This Christmas, Howie Mandel shared a nostalgic snapshot from his days as the host of "Deal or No Deal" with Megan Markle, who was a briefcase model on the show before becoming the Duchess of Sussex.
The photo dates back to Season 2 of the show, which aired between 2006 and 2007. Mandel posted it on Instagram with hashtags like #HappyHolidays, #MeganMarkle, #DealorNoDeal, and #Christmas. Some Royal fans speculate that Mandel might be playfully teasing Megan Markle with the post.
In the picture, Mandel wears a Santa hat and makes a goofy face, while other models are smiling. Some comments suggest that Megan's expression appears forced and unnatural, with one person noting a perceived lack of genuine emotion.
Critics question Megan's portrayal on the game show, with comments suggesting she appeared unhappy and allegedly complained about feeling like a "bimbo." There are claims that she left the job because it made her feel less intelligent. Moreover, there are rumors that Megan was fired due to her alleged closeness with host Howie Mandel, causing his wife to insist on her termination.
However, the UK-based production company behind "Deal or No Deal" denies Megan's claims of objectification during her time on the show. Lucas Green, the Chief Content Officer of the production company, stated that they are continually evolving the format to ensure it aligns with their values and societal standards. The UK version, for instance, now features members of the public rather than models to open the boxes.
Megan's comments on a podcast sparked backlash from former models on the show, with some refuting her claims of mistreatment. Patricia Cara, a former model on "Deal or No Deal," stated that everyone on the show knew their roles and willingly accepted the job, contradicting Megan's assertion of feeling objectified.
Another former model, Donna Feldman, supported this perspective, emphasizing that her positive nature, personality, and work ethic played a significant role in her experience on the show. While some acknowledged certain challenges, like standing in high heels for extended periods, they emphasized that these were part of the job they willingly took on. Each individual's experience may differ, and these former models share their own positive perspectives.
