Prince Harry’s latest podcast appearance was meant to be a lighthearted chance to discuss serious issues like social media and mental health. Instead, it may have landed him in unexpected controversy. According to insiders, the Duke of Sussex was unaware of comedian Hasan Minhaj’s past controversies before agreeing to appear on his show.
Prince Harry’s team didn’t vet Hasan Minhaj, says source
What was intended as a fun and relatable media moment for Prince Harry has turned into a minor PR headache. Sources close to the situation told columnist Rob Shuter that the royal’s team “didn’t vet” Hasan Minhaj before booking Harry’s surprise appearance on “Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know.” The podcast episode, which aired this week, featured the Duke of Sussex discussing parenting, life in California, and his ongoing advocacy around online safety for children.
However, behind the scenes, sources claim Harry had “no idea” about Minhaj’s previous controversies. According to them, his aides failed to brief him before filming. “Harry walked into this blind,” a Hollywood publicist told Shuter. “His team didn’t vet the host at all.”
Minhaj was once celebrated for his sharp political commentary. However, the comic has faced intense scrutiny over past creative choices and reports of workplace tension. While he has since defended his work as a blend of truth and storytelling, his reputation remains divisive in Hollywood. On the other hand, Harry has long been careful about aligning himself with causes and personalities. In this case, the oversight reportedly raised concern among palace watchers.
The podcast itself appeared friendly enough. Harry chatted about family life, shared a few jokes, and even attempted an American accent that drew laughter from the crew. Yet, as per body language expert Judi James, the Duke’s demeanor subtly shifted as the conversation turned playful. “It’s at this point that Harry seems to become genuinely concerned,” James told The Mirror. She noted that Harry appeared unsure whether to join in the jokes or pull back.
Despite the awkwardness, Harry’s supporters argue that his appearance was well-intentioned. Still, one former network booker told Shuter that the optics are less than ideal. “It looks like Harry is endorsing someone known for exaggeration,” they said. “That’s terrible optics for a prince who already overshares.”
