Former Price is Right Model Exposes Deep-Seated Animosity Towards Bob Barker
Holly Hallstrom, once a prominent figure among the "Barker's Beauties" on the long-running game show The Price is Right, is now speaking out about her profound and lasting hatred for the show's late host, Bob Barker. Hallstrom, who served on the program for 18 years, was terminated in 1995 under circumstances she claims were far more sinister than the official explanation provided.
The Alleged Real Reason Behind Her Dismissal
According to a teaser clip from the new E! docuseries Dirty Rotten Scandals, Hallstrom asserts that her firing was not due to weight issues, as the show initially stated, but rather because she refused to defend Barker in a sexual harassment lawsuit. In the documentary, she is heard saying, "I hate that man," while visibly emotional. The docuseries delves into Barker's affair with fellow model Dian Parkinson, who later sued him for sexual harassment after their breakup.
Hallstrom explained that she was the only model asked to give a deposition in Parkinson's case but declined, stating, "I didn't want to commit felony perjury, which is exactly what it would have been if I gave a testimony." She believes this refusal was the true catalyst for her dismissal, noting that it is illegal to fire an employee for not testifying on an employer's behalf in court. Consequently, she alleges the show resorted to the weight excuse to justify her termination.
Legal Battles and Personal Turmoil
After Hallstrom shared her side of the story with the tabloid show Hard Copy, Barker sued her for defamation, initiating a protracted legal conflict that Hallstrom described as "overwhelming" and "like fighting a giant machine." Barker dropped the case in 2000, but Hallstrom then sued him for malicious prosecution. She rejected a settlement offer that included a non-disclosure agreement, insisting, "He is a shameless, self-promoting liar."
The financial strain of the lawsuit was devastating for Hallstrom. She revealed, "Over the years, I sold my house, savings account, portfolio. All of it was spent just trying to stay in this lawsuit." Ultimately, she "lost everything" and was "totally broke and living out of my car," yet she remained determined not to let Barker win. Hallstrom waited until Barker's death in 2023 at age 99 to speak out again, fearing he would have sued her "again in a heartbeat."
Broader Implications and Show's Environment
The docuseries suggests that the early years of The Price is Right were rife with sexual harassment and racism, adding context to Hallstrom's claims. Another former model, Kathleen Bradley, recalled in the documentary that Parkinson confided about being forced by Barker to engage in unwanted acts in the dressing room. Hallstrom's story highlights the power dynamics and alleged misconduct behind the scenes of the iconic game show.
HuffPost has reached out to The Price is Right for comment on these allegations, but no response has been provided at this time. Hallstrom's account sheds light on the personal and legal struggles faced by those who dared to challenge Barker's authority, underscoring a darker legacy for the beloved television host.
