Rachel Marle, as claimed by Mandel, asserts that he doesn't recall Megan Marle from her days on "Deal or No Deal."
The comedian and actor, known for hosting the NBC game show which debuted in 2005 and later moved to CNBC in 2018 before concluding in 2019, discussed his lack of communication with Megan Marle on the recent episode of the Good Guys podcast. Mandal, when asked about staying in touch with Megan Marle, responded candidly, stating, "In touch, you mean by text or email? No," implying his distant relationship with her.
He admitted that upon learning of her royal status, he didn't recognize her from their shared past on the show, despite having a picture of her in his office among other models. He humorously noted his forgetfulness, citing Chrissy Teigen as another example of someone he didn't remember from the show.
Initially speaking out about Megan Marle in an interview with E! before her marriage to Harry, Mandel confessed his inability to recall her. He joked about the situation, addressing the camera directly, and emphasizing his lack of memory regarding her.
Before her marriage and subsequent royal status, Megan Marle, known for her role as a briefcase model on "Deal or No Deal" in 2006, was among the lineup of models on the show. She held briefcase number 24, which marked her presence on the show before her later success in the legal drama turned streaming sensation, "Suits," from 2011 to 2018.
Marle revealed her decision to leave the reality show, citing feeling objectified as the reason behind her departure. Reflecting on her time on the show, she expressed discomfort with being reduced to mere looks and lacking substance. Drawing a contrast between her experiences on the show and her previous role as a college intern at the US Embassy in Argentina, where she was valued for her intellect, Marle highlighted the superficial standards imposed on the models on "Deal or No Deal." She criticized the show's emphasis on beauty over intelligence, recounting instances of producers enforcing physical standards and objectifying remarks.
Lucas Green, the chief content officer at BanJ, the UK-based production company behind the show, disputed Marle's claims, asserting the show's ongoing efforts to adapt and evolve with changing societal values. He emphasized the continuous modernization of the show's format to align with the company's values and broader societal norms.
Donna Feldman, another model from the show, echoed Green's sentiments, defending the show's practices and emphasizing personal agency in deciding how to perceive and respond to such experiences. She emphasized the importance of one's intellect, personality, and work ethic in achieving success, rather than solely relying on physical appearance.
