Meghan Markle stated that she was most anxious about interviewing Paris Hilton for her podcast “Archetypes” due to her preconceived beliefs on the reality celebrity.
The 41-year-old Duchess of Sussex spoke to Variety for the publication’s digital cover, which was issued on Wednesday, about her new podcast that strives to dispel common female stereotypes. Previous guests have included Serena Williams, Mindy Kaling, and Mariah Carey, whose appearances focused on the nuances of the term “diva.”
When asked about the most difficult interview, Meghan replied it was with Paris Hilton, who appeared in the most recent episode of the series titled “Breaking down ‘The Bimbo’” alongside comic Iliza Shlesinger. Meghan explained to Matt Donnelly of Variety that her nerves originated from her opinions regarding Hilton.
“I was particularly anxious regarding her interview. I was ashamed to admit it, but I’ve formed an opinion on her based on all I’ve observed “Meghan stated. She also stated that a portion of her judgment stemmed from her belief that she “did not grow up pretty.”
Paris Hilton DJ’ing in Los Angeles in 2022.
Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage/Getty
“I grew up as the intelligent one. Envy and judgment – two of the most perilous emotions — occupied the majority of my thoughts when I considered Paris “she said to Variety
Meghan concluded the podcast segment by stating that she would query what could “possibly be wrong” with Hilton’s life because she was “pretty, wealthy, and famous.”
Meghan continued, “Because my entire sense of self-confidence was based on my intelligence and not my appearance, I found a way to transfer all of my judgment and envy onto her.” “Envy can be really deadly.”
However, after learning of the trauma Hilton said she endured as a kid during her time at Provo Canyon School — a Utah correctional institution where the celebrity told The Times of London in 2020 that she was abused — Meghan stated that she had changed her mind.
Hilton stated on the show that she was 16 years old when her parents sent her to the boarding school she described as “very violent” physically and mentally.
“Every day, it was all about breaking you down,” Hilton explained. It was the worst and most terrible event of my life.
She continued, “Every day I prayed to God, ‘please just wake me up from this nightmare’.”
In 2000, after Hilton’s departure, Provo Canyon School changed hands. The school’s representatives did not immediately answer to Insider’s request for comment; however, a spokesman previously told People that the institution “cannot comment on the operations or patient experience prior to that period.”
“You are informed of her trauma, her past, and her adoption of this character. Ultimately, I expressed regret for having judged her. I desired for her to feel secure and at ease “Meghan told the media. This episode is not presented as a defense of Paris; rather, it humanizes her.
Meghan Markle appeared on “Deal or No Deal” on NBC in 2006.
NBC/Getty Images
Throughout the program, Meghan discussed how she felt objectified during her brief stint as a “briefcase lady” on “Deal or no Deal” in 2006, where she was treated as a “bimbo.” She appeared in the second season of the show, which aired between 2006 and 2007.
Meghan stated, “it was just about beauty and not necessarily intelligence.” I was surrounded by intelligent women on the platform with me, but that wasn’t the reason we were there, and I left with a pit in my stomach.
Representatives for Paris Hilton and Meghan Markle did not reply promptly to an inquiry from Insider.