New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has taken a firm stance to clarify her connection—or lack thereof—with the upcoming Netflix documentary featuring the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
In a statement released by her office, Ardern emphasized that her interview for the project was conducted back in 2019, well before any association with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was established.
This declaration comes as the documentary, inspired by Nelson Mandela, is set to premiere on December 31, 2023.
The documentary series, titled “Live2Lead,” aims to showcase extraordinary leaders, including climate activist Greta Thunberg and the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
However, it appears that Ardern wants to ensure viewers understand that her participation was entirely independent of the Sussexes.
“I shot this in 2019,” she stated, making it clear that her involvement predated any connection to Harry and Meghan.
Her office further clarified that the interview, which lasted an hour, was arranged by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The foundation sought to create resources highlighting key leadership attributes for aspiring young leaders globally.
Initially, the prime minister was informed that her interview would be used in various formats, such as books and short films, rather than being tied to a specific series.
This kind of media reuse is not uncommon.
Ardern likened her experience to a personal anecdote about her own family photos being used in various advertisements, including a Netflix commercial.
She had expected that her insights would be shared across different platforms, not necessarily linked to the Sussexes’ involvement in the project.
The actual interview took place on November 8, 2019, and a short book titled “Jacinda Ardern: I Know This To Be True” was published based on their conversation in March 2020.
It wasn’t until May of this year that Ardern’s office learned that Harry and Meghan would be introducing the series, nearly two and a half years after her original interview.
In response to this revelation, Ardern’s team sought assurance from the Mandela Foundation regarding the use of her interview in the Netflix series.
They were informed that permission for her contributions had been secured long before the Sussexes were brought into the fold.
This raises questions about the timing and nature of their involvement in a project that Ardern had already committed to independently.
Throughout this process, all communication concerning the project had been exclusively with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Ardern expressed her surprise at the Sussexes’ late entry into the collaboration, indicating that she had no prior knowledge of their involvement until much later.
Her statement serves to distance herself from any potential fallout related to the Sussexes’ reputation, which has seen its share of controversies.
This situation highlights a broader concern about how affiliations can affect public perception.
Many may not fully grasp the nuances of the Sussexes’ reputation, associating them simply with their royal lineage.
Yet, for those who are more informed, the implications of being linked to Harry and Meghan could be daunting.
Ardern’s proactive approach in addressing her involvement underscores the importance of transparency in public life.
By releasing a clear statement, she aims to maintain her integrity and ensure that her contributions are recognized on their own merit, rather than being overshadowed by the Sussexes’ presence.
The prime minister’s clarification resonates with individuals who value authenticity in leadership.
As public figures navigate complex relationships within media and politics, it’s crucial to establish boundaries and communicate intentions clearly.
In the end, Ardern seems relieved to have set the record straight.
Her decisive action not only protects her image but also emphasizes the significance of individual contributions in a collaborative landscape often muddied by associations.
