It seems US comedy South Park had the Sussexes in their sights for the latest episode of the satirical TV animation series and Meghan Markle has reportedly been left "upset and overwhelmed". While the couple aren't directly named, it is hard to miss the similarities between the fictional characters and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the episode.
However, some commentators believe that Meghan's reported reaction to the cartoon, which brands the characters as "dumb and stupid", could be the "wrong response" and could "impact" the Sussex brand.
In the episode, which aired on February 15, and was entitled 'The Worldwide Privacy Tour', the fictional 'Prince and Princess of Canada' try to "find privacy and seclusion in a small mountain town". The episode continues with the prince's publicity tour for his autobiography 'Waaagh' - the cover of which has a striking resemblance to Prince Harry's memoir Spare.
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While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex weren't specifically named, the animation took its characters on a similar path to the UK's former working royals. The depiction didn't go unnoticed by the pair, as according to the Mirror the portrayal has "upset and overwhelmed" Meghan over the last few days, as the paper quoted a source reported by the The Spectator. They also added that she "is annoyed by South Park but refuses to watch it all".
South Park, which first aired in March 1998, is known for its brutal swipes at celebs so should be geared up for any response. One royal commentator has claimed that the couple "could call in the lawyers" against the hit-Comedy Central show.
Neil Sean told Fox News: "According to sources close to the ex-royals, it appears that, like so many things with Meghan and Harry, this may have legal ramifications attached. Their legal team are casting an eye over the episode to see what is wrong, and what could be turned into something more sinister."
US celebrity publicity expert Matt Yanofsky told The Mirror that South Park was playing on the fact that "Meghan Markle is divisive".
He claims that if Meghan was to hit out at the animated TV show it could damage the 'Sussex brand'. The Moment Lab founder said: "Meghan Markle is divisive, and South Park is playing on that image, so it won't impact her. South Park taking aim is a natural progression. Her brand hasn't been damaged; if anything, things like this continue to show her relevancy." Adding: "If she responds in the wrong way, it could impact her differently."
In the episode, the "Princess of Canada" is dressed in an outfit similar to the Duchess of Sussex wore during Trooping the Colour in 2018. She is described as a "sorority girl, actress, influencer, victim" by another character.
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