After over 5 years of working with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Archewell Productions’ Head of Nonfiction, Film & TV, Chanel Pysnik, is reportedly taking her leave from the company. This isn’t the first time a high-profile role on their team has been left vacant. Last year in December, Chief Communications Officer Meredith Maines of Archewell and As Ever also left, leaving people questioning whether it was due to a lack of funds or disagreements in the company. As for Pysnik, however, both she and the Sussexes were fairly cordial about her departure.
According to Deadline, Harry and Meghan praised their former Head of Nonfiction, celebrating her work at Archewell Productions, which includes the famous Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan and With Love, Meghan, among other programs. They claim to be “championing her as she embarks on this next chapter,” while Pysnik also shared a positive sentiment about her work with the ex-royals.
There has been no announcement on whether Harry and Meghan would replace Pysnik; neither did the former employee mention what her next plans were for the future. With both sides clearly showing favor for each other despite the depature, many online users have mixed feelings.
Redditors Shared Mixed Opinions Over the Archewell Executive Departure
On one side, Redditors on r/SaintMeghanMarkle took this as a sign that something is evidently wrong with the Sussexes’ company culture, despite the friendly exchange. Countless commenters also mocked the concept of the “Head of Nonfiction,” even though it’s a valid title and role in the media industry. “’Head of non-fiction?’ lol, they just be making stuff up now. What’s next, ‘Director of truth’?” one person laughed.
Another user chimed in, saying, “They had a Head of NonFiction? lol. Their entire life is a fiction.” A third accused Pysnik of not even having a real job at Archewell to begin with. On the flip side, Reddit users on r/HarryandMeghanNetflix saw the departure and cordial words between the Sussexes and Pysnik as a good and hopeful sign.
“Very nice statement on Chanel leaving, moving on to the next chapter. Cuts off any nasty allegations from the media,” expressed a commenter. “Six years is a long time in a job. I thought they couldn’t keep staff?” another added sarcastically, poking fun at critics. A few others claimed that tabloids and haters would spin this as a bad omen.
Still, Harry and Meghan are still trying their hand at being A-Listers in Hollywood, though Variety did report back in March that the couple is on shaky ground. Page Six also alleges that teams at Archewell Productions have seen reductions, though there’s no evidence that anything is being shut down or canceled.
Meghan and Harry appear hopeful for the future, with Meghan’s role in Junior MasterChef Australia being a recent highlight for the Duchess. Still, Pysnik’s departure raises more questions about the future of Archewell Productions and whether it’ll keep expanding or shrinking in the years to come.
