Content Warning: This article references accusations of sexual harassment. Reader discretion is advised.
Holly Hallstrom, who worked on The Price Is Right for 18 years, has spoken out for the first time about sexual harassment allegations against host Bob Barker.
Holly was featured on the classic game show as one of the iconic “Barker’s Beauties” — somewhat of an old-fashioned portrayal of women by today’s standards. When Bob was sued for sexual harassment by another model, Dian Parkinson, in 1994, Holly refused to publicly support the host. Now, as part of the E! documentary series Dirty Rotten Scandals, she is sharing her side of the story.
Dirty Rotten Scandals on E! sees Holly Hallstrom break her silence
In 1995, Holly was fired from the show for gaining 14 pounds, which she said was from prescription medication. However, the model later alleged she was dismissed due to her refusal to support Bob in his lawsuit from Dian.
Following Holly’s departure, the studio received angry letters from viewers, leading to suspicions that she had bad-mouthed Bob. In a suit named Barker v. Hallstrom, Bob sued Holly for libel and slander. However, the TV icon dropped the suit before it even came to trial.
In a counter-suit named Hallstrom v. Barker, Holly sued for age, weight, and medical discrimination, wrongful termination, and malicious prosecution. The trial went on for five years, despite being offered a settlement by Bob. However, the settlement involved a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), and Holly refused to back down.
Later, Holly outright won the lengthy legal battle, with the host ordered to pay her legal fees.
“It was pure stubbornness because I knew I had the truth. That I could win. That I could beat him with the truth, and I did,” Holly told TV Insider.
Additionally, the model said “I’m so grateful for this documentary, so that everyone, but especially the fans can hear what really happened.” She continued, “I was not the fat, lying, difficult to work with person that nobody liked as I was portrayed to be.”
TELL US – HAVE YOU SEEN THE DOCUMENTARY?
