth, estimated at $60 million in 2025 by Finance Monthly, is largely dependent on revenue streams from their media deals, the donor contributions to their Archewell Foundation, and various speaking engagements and endorsements. A negative public image, as evidenced by the Ranker.com poll, can have profound economic repercussions.

Industry analyses suggest that significant public backlash can lead to a 15–25% reduction in sponsorship revenue in the short term, particularly when brands aim to connect with mainstream audiences. For figures like Meghan Markle, who have become polarizing, the financial landscape presents a dichotomy: while niche activist allies might offer premium partnerships, mainstream corporate entities often distance themselves to avoid association with controversy. The reported $20 million shortfall from their Spotify deal in 2023, attributed to unmet metrics, serves as a concrete example of how reputational ripples can translate into tangible financial losses. Furthermore, the efficacy of philanthropic organizations like the Archewell Foundation can be hampered, as donor confidence and fundraising efforts may dwindle when the public perception of its founders is largely negative.

The challenge for the Sussexes lies in navigating this highly scrutinized environment. Their brand equity, built on a blend of royalty, celebrity, and philanthropy, is susceptible to the ebb and flow of public opinion. Sustained negative sentiment risks diminishing their appeal to potential partners, advertisers, and even the audience for their content, thereby undermining the foundational pillars of their independent financial ventures. The intertwining of personal narrative and professional enterprise means that every public move is weighted with financial implications.

Navigating the Waters: Sussex Strategies and Future Outlook

As the wave of public disapproval continues through 2025, Meghan and Harry face critical strategic decisions. Their existing ventures, such as Meghan's budding lifestyle brand "As Ever" and Harry's continued association with the Invictus Games, represent pathways to re-establish and re-define their public image. The Invictus Games, in particular, offers a platform rooted in purpose and service, which could help offset the criticisms of self-serving ambition.

However, the findings from polls like Ranker.com serve as a potent warning: public sentiment, if left unaddressed or mishandled, can erode financial stability and brand longevity. In the complex calculus of modern celebrity, the connection between public affection and fiscal success is undeniable. The challenge for the Sussexes will be to weather this prolonged period of scrutiny, transforming negative narratives into opportunities for genuine connection and impactful work, lest their multi-million dollar empire face further financial strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Did Meghan Markle Top the 2025 Most Disliked List?

Meghan Markle secured the top spot on Ranker.com's "Most Disliked Celebrities" list with 48,000 votes, a culmination of ongoing public scrutiny stemming from the "Megxit" fallout, controversial media appearances, and recent public engagements such as the Fortune summit and a humanitarian award ceremony. Prince Harry also ranked third in the poll, reflecting a shared public sentiment towards the couple.

What Is Meghan Markle's Net Worth in 2025?

In 2025, Meghan Markle's net worth, combined with Prince Harry's, is estimated at $60 million by Finance Monthly. This wealth is primarily derived from substantial deals with media giants like Netflix, funding for their Archewell Foundation, and various independent lifestyle and speaking ventures, despite facing considerable reputational risks.

How Does Public Backlash Impact the Sussexes' Finances?

Expert analysis indicates that significant public backlash can lead to a 15-25% reduction in sponsorship opportunities and brand partnerships. This negative perception directly affects the financial viability of their multi-million dollar contracts, such as their Netflix agreement, and can hinder fundraising efforts for the Archewell Foundation. While their polarized personas might attract niche activist partnerships, they simultaneously face challenges in securing mainstream commercial endorsements.