Former 'Price Is Right' Model Breaks Silence on Alleged Abuse by Bob Barker

Holly Hallstrom opens up about her decade-long legal battle against the iconic game show host in new E! docuseries 'Dirty Rotten Scandals'.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:24pm

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A new E! documentary series 'Dirty Rotten Scandals' is pulling back the curtain on the alleged dark side of 'The Price Is Right' during Bob Barker's 35-year tenure as host. At the center of the exposé is former model Holly Hallstrom, who had a decade-long legal battle against Barker after she says she was fired in retaliation for refusing to go on the record against him in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by another model, Dian Parkinson. Hallstrom is now speaking out about the cathartic but difficult process of sharing her experiences for the first time.

Why it matters

The documentary sheds light on the alleged hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and discrimination that reportedly took place behind the scenes of the beloved game show, challenging the public perception of Barker as a national treasure. Hallstrom's story in particular highlights the personal and professional toll that speaking out can take, as she endured a lengthy and costly legal battle before ultimately prevailing.

The details

In 1995, Hallstrom says she was fired from 'The Price Is Right' because of weight gain due to medication. She believes this was retaliation after she refused to go on the record against Barker in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by fellow model Dian Parkinson. Barker then sued Hallstrom for libel and slander, leading to a 5-year legal battle that left Hallstrom broke and at one point living in her car. Hallstrom eventually defeated Barker in court, but the experience was emotionally traumatic. She is now using her story to empower other victims of workplace abuse.

  • In 1994, Dian Parkinson sued Bob Barker for sexual harassment.
  • In October 1995, Holly Hallstrom says she was fired from 'The Price Is Right'.
  • Barker sued Hallstrom for libel and slander in the aftermath of her firing.
  • Hallstrom and Barker were engaged in a 5-year legal battle that ended in 2015 when Hallstrom defeated Barker in court.

The players

Holly Hallstrom

A former 'Barker's Beauties' model on 'The Price Is Right' from 1977 to 1995 who had a decade-long legal battle against Bob Barker after she says she was fired in retaliation for refusing to go on the record against him in a sexual harassment lawsuit.

Bob Barker

The longtime host of 'The Price Is Right' who faced multiple allegations of having a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and discrimination during his 35-year tenure on the show.

Dian Parkinson

A former 'Barker's Beauties' model who sued Bob Barker for sexual harassment in 1994.

Claudia Jordan

A former model on 'The Price Is Right' who was inspired by Hallstrom's story to file her own lawsuit against the game show's former producer for racial discrimination, hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination.

David Kushner

The journalist who connected Hallstrom with the 'Me Too' documentary that led to the creation of 'Dirty Rotten Scandals'.

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What they’re saying

“It has been cathartic to finally speak about it, but also dredged up the memories from the worst time in my life. That has been really difficult. It has been emotionally exhausting.”

— Holly Hallstrom, Former 'The Price Is Right' Model (Dirty Rotten Scandals)

“I cried. I had no idea. I had never met Claudia. The first time I talked to her was through the making of this documentary. When she said that she was moved and passionate and it was so important for her to express that to me, I was overwhelmed. I had no idea she felt that strongly or attributed so much to me. It was a huge surprise.”

— Holly Hallstrom, Former 'The Price Is Right' Model (Dirty Rotten Scandals)

What’s next

The documentary series 'Dirty Rotten Scandals' premieres on E! on March 18, 2026, providing viewers with a deeper look into the alleged abuses that took place behind the scenes of 'The Price Is Right' during Bob Barker's tenure as host.

The takeaway

Holly Hallstrom's story highlights the personal and professional toll that can come with speaking out against powerful figures, as well as the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Her experience also underscores the significant shift in societal attitudes towards workplace harassment and the growing willingness to listen to and believe victims, even decades later.