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Howie Mandel Weighs In on Meghan Markle’s Bimbo Controversy
In a recent discussion surrounding Meghan Markle's remarks about her time on the game show “Deal or No Deal,” former host Howie Mandel has broken his silence.
His comments come in response to Markle's claims that she felt objectified during her stint on the show.
Mandel expressed his perspective, stating that he has never encountered anyone who seemed to complain about their experience, including Markle herself.
According to him, her desire for more fulfillment was simply a personal aspiration rather than a grievance.
Mandel reflected on his own experience while hosting the show, admitting that standing in front of 26 women made him feel somewhat objectified himself.
“I felt like a bimbo,” he stated candidly.
He described the scene vividly, recalling how he felt like he was on display, dressed sharply in a suit while the contestants gazed at him.
It was an unusual position for him, as he emphasized that he is more than just a figure to be looked at.
Despite these feelings, Mandel reassured fans that the workplace atmosphere on “Deal or No Deal” was positive.
He highlighted that many of the models, often labeled as mere “briefcase girls,” were actually accomplished individuals.
He pointed out that one of the women had graduated from law school and became a lawyer while the show was still airing.
This acknowledgment sheds light on the intelligence and capability of those involved in the show.
Markle's controversial statements ignited a firestorm of responses online, with social media users and former show employees voicing their opinions.
Notably, Whoopi Goldberg, a co-host on “The View,” chimed in, dismissing Markle's comments.
She argued that taking roles that may seem beneath one's qualifications is simply part of the entertainment industry.
“When you're a performer, you take the gig,” Goldberg remarked, emphasizing the nature of showbiz.
Royal expert Ulrika Johnson also weighed in on the debate, questioning Markle's commitment to feminism.
Johnson suggested that Markle's focus on her role as a briefcase girl perpetuates the very stereotype she claims to oppose.
“It reduced her to being a bimbo and made her feel she was valued for her beauty and not her brains,” Johnson stated, expressing her discontent with Markle's narrative.
In a further critique, Johnson challenged Markle's perspective on the show's production.
She argued that the roles were created for women who were eager to seize the opportunity, regardless of the nature of the job.
This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among critics who believe Markle's comments undermine the experiences of those who participated willingly.
Adding another layer to the conversation, a former stylist from “Deal or No Deal,” Dina Kershian, shared her thoughts on Instagram.
She expressed her love for the show and her pride in designing the looks for the contestants and Mandel.
Kershian's post highlighted the joy and fulfillment she derived from her work, contrasting sharply with Markle's recent criticisms.
Sources close to Markle revealed that she has grown accustomed to criticism over the years.
They noted that she understands the tendency of some critics to label her a hypocrite, particularly regarding her past choices.
This ongoing scrutiny, especially concerning a job she left long ago, is something Markle has learned to navigate without becoming overly affected.
As the debate continues to unfold, it's clear that Markle's comments have sparked a larger conversation about the roles women play in the entertainment industry and the perceptions surrounding them.
Mandel's insights, along with the responses from others, illustrate the complex dynamics at play in this discourse.
Ultimately, the discussion raises important questions about empowerment and representation in media.