Years before her royal status as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle’s path could have taken a different turn in the world of reality television.
The former actress, known for her role as Rachel Zane on Suits, was once a briefcase model on the popular show Deal or No Deal.
It was during this time that the idea of appearing on The Bachelor, a dating reality series, crossed her mind.
The revelation came from Mike Flace, the creator of The Bachelor franchise, who shared insights into Meghan’s almost participation in the show.
Flace disclosed that Meghan had considered applying to be a contestant on The Bachelor right after her stint on Deal or No Deal.
However, she was ultimately removed from the list of potential contestants due to concerns about her suitability for the show.
The Bachelor, which premiered in 2002 on ABC, features a group of women competing for the heart of a single bachelor.
In Meghan’s case, it was speculated that she might have employed manipulative tactics to outshine her fellow contestants if she had made it onto the show.
Reports even suggested that some contestants referred to her as a “nobody” during that time.
Despite not making it onto The Bachelor, Meghan recently opened up about her experience as a briefcase model and the reasons behind her departure from Deal or No Deal.
In a podcast episode on Archetypes, she candidly expressed feeling objectified and reduced to a stereotypical “bimbo” image on the show.
Meghan recalled how the focus was solely on physical appearance, with models being encouraged to conform to a specific beauty standard through treatments like spray tans.
She emphasized feeling undervalued for her intelligence and capabilities, leading to her decision to leave the show.
The environment clashed with her values, leaving her with a sense of discomfort and dissatisfaction.
In addition to her reality TV ventures, rumors surfaced about Meghan’s alleged interest in joining the cast of Made in Chelsea, a British reality series known for its affluent cast members.
However, her aspirations in that direction were met with skepticism, as she was not a natural fit for the show’s elite social circle.
Furthermore, speculations linking Meghan to disgraced Hollywood figure Harvey Weinstein raised eyebrows, hinting at potential connections within the entertainment industry.
Despite these rumors, Meghan’s focus on her humanitarian work and advocacy remained steadfast, distancing herself from controversies and questionable associations.
As Meghan’s journey continues to unfold beyond the glitz and glamour of reality TV, her resilience and determination to carve out a meaningful path separate her from the typical narrative of celebrity pursuits.
Her experiences serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals navigating the intersection of fame, identity, and personal values in the public eye.