‘Price Is Right’ Model Holly Hallstrom Eviscerates Late Host Bob Barker: ‘I Hate That Man’
Holly Hallstrom’s Bold Statement About Bob Barker
Holly Hallstrom, once a beloved model on the iconic game show *The Price Is Right*, has recently made headlines with her scathing remarks about the show’s late host, Bob Barker. In a candid interview coinciding with her appearance on E!’s docuseries *Dirty Rotten Scandals*, Hallstrom did not hold back, declaring, “I hate that man.” This strong statement sheds light on a long-standing feud that has remained largely under wraps until now.
Hallstrom’s animosity toward Barker stems from her controversial firing in 1995 after two decades on the show. She explained that her refusal to testify in court on Barker’s behalf during a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by fellow model Dian Parkinson was the catalyst for her being placed on Barker’s so-called “s–t list.” Hallstrom was the only one among Barker’s models who declined to give a deposition, fearing it would amount to felony perjury. This act of defiance, she believes, was the final straw for Barker.
Despite the network’s inability to officially fire her for this reason, Barker allegedly used Hallstrom’s weight as a pretext to remove her from the show. “He said I was overweight, and that’s why I was off the show,” Hallstrom revealed. She recounted being sidelined on camera, hidden behind large props, and cut out of half the episodes, which she saw as clear evidence of Barker’s vendetta.
The Fallout: Legal Battles and Personal Struggles
Hallstrom’s departure from *The Price Is Right* was not just a professional setback but a deeply personal blow. She described feeling “devastated” and unwilling to retire, but ultimately having “no choice” but to leave due to Barker’s insistence. After speaking out about her firing, Barker retaliated with a defamation lawsuit, dragging Hallstrom through a grueling legal battle that lasted a decade.
The prolonged court fight left Hallstrom emotionally and financially drained. She eventually countersued Barker for malicious prosecution, and although the case was settled out of court, Hallstrom maintains that Barker would have pursued the matter again if given the chance. “Even though he lost, he would’ve done it again in a heartbeat,” she said.
Since Barker’s death in August 2023 at the age of 99, Hallstrom has found a sense of liberation in sharing her story openly. “They say the truth will set you free. Man, it set me free. Absolutely, 100 percent,” she expressed. Her willingness to speak candidly about Barker’s behavior and their bitter fallout offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of one of television’s longest-running game shows.
Bob Barker’s Legacy and the Impact on ‘The Price Is Right’
Hallstrom’s revelations paint a complex picture of Bob Barker, describing him as a “narcissistic egomaniac” who became increasingly difficult to manage after the death of his wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon. According to Hallstrom, Barker’s grief unleashed a darker side, leading to personal and professional turmoil.
She recounted that following a period of mourning, Barker became “Mr. Man About Town,” moving on with longtime girlfriend Nancy Burnet and allegedly engaging in an affair with Dian Parkinson during their relationship. This scandal, Hallstrom claims, caused significant tension on the *Price Is Right* set, with frequent fights and yelling disrupting the once harmonious environment.
Ultimately, Hallstrom believes these internal conflicts contributed to the decline of the show’s atmosphere and possibly its enduring success. Her candid account challenges the polished public image of Barker and reveals the human struggles behind the scenes.
Conclusion: The Untold Story Behind ‘The Price Is Right’ Model’s Feud With Bob Barker
Holly Hallstrom’s outspoken criticism of Bob Barker offers a compelling and controversial perspective on the legacy of *The Price Is Right* and its legendary host. Her story highlights issues of power dynamics, workplace conflict, and the personal costs of standing up for one’s principles. As fans and viewers reflect on the show’s history, Hallstrom’s revelations serve as a reminder that behind every iconic television moment lies a complex human story.
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