RHOA: Claudia Jordan Disputes Meghan Markle’s Deal Or No Deal Claims
Former The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member, Claudia Jordan, addresses negative comments that Meghan Markle made on her podcast about her time spent as a model on Deal or no Deal. Claudia worked as a model on Deal or No Deal from 2005 until 2009, and Meghan spent just one year, from 2006 to 2007, working alongside her as a model as well. While they seemed to have begun their career together, both women have advanced themselves in very different ways.
When looking back on their experience on the show, both women have conflicting views. On a recent episode of her Archetypes podcast, Meghan talks with Paris Hilton about what it means to be a « bimbo. » She defines the word as a woman who is not taken seriously and argues that this is how she was treated on Deal or No Deal. Former RHOA cast member Claudia, who is no stranger to speaking her mind, recalls her time spent on the show very differently. In an interview with Deadline, Claudia says « Deal or No Deal never treated us like bimbos. We got so many opportunities because of that show. »
Claudia goes on to say that she viewed her modeling gig with Deal or No Deal as an opportunity to make something of herself. She says that the producers chose five models who they believed to have the best personalities to be allowed some time with a microphone, so the viewers would be able to put a voice to their faces. The former RHOA star says that she made sure to shine and get as much air time as possible, which makes the show seem like a godsend for new actresses looking for a big break. She also wanted to make it clear that Howie Mandel was nothing but kind to all the cast members.
Meghan, who’s had other roles since, seems to agree with this sentiment. On her podcast, she explains that she was happy to land the television job, as she was making a substantial amount of money, and was finally part of the union which gave her health benefits. The reason why she spoke out, though, is because she wanted to address a bigger problem in Hollywood—negative treatment of women.
Claudia is now part of the very successful Real Housewives franchise, and Meghan is the Duchess of Sussex. Both women have reached great success since their time on the show where they got their start. However, now that Meghan has a much larger platform than ever before, she wants to reach her audience in a way that she might be able to make a difference. On the podcast that Claudia was so judgmental of, Meghan speaks with two women who are known for utilizing their « bimbo » personas to advance their careers right under the noses of spectators. Meghan was just trying to shed light on the unnecessary negative connotations that come with the term ‘bimbo,’ while The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Claudia seems to have been more concerned with clearing the name of the show that gave her a start.
Source: Archetypes/Podcast, Deadline
