MEGHAN Markle’s former Deal or No Deal co-star has fired back after the Duchess of Sussex claimed she was “reduced to a bimbo” and “objectified” on the show.
Real Housewives of Atlanta star Claudia Jordan appeared alongside Meghan, 41, on the game show during the mid-2000s and shared a heated rant at the Duchess for her comments.
Meghan said she was told to "suck it in" by a woman who helped run the US version of the hit game show in 2006.
The order left her feeling "objectified" and "not smart", the Duchess told the latest episode of her Archetypes podcast as she discussed the "dumb blonde" trope.
Meghan held briefcase number 24 during her time as a model on the US version of Deal or No Deal in 2006 – years before she met Prince Harry.
Claudia, 49, starred on the program for four seasons between 2005 to 2009 and took shots at Meghan, stating the show “never treated them like bimbos” and that it helped provide “so many opportunities” for them.
“For clarity – yes getting a modeling gig on a game show isn't necessarily about your intellect, but every show the executive producers picked five models with the most outgoing and fun personalities to place mics on, who they knew would engage with the contestants,” Claudia wrote.
“And Deal or No Deal never treated us like bimbos. We got so many opportunities because of that show.”
Claudia added that the show was the “kind of opportunity” that “is what you make it,” adding “If you just show up and don’t engage – then you’ll just get your check and not get much out of it.
“But if you show up and seize your moments, there’s no limits to what you can do with the opportunity.”
The reality star then went on to say that she enjoyed her time on the show and that it helped launch her career.
"It was a step on the ladder I've been ascending on for 25 years that paid all my bills, put me in front of 13 million people a night, and led to me getting on Celebrity Apprentice, Celebrity Apprentice All Stars, a breast cancer awareness campaign, guest hosting Extra, getting into People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful issue, and so much more," Claudia continued.
She then went on to explain that she wasn't attacking Meghan, but rather defending the TV show.
"Lord knows I've been defending this woman in the media for years," Claudia wrote.
"And I still will, but I just didn't want any misunderstanding about the climate and environment on the Deal or no Deal set.
"And I'm especially protective of Howie Mandel, who was nothing but kind and respectful to all 26 of us."
More to follow…For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at Sun Online.
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