The Moth Podcast Summary: Jillian Lauren - "The Prince & I"
Introduction
In the October 22, 2013 episode of The Moth titled "The Prince & I," storyteller Gillian Lauren shares her harrowing yet transformative experience as an 18-year-old NYU dropout thrust into the opulent yet perilous world of Brunei's royalty. Hosted by Dan Kennedy, this narrative delves deep into themes of ambition, exploitation, and self-discovery.
Background: A Dreamer in New York
Gillian Lauren begins by painting a vivid picture of her life in New York City. At 18, she had dropped out of NYU and was struggling to make ends meet by dancing at the Kit Kat Club on 56th and Broadway. Her yearning for a more extraordinary existence set the stage for the adventure that was about to unfold.
“I wanted nothing less than transformation. I wanted so badly for my life to be something more exceptional...” [03:30]
The Opportunity: A Casting Call with Royalty
A friend approached Gillian with a casting call to entertain wealthy businessmen in Singapore. Initially, it seemed akin to her current gigs, but the truth was far more extravagant. She was to become the personal guest of Prince Jeffrey Bolkiah, the youngest brother of the Sultan of Brunei, who was then the richest man in the world.
“I fantasized that I might get to Brunei and find a wild adventure and a pile of money...” [04:15]
Arrival in Brunei: Opulence Meets Reality
Upon arriving at Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, Gillian was greeted by Secret Service agents and escorted to the royal compound. The grandeur was overwhelming—gold-domed structures, lavish pools, and extravagant furnishings that resembled a fantastical resort.
“The royal compound was immense. It looked like a resort in Fort Lauderdale if it had been imagined by Aladdin.” [05:45]
Despite her initial excitement, doubts began to surface as she adjusted to the reality of her role, suspecting she was being groomed for exploitation rather than a fairy-tale romance.
The Reality: Life as a Royal Companion
Gillian describes the nights filled with extravagant parties where alcohol flowed despite its illegality in Brunei. These gatherings were reminiscent of reality TV shows like The Bachelor, with women from around the world competing for the prince's attention.
“It was like the original Bachelor.” [07:20]
Despite her efforts, she found herself overlooked as other women seemed to effortlessly capture the prince's interest. This period of rejection led her to question her own worth and skills in navigating such a high-stakes social environment.
The Turning Point: Confronting Exploitation
After two weeks without making significant progress, Gillian experienced a terrifying ordeal. She was taken from the palace and confined in a cold, unfamiliar office building. Stranded and fearful, she awaited an uncertain fate, contemplating the highly dangerous implications of her situation.
“I could vanish at that moment. There would be no culpability. There was nothing I could do about it.” [12:10]
This moment of vulnerability culminated in her encounter with the prince, who rescued her from the oppressive environment. Their interaction sparked a complex mix of gratitude and a desire for validation, blurring the lines between affection and coercion.
“In extreme circumstances, the combination of gratitude and a desire to be valued can look very much like love.” [14:30]
Resolution: Realization and Liberation
As Gillian became closer to the prince, she rose to become his second favorite girlfriend. However, the façade began to crumble as the demands became more explicit and the oppressive environment increasingly unbearable.
A pivotal incident during a business trip to Malaysia triggered her realization of her true predicament. The prince's unpredictable behavior and the symbolic interactions, such as being taken to the roof under suspicious circumstances, highlighted the precariousness of her situation.
“I thought, what would Patti Smith do? And the answer was, she wouldn't be there.” [16:50]
Ultimately, Gillian recognized the futility of remaining in an environment that stripped her of freedom and self-worth. She made the courageous decision to leave Brunei, vowing never to return.
“I walked away from the Prince and I never went back.” [19:00]
Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Self-Discovery
Gillian Lauren concludes her story with profound reflections on her journey. She acknowledges the complexity of her emotions and the enduring impact of her experiences. What began as a quest for transformation led her to a deeper understanding of her own resilience and the importance of self-love over external validation.
“I can usually say that I think [Patti Smith] would like where I wound up. I think she would stay here.” [21:05]
Through her narrative, Gillian imparts valuable insights into the illusions of glamour and the harsh realities that often lie beneath the surface. Her story serves as a testament to personal growth and the enduring quest for authentic self-fulfillment.
Notable Quotes
- “I wanted nothing less than transformation. I wanted so badly for my life to be something more exceptional...” – Gillian Lauren [03:30]
- “I fantasized that I might get to Brunei and find a wild adventure and a pile of money...” – Gillian Lauren [04:15]
- “The royal compound was immense. It looked like a resort in Fort Lauderdale if it had been imagined by Aladdin.” – Gillian Lauren [05:45]
- “It was like the original Bachelor.” – Gillian Lauren [07:20]
- “I could vanish at that moment. There would be no culpability. There was nothing I could do about it.” – Gillian Lauren [12:10]
- “In extreme circumstances, the combination of gratitude and a desire to be valued can look very much like love.” – Gillian Lauren [14:30]
- “I thought, what would Patti Smith do? And the answer was, she wouldn't be there.” – Gillian Lauren [16:50]
- “I walked away from the Prince and I never went back.” – Gillian Lauren [19:00]
- “I can usually say that I think [Patti Smith] would like where I wound up. I think she would stay here.” – Gillian Lauren [21:05]
Final Thoughts
Gillian Lauren's story on The Moth is a compelling exploration of ambition gone awry and the resilience required to reclaim one's identity. Her candid recounting offers listeners a gripping narrative filled with emotional depth and critical self-reflection, making it a memorable addition to The Moth's collection of true stories.