‘The Price Is Right’ Model Reveals Bob Barker’s Dark Side in New Documentary
The new E! docuseries Dirty Rotten Scandals casts fresh light on long-standing claims about The Price Is Right. The project collects accounts from former models and crew who allege a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and discrimination during Bob Barker’s decades on the show.
Allegations and the documentary
The series premieres March 18 with two back-to-back episodes. It draws on original reporting by journalist David Kushner.
Former models known as “Barker’s Beauties” appear on camera. They describe troubling behavior behind the bright lights of the iconic game show known for “Come on Down,” Plinko, and the Showcase Showdown.
Key figures and claims
Holly Hallstrom, a model on the series from 1977 to 1995, is a central voice. She says she was fired in October 1995 after weight gain from medication.
Hallstrom also describes earlier pressure to testify against fellow model Dian Parkinson. Parkinson had sued Bob Barker for sexual harassment in 1994. Several former staffers and models who had remained silent now speak in the new episodes.
Holly Hallstrom’s legal battle
After going public with her account, Hallstrom says Barker sued her for libel and slander. The suit followed her interviews with media outlets, including Hard Copy.
She fought the case for roughly five years. The legal fight cost her financially. Hallstrom says she sold her house and at one point lived in her car.
Barker dropped the lawsuit 48 hours before trial. Hallstrom then countersued for wrongful termination and malicious prosecution. She declined a settlement that included a nondisclosure agreement. In 2005 she prevailed in the legal fight.
Responses and ripple effects
Some former models credit Hallstrom with inspiring their own actions. Claudia Jordan told filmmakers Hallstrom gave her strength before filing a suit against producer Phil Wayne Rossi.
That suit alleged racial discrimination, a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination. Hallstrom says she was moved to learn others felt empowered by her persistence.
Emotional toll and perspective
Hallstrom describes taking part in the documentary as both cathartic and exhausting. She had planned for years to find a journalist who would tell her full story.
She also said she waited until she was sure Barker was dead before engaging publicly. Reliving the events dredged up painful memories, she told Filmogaz.com.
Life after the spotlight
Hallstrom says she rebuilt a life focused on helping others. She now works in San Diego teaching therapeutic practices and neuro-linguistic programming.
She says her goal is to assist victims of trauma and to share tools she found useful during recovery.
Where and when to watch
Dirty Rotten Scandals airs March 18 at 9/8c on E!. The two-part episode format presents firsthand accounts and archival material.
The Price Is Right model revelations are central to the series. The program aims to show the darker side of a beloved television institution.
