Meghan Markle warned to 'back off' from friendship with 'toxic' Ellen DeGeneres

30 January 2024 , 11:58

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Ellen and Meghan have been friends since 2017

Meghan Markle has been warned to back off from her friendship with “toxic” Ellen DeGeneres ahead of her and Prince Harry’s ‘make or break’ year.

The former Suits star first met Ellen in 2017, and they developed a close friendship before she got engaged to Harry in 2018, and has even appeared on the 66-year-old’s talk show. Their friendship developed into a close bond after Meghan and Harry relocated to the US in 2020, with the Sussexes spending a lot of time with Ellen and her wife Portia De Rossi.

Harry and Meghan were among the star-studded guest list for Ellen and Portia’s vow renewal last year alongside Kris Jenner at the talk show host’s mansion in Montecito, and Ellen has previously described the couple as “down-to-earth compassionate people.” More recently, the TV star revealed the couple had adopted one of her rescue chickens, and hinted at their closeness in a social media post.

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Meghan and Ellen's close friendship began in 2017 (Warner Bros)

However, Meghan is being advised to “steer clear” of Ellen after claims about her overseeing a “toxic workplace” on the set of her talk show, and the TV personality is still trying to rebuild her image. The insider told Closer magazine that the Duchess of Sussex has been warned to distance herself from Ellen, as it could further ruin her reputation in America.

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“She’s been warned against purring this potentially toxic relationship with Ellen and advised that being associated with anything scandalous could result in her and Harry losing everything they’ve worked for, so it’s best to steer clear,” the source explained. While Meghan is said to be upset at being told to step back from her friendship with Ellen, she “also knows that she needs to play the game”.

The Duchess of Sussex has been cautioned ahead of a big year for her and Harry (PA)

Amid reports that their Netflix deal is due to come to an end next year with no new projects in the foreseeable future for the couple, Harry and Meghan know this year is make or break for their public image. “This year is all about them trying to wipe the slate clean and keep their image intact,” the source added.

Ellen’s long-running talk show ended in 2022 after she was accused, along with other senior members of staff, of creating a toxic work environment and bullying. More than 36 employees came forward with allegations, leading Ellen to abruptly announce the end of her eponymous talk show. “It broke my heart when I learned that people here had anything other than a fantastic experience — that people were hurt in any way,” she said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Emma Wilson