Bob Barker became a national treasure as longtime host of The Price Is Right. The beloved game show made “Come on Down,” Plinko, and Showcase Showdown iconic. But beyond the bright lights, sparkly sets and prize giveaways there was a seemingly darker side, perhaps not untypical of the era. At the center was Barker himself, who faced multiple allegations of having a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and discrimination over his 35-year run that ended in 2007.
Now, many of the “Barker’s Beauties” and former crew members are breaking their silence on what went on behind the scenes in new documentary Dirty Rotten Scandals. Premiering March 18, the two back-to-back episodes of the E! documentary series pulls from original reporting from journalist David Kushner. Holly Hallstrom, a former “Barker’s Beauties” model from 1977-1995, saw the project as an opportunity to share her truth.
Barker sued Hallstrom for libel and slander, following her decision to speak to media outlets including the TV show Hard Copy after she said she was fired in October 1995 because of weight gain due to medication. Hallstrom saw this as retaliation after the longtime show staple refused to go on the record against Barker when fellow “Beauty” Dian Parkinson sued him for sexual harassment in 1994.
Hallstrom refused to back down and stayed in the legal fight for five years. The expenses she incurred resulted in her going broke, selling her house, and even living in her car at one point. Barker dropped the lawsuit 48 hours before trial. Hallstrom then countersued for wrongful termination, and malicious prosecution. A settlement was offered with an NDA, which she passed on. In 2005, she defeated the TV titan in the legal battle, finally leaving her free to tell her story.
Here, Hallstrom opens up about participating in the doc and what she is up to today.
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Television
