Meghan Markle talked about her experience in Deal or No Deal in the recent episode of her podcast Archetypes. She claimed that she felt "objectified" and was "reduced to a bimbo." However, one of her former co-stars said she would have a different life if not for the NBC game show.
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More and more former Deal or No Deal models have come forward and disputed Markle's statement about the show. For them, they didn't feel the same way as her — being objectified and treated like a bimbo — while on the show. Instead, they felt that the game show served as a stepping stone in building their career in show business.
Lisa Gleave was one of the former models who worked with Markle on the show. She is now a successful Australian model, TV presenter and actress living in Los Angeles.
Gleave said she never got to know Markle because they were positioned differently on stage. She was holding briefcase no. 3 and was at the front, while Markle was assigned to briefcase no. 24 and positioned at the back.
"Off stage we didn't all mingle," she told Daily Mail. "I do know that she spent a lot of her [free] time studying scripts for auditions."
Gleave acknowledged that the show "revolved around beautiful women" but noted that they were all smart and intelligent women, and nobody was treated like bimbos. She also found Markle's remarks "insulting." For her, Markle might not have gotten her big break if not for her stint on Deal or No Deal.
"She was a struggling actress and I think if it wasn't for Deal Or No Deal she probably wouldn't be where she is now. She might not have met Harry, she might not have been cast on Suits," she said.
Other Deal Or No Deal Models Disputed Meghan Markle's Remark About Being Objectified And Treated Like Bimbos
Several of the briefcase girls like Gleave shared their experiences on the show. However, unlike Prince Harry's wife, they never felt objectified or treated like a bimbo.
"For clarity — yes getting a modelling gig on a game show isn't necessarily about your intellect, but every show the executive producers picked five models with the most outgoing and fun personalities to place mics on, who they knew would engage with the contestants," Claudia Jordan shared on her Instagram Stories after Markle's podcast episode aired. "And Deal Or No Deal never treated us like bimbos. We got so many opportunities because of that show."
Alike Boggan, another contemporary of Markle on the game show, was part of the NBC series from its very first episode, and she loved "every minute of it." For her, the gig "was a great job and a great opportunity."
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"There was an emphasis on us girls looking our best but it's showbusiness — an aesthetic industry — and it didn't bother me at all," the now successful businesswoman told Daily Mail. "I never felt uncomfortable and never felt there was anything undignified about it. I was grateful for the good salary and the good working conditions. I look back on it fondly."
In a separate interview, two former Deal or No Deal briefcase girls also disputed Markle's remark.
"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.
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She also disputed Markle's claim about lining up in a bra station for padding. According to Kara, there was no bra station.
"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," another former colleague Donna Feldman added.
Markle said the show was solely about looks. However, Feldman believed she landed the job not just because of her appearance but also due to her "positive nature" personality and "overall work ethic."
Stay tuned for more news and updates about Meghan Markle.
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