Meghan Markle criticized for Deal or No Deal ‘bimbo’ remark for making the ‘other women feel bad’

The Duchess of Sussex’s podcast comments have been criticized by Whoopi Goldberg who expressed concern for the royal’s former colleagues…

Meghan Markle criticized for recent podcast remark, seen here after attending the National Service of Thanksgiving to Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee
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Meghan Markle has been criticized by Whoopi Goldberg for her recent Deal or No deal “bimbo” comment as the presenter suggested it could've potentially made her former colleagues "feel bad”.  


Getting candid in her latest episode of her Spotify podcast, Archetypes, Meghan Markle has spoken about the stereotypes often conjured by the word “bimbo” with DJ and businesswoman Paris Hilton. During this enlightening discussion, Meghan recalled feeling “objectified” when she worked on the US version of the hit game show Deal or No Deal as a “briefcase model”. Whilst the Duchess of Sussex expressed her huge gratitude for the job, she shared that she wasn’t “thankful” for how it made her feel, which was “not smart.” 

Now a few days after this heartfelt episode was released, Meghan Markle has been criticized by actor and presenter Whoopi Goldberg for the way she spoke about her Deal or No Deal stint. 

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits 1 World Trade Center

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Telling listeners about her experience on Deal or No Deal, Meghan explained, “I didn't like feeling forced to be all looks and little substance. That's how it felt for me at the time, being reduced to this specific archetype, the word bimbo."

Following her remark, Whoopi Goldberg has spoken out about the royal’s comments on The View on October 20th. As reported by The Independent, the star expressed concern over how she believes the remarks could potentially have made the Duchess’ former colleagues “feel bad”. 

“OK, I just want to say that on that show, you basically have a suitcase, and they wanted to know, is this the deal you want, or this is not the deal you want,” Whoopi disclosed to her audience. “I don’t know that the people that are sitting there are thinking about you like that. They’re thinking: ‘I want the money’."

Whoopi added, "The objectification might be coming from you and how you felt about how these women were being portrayed.”

Her co-host Joy Behar then posed the question about why so many game shows are run by men, with a “gorgeous woman” there to turn letters or hold a box, prompting a further discussion. 

Whoopi later went on to explain her own point further, referencing the other women who worked alongside Meghan at the time. 

“My point is, if you see it and that’s how you feel, just maybe, you don’t want to make the other women feel bad because maybe they’re trying to make a living, too,” the host declared.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave Westminster Hall

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Meghan Markle’s Deal or No Deal comments came just a few days before her enlightening Variety cover interview with the royal was shared. In it, Meghan opened up about Queen Elizabeth’s death and spoke about family life with Prince Harry before going on to address another of her former professions - acting. 

The Duchess, who is perhaps best known as an actor for her long-running role in Suits, was asked whether she would ever consider a return to acting now.

“No. I’m done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not,” she declared.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!