Former models from the iconic game show The Price is Right have come forward with disturbing allegations of a sexually charged and toxic workplace environment during the tenure of the late host Bob Barker. These revelations are featured in the new E! News docuseries, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which premiered on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, shedding light on the darker side of the beloved television program.
Allegations of Inappropriate Behaviour on Set
Kathleen Bradley, who served as one of the so-called "Barker's Beauties" from 1990 to 2000, described an atmosphere where male crew members would openly stare and make inappropriate advances. She recalled a specific incident involving a stagehand who would rub up against the models under the guise of joking around. Bradley emphasized that this behaviour was widespread and tolerated, stating, "I found out this is a little more commonplace than I thought."
Lack of Action from Producers
When Bradley reported the harassment to producers, she was shocked that no disciplinary measures were taken. "To my surprise, no action was taken. I was really taken aback. This was really sexual harassment," she explained. In response, Bradley took matters into her own hands, orchestrating a retaliatory incident where she "accidentally" hit the stagehand in the groin with a golf club, highlighting the models' desperation and exhaustion from the ongoing mistreatment.
Host Bob Barker's Alleged Role
Fellow model Holly Hallstrom, who appeared on the show from 1977 to 1995, added that complaints to Barker himself were met with dismissal. She claimed that Barker would have told any model who spoke up to "get over it or look for a new job." This culture of silence and intimidation reportedly allowed the harassment to persist unchecked for years.
The Ineffective "10-Second Rule"
In an attempt to address the numerous complaints, the network implemented a "10-second rule," which supposedly limited how long staff could stare at the models. However, Hallstrom dismissed this as a mere appeasement tactic, noting, "There was no one monitoring how long the guys were staring at the models. It was a joke. They did things that made it look like they were taking action, so you will stop complaining and go away."
Historical Lawsuit and Its Impact
The allegations against Barker are not entirely new. In 1994, model Dian Parkinson sued Barker, accusing him of coercing her into a sexual relationship under threat of termination. Barker denied these claims, asserting that the relationship was consensual. Parkinson withdrew her lawsuit in 1995, citing the severe toll it took on her mental health. Hallstrom reflected on this period, saying, "It took a toll. There was fighting on the sets, yelling, and it was massive. And it ultimately, I think, destroyed The Price is Right."
Legacy of the Show Under Scrutiny
Bob Barker, who hosted The Price is Right from 1972 to 2007 and passed away in 2023 at age 99, was long celebrated for his charismatic presence. Yet, this docuseries challenges that wholesome image, exposing a pattern of alleged misconduct that tarnishes the show's legacy. The models' accounts paint a picture of a workplace where harassment was normalized and victims felt powerless to seek justice.
The premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: The Price Is Right on E! has sparked renewed discussion about workplace safety and accountability in the entertainment industry, urging a reevaluation of how such environments are managed and the lasting impact on those involved.
