Meghan Markle used to work as a briefcase girl on Deal or No Deal before landing a major role on Suits and eventually becoming the Duchess of Sussex upon marrying Prince Harry in 2018. Though she cleared she was "grateful" for the job, it made her feel "objectified," being "all looks and only little substance."
Meghan shared her experience as a Deal or No Deal briefcase girl in 2016 on her podcast, Archetypes, on Spotify, in October 2022. Though she got the show's host, Howie Mandel's support, other girls on the show reacted negatively.
Meghan Markle's Deal or No Deal Experience
The 41-year-old recalled going up and down the lighted staircase and waiting for a contestant to call out her briefcase number on Deal or No Deal.
"Like I said, I was thankful for the job, but not for how it made me feel, which was not smart," she said, per Today.
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"And by the way, I was surrounded by smart women on that stage with me, but that wasn't the focus of why we were there. And I would end up leaving with this pit in my stomach knowing that I was so much more than what was being objectified on the stage," she continued. "I didn't like feeling forced to be all looks and little substance, and that's how it felt for me at the time — being reduced to this specific archetype."
Howie Mandel Sees No Problem with Meghan Markle's Revelation
Meghan's revelation caused a backlash, but she found an ally with the show's host Howie Mandel.
The actor didn't see any problem with the former actress's remarks, saying he believed she wasn't complaining.
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"I think Meghan just said she wanted to do more. It wasn't fulfilling for her," he told US Weekly.
He didn't see it as a way to malign the show, adding he understood the duchess' feeling like she was being "paraded out on display" during her time on Deal or No Deal.
Other Deal or No Deal Briefcase Girls Negatively React to Meghan Markle's Claim
Meanwhile, former Deal or No Deal briefcase girls negatively react to Meghan's claim.
"Everyone on the show knew their role, knew the image, auditioned, volunteered, and accepted the job. I do not share her experience at all. I never felt objectified," model Patricia Kara told Fox News Digital.
Donna Feldman also told the publication that she saw nothing but a big opportunity for her to be part of the game.
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"Instead of ever feeling like a bimbo, I knew … working alongside such wonderful people like Howie Mandel would only lead to bigger and better things for me," she explained.
She added that her "positive nature, personality, and overall work ethic" helped her land the job, not just her looks.
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