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Scandal Unfolds: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Charitable Foundation Under Scrutiny
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again making headlines, but this time it's not for their royal engagements or philanthropic efforts.
The couple is at the center of a growing scandal involving their Archwell Foundation, which is facing accusations of questionable financial practices.
This situation has ignited a media frenzy as tabloids eagerly dive into the details of this unfolding drama.
Reports have surfaced indicating that Archwell Foundation received over $6 million from Fidelity Charitable.
This organization has come under fire for allegedly channeling funds into groups that oppose LGBTQ rights and immigrants.
Critics are quick to point out the stark contradiction between these actions and the values that Harry and Meghan have long championed in public forums.
As sensational headlines flood the front pages, tabloid giant The Globe has taken a keen interest in the Sussexes' financial affairs.
Allegations of hypocrisy are rampant, particularly as it has been revealed that Fidelity Charitable has funneled nearly $25 million to around 30 organizations labeled as hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
Among these are notorious anti-gay non-profits such as the Family Research Council and the American Family Association, alongside alleged white nationalist groups like the VEDA Foundation.
Peter Brimlow, the founder of VEDA, has publicly criticized the SPLC, claiming that the organization seeks to silence conservative voices.
He argues that the SPLC's influence has pressured Fidelity into withdrawing support from certain recipients, casting a shadow over their charitable contributions.
Amid this escalating controversy, whispers from insiders suggest that Harry and Meghan may be struggling to secure financial backing.
They appear to be increasingly isolated, facing backlash from both the royal family and Hollywood elites, especially after their candid revelations in interviews, documentaries, and books.
As they navigate these challenges, the couple is reportedly exploring various avenues for funding their charitable initiatives, yet this quest seems riddled with contradictions.
One royal expert pointed out the irony of Archwell's motto, “show up, do good,” in light of its connections to an organization accused of financing hate.
It raises an uncomfortable question: how can one advocate for joy and goodwill while being associated with entities that promote division and intolerance?
Since launching in 2020, Archwell has seen a troubling trend emerge.
At least 18 staff members have left, disillusioned by what they describe as the pressures of working under the self-proclaimed “Diva Duchess.” Additionally, the California Registry of Charities and Fundraisers briefly placed Archwell on its delinquency list due to missed financial filings.
Although a spokesperson dismissed this as a minor bureaucratic hiccup, it highlights the increasing scrutiny surrounding the foundation's operations.
Financially, Archwell's situation does not paint a rosy picture.
A report from Charity Watch revealed a dramatic drop in donations, plummeting from $13 million in 2021 to just $2 million the following year.
This decline is particularly striking given that the foundation's executive director, James Holt, received a staggering 280% salary increase during this period.
The controversy surrounding the $6 million donation has raised eyebrows, especially since it was notably absent from Archwell's reported revenue.
The true financial landscape may become clearer with the release of the foundation's 2023 tax filings, but it's evident that the damage to Harry and Meghan's public image has already begun to manifest.
Many former donors have turned their backs on Archwell, particularly in the wake of the fallout from their infamous 2021 television interview, where Meghan claimed that some members of Harry's family expressed concerns about the skin color of their then-unborn son, Archie.
High-profile friends like George and Amal Clooney have reportedly distanced themselves from the couple, further complicating their attempts to re-establish connections within Hollywood.
Their recent ventures have also faced setbacks, with Meghan's lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, failing to gain traction and their $20 million Spotify podcast deal collapsing.