Howie Mandel, the former host of Deal or No Deal, recently shared a nostalgic photo on Instagram featuring himself and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
The snapshot, taken during season 2 of the show between 2006 and 2007, has sparked mixed reactions among royal fans.
In the picture, Mandel can be seen wearing a Santa hat and making a goofy face, while the other briefcase models are smiling.
However, Meghan’s expression has drawn some criticism, with one netizen commenting that her smile appears forced and unnatural.
Another netizen questioned her positioning next to Mandel, asking what was going on with her neck and throat.
Meghan had previously expressed her dissatisfaction with her role as a briefcase model on the game show, stating that it made her feel like a bimbo and not very smart.
Rumors circulated that she was fired for getting too close to Mandel, which led his wife to insist on her dismissal.
However, the UK-based production company behind Deal or No Deal has denied Meghan’s claims of objectification.
Lucas Green, the company’s chief content officer, stated that they are constantly evolving the format of the show to ensure it aligns with their values and represents wider society.
The UK version, for example, now features members of the public opening the boxes instead of models.
Meghan’s comments on a podcast sparked backlash from former models on the show, who disagreed with her portrayal of their experience.
Patricia Carra, a former model, stated that she never felt objectified and that everyone on the show knew their role and accepted the job willingly.
Another former model, Donna Feldman, also supported Carra’s perspective, emphasizing that her positive nature, personality, and work ethic were key factors in her success on the show.
While she acknowledged the challenges of standing in high heels for long hours, she viewed them as part of the job she willingly signed up for.
It is important to note that each individual has their own experience, and Feldman’s positive outlook may differ from Meghan’s.
The controversy surrounding Meghan’s comments has highlighted differing perspectives on the treatment of briefcase models on Deal or No Deal.
As the debate continues, Mandel’s throwback snapshot serves as a reminder of the show’s past and the different experiences of those involved.