Speculation swirled as to the reason behind their absence, with reports suggesting they were banned from attending the BET Awards 2024. A source close to the awards organization cited the couple's recent controversial actions as the basis for the decision, which has sparked discussion and intrigue throughout Hollywood.
"Harry and Meghan have become persona non grata in many Hollywood circles lately," an insider disclosed. "Their ongoing drama, tell-all interviews, and constant airing of royal family grievances have worn thin with many celebrities."
The tipping point appeared to be their recent headline-grabbing interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they made startling claims about the British royal family. The fallout from this interview reportedly upset numerous A-list friends of the couple, prompting the BET team to opt for a drama-free event without their presence.
While Prince Harry and Meghan watched the awards proceedings from their Montecito mansion, Will Smith seized the opportunity to inject some humor into the evening. Accepting an award for Best Actor, Smith quipped, "I was supposed to be here tonight with my good friends Harry and Meghan, but I guess they had a prior engagement—something about being banned from the BET Awards. Can't imagine why."
Smith's light-hearted jab garnered laughter and applause from the audience, many of whom have grown weary of the couple's continuous public controversies.
Continuing his jest, Smith speculated that the Sussexes were likely holding a press conference that evening about their need for more privacy—a playful nod to the couple's ongoing struggles to balance public attention with personal boundaries.
This teasing remark from Smith adds to a series of public critiques the Sussexes have faced in recent months. Earlier this year, they were notably absent from the prestigious Vanity Fair Oscar party, reportedly excluded due to their strained relationships within Hollywood circles.
As Harry and Meghan navigate these public setbacks, they have embarked on a strategic public relations campaign to rehabilitate their image. However, with challenges mounting and their Hollywood influence in question, the couple faces an uphill battle to regain favor among the elite.
The ban from the BET Awards represents another public embarrassment for the Sussexes, highlighting their increasingly strained relationship with Hollywood's glitterati. As they strive to repair their reputations, the couple must contend with the consequences of their controversial public statements and actions, hoping to eventually win back the support they once enjoyed.
In the meantime, the eyes of Hollywood remain fixed on Harry and Meghan, observing how they navigate this latest setback and whether they can reclaim their former status within Tinseltown's inner circle.
