Patti Stanger Supports Jill Zarin Amid 'Below Deck' Controversy: Friendship and Diet Coke Reign Supreme

Patti Stanger was surprised by the huge reaction to Jill Zarin's recent appearance on Bravo's Below Deck. "I knew about it. I think they went crazy," Stanger, 62, revealed exclusively to We.

While promoting her new CW series, The Matchmaker, Stanger shared some insights about Zarin's preference sheet. "I saw her rider. All she wants is Diet Coke," Stanger said. "She's my best friend. My whole refrigerator is stocked with Diet Coke for her."

Stanger mentioned that Zarin prefers simple things over fancy items, such as enjoying frozen yogurt and Diet Coke. Stanger expressed confusion about the situation, saying she could survive on those two things forever without any complaints.

Stanger shared that Zarin, who is 60 years old, felt that the criticism she received after her episode on Below Deck was unfair. Zarin appeared on the show as a guest for a two-day charter but her demands became overwhelming for the crew.

Barbie Pascual expressed her frustration with Jill in a confessional, calling her overwhelming and annoying. She felt that Jill was a freeloading guest who was extremely demanding, and she believed that it was too much for her to handle. Barbie later apologized via social media after the episode aired.

Patti Stanger Defends Best Friend Jill Zarin s Below Deck Drama All She Wants Is Diet Coke 609

After the episode aired, fans went on social media to talk about Zarin's preference sheet. One page was all about Zarin's love for Diet Coke over Diet Pepsi.

"If you can't get it in advance, just let me know and I'll bring some back from the States! I drink at least 10 cans of Diet Coke every day," she mentioned, also noting it in the liquor section. "Jill only drinks Diet Coke on the rocks."

Before Zarin's appearance on Below Deck aired, chief steward Fraser Olender mentioned that there were no hard feelings, stating in February, "She's sweet. She's very lovely and very funny — but demanding. [But] all guests are demanding. They're charter guests and they have their preferences, which can be frustrating at times."

Zarin pointed fingers at Olender for certain issues that arose during the charter.

On the Tuesday, April 9, episode of the “Juicy Scoop” podcast, she shared, “I went into it with the attitude that I want to make a good show. I was just being myself. I acted the way I do in real life. If I enjoy my Diet Coke, I'll have another. If I don't like it, I'll send it back. If I'm not satisfied with my food, I'll ask for a replacement. It's something most people do.”

Zarin expressed her disappointment with the trip, placing blame on the head stew for the disastrous experience. She participated in the show at the request of her friends who wanted to be on TV, and she didn't mind joining them as long as she stayed true to herself.

Aside from her Bravo duties, Stanger is now hosting a new show called The Matchmaker on The CW. This project was inspired by fans who were curious about how dating has changed during the COVID pandemic. Stanger has also collaborated with Eye of Love for this venture.

"It’s a different departure from Millionaire Matchmaker," she mentioned when talking about her past show. "There are elements of Millionaire Matchmaker, and I’m grateful to Bravo for that. You can stream it now on Netflix. But this new show was different. It came about because many people reached out to me post-pandemic, wondering why they were still single. We explored topics like ancestral trauma, attachment styles, and narcissism."

Stanger expressed her appreciation for The CW for giving her "free reign" to create a show that challenges viewers' love patterns. She noted, "It's exciting and groundbreaking. While we have shows like Love Is Blind and The Bachelor, this show is unique. Even though my cohost is Nick Viall from The Bachelor, we are delving into uncharted territory. It's like a social experiment. What about those individuals at home who aren't meeting new people because they're stuck indoors?"

She explained that technology is evolving rapidly, but our biology remains the same, leading to a growing disconnect in society. She expressed concern that we are increasingly living in a fantasy world and predicted that the future will be dominated by artificial intelligence, likening it to living in a matrix.

Catch the premiere of The Matchmaker on The CW on Thursday, April 11th at 8 p.m. ET.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi

Editor's P/S:

Patti Stanger's insight into Jill Zarin's "Below Deck" experience and her subsequent defense of Zarin's demands highlight the complexities of reality television. While Stanger suggests that Zarin's preferences were relatively simple, the fact that they became a focal point of the show raises questions about the validity of portraying such moments as authentic. It is possible that the production team deliberately amplified Zarin's demands for entertainment value, or that Zarin herself played up her diva persona for the cameras. Ultimately, the viewer is left to wonder whether the "reality" presented on reality television is a true reflection of the individuals involved or a carefully crafted narrative.

Stanger's new show, "The Matchmaker," also warrants attention. The premise of addressing ancestral trauma, attachment styles, and narcissism in the context of dating is both intriguing and necessary. By exploring the psychological and emotional factors that influence our romantic relationships, Stanger aims to offer a more holistic approach to finding love. Whether the show succeeds in breaking new ground and providing meaningful insights remains to be seen, but it certainly has the potential to challenge conventional dating norms and inspire viewers to re-examine their own patterns and beliefs.