Why Prince Harry's Upcoming Appearance Has Critics Calling It A Money Grab

Prince Harry's forthcoming appearance at an event called The Internet Lie Machine is receiving backlash from critics. Hosted by Wired magazine as part of its REWIRED 2021 summit, the event aims to spotlight the dangers of online misinformation and the negative impact it can have on society at large, as well as how we can help fix it. At the summit, Prince Harry will join a panel discussion on November 9, regarding social media algorithms, fake news, online hatred, and more. 

Harry's appearance at the event won't be the first time the Duke of Sussex has collaborated with initiatives that aim to tackle online misinformation and social media abuse. Last year, he teamed up with Stanford University and Color of Change to help create safer spaces online, per Express. In March, Harry served as a commissioner on the Aspen Commission on Information Disorder, which aims to study the current state of misinformation circulating online in the United States.

It's clear that the prince has good intentions — and has had plenty of experience with online bullying, to say the least. So, why is the prince being lambasted for attending this latest event about the dangerous impact of the internet? Some detractors have claimed that Harry is in it for a money grab.

Reacting to the news of Prince Harry's latest appearance, many rejoiced — but others felt he wasn't the right person for the job. One Twitter user claimed that the duke himself is "the master of misinformation" and is only speaking out on the issue in order to "secure money."

However, according to the Daily Mail, it is currently unknown if Prince Harry will receive a hefty fee for his appearance at the REWIRED 2021 summit — though the outlet points out that experts have previously claimed that both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could take home more than £1million ($1.4 million) for every appearance they make. As the Los Angeles Times reported in June 2020, months after stepping down from their royal duties, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signed with Harry Walker Agency, the same public speaking representation as Barack and Michelle Obama and tennis superstar Serena Williams.

Speaking to The Sun, PR expert Mark Borkowski claimed Harry and Meghan could earn six figures with every appearance they sign up to. "I'm surprised they haven't done this sooner. It will be one of the great income generators for them. They will clean up — they are up there with the Obamas," Borkowski said last year. "The speaker's circuit is a natural safe space for them to plunder. And they are doing it in America, which is where the money is," he added.