**Behind the Scenes: Former Models Reveal Unsettling Environment on ‘The Price Is Right’**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kathleen-bradley-holly-hallstrom-0f3fef482eb347e4abd77da384b6ae5b.jpg)
The long-running CBS game show, ‘The Price Is Right’, hosted by Bob Barker from 1972 to 2007, is currently under scrutiny as former models recount their experiences of an uncomfortable work environment, characterised by unprofessional behaviour and allegations of sexual harassment. Kathleen Bradley and Holly Hallstrom, who were part of Barker’s entourage of models, spoke candidly about their time on the show in an exclusive clip from E!’s upcoming docuseries, *Dirty Rotten Scandals*.
Bradley, in her reflection on the early days of the programme, noted a friendly atmosphere upon her arrival. However, she soon realised that inappropriate behaviour was pervasive among some male crew members, stating, “I kind of noticed the guys were talking, looking, gawking at the girls. I found out this was a little more commonplace than I thought.” This behaviour sparked a growing sense of discomfort, one that would eventually lead her to take action.
The allegations were not limited to mere observation; they included more overt instances of misconduct. Producer Barbara Hunter provided an alarming account of harassment she faced, recalling the moment a male colleague inappropriately touched her while they were in an elevator. “I had to push him away; I didn’t say anything,” she shared. “It became instinct to know how to handle it.” This culture of harassment appeared to be systemic, as several models and staff members later echoed similar concerns.
Bradley described one particularly unsettling experience with a stagehand. She noted that his friendly attitude crossed the line into inappropriate physical contact. “He would rub up against us, joking around. It’s totally inappropriate,” Bradley stated, revealing that her complaints to producers went unaddressed, leaving her stunned. This lack of response compelled her to resort to her own means of self-defence, highlighting the need for protective measures in the workplace.
Amidst these unsettling accounts, Hallstrom offered her perspective, suggesting that any complaints about the treatment of models would have been dismissively handled by Bob Barker himself, who, she claimed, would tell them to “get over it or look for a new job.” Such remarks indicate a troubling lack of support for those who sought to speak out against misconduct.
The troubling issues at ‘The Price Is Right’ eventually escalated, prompting female staff to voice their grievances up the chain of command at CBS. Allegations reportedly led to the introduction of a so-called “10-Second Rule,” which set a limit on how long male staff could openly gaze at the models. “There was no one monitoring how long the guys were staring at the models,” Hallstrom remarked. She dismissed the rule as mere window dressing, stating that it seemed more like an attempt to appease complaints rather than an effective policy designed to instigate real change.
The discord reached a peak during an alleged affair between Barker and model Dian Parkinson, which further complicated the environment on set. Hallstrom recounted the tension that arose from this situation, describing how it led to shouting matches and heightened emotions, ultimately suggesting that it contributed to the show’s downfall.
The revelations from Bradley and Hallstrom portray a behind-the-scenes culture at ‘The Price Is Right’ that many viewers may find startling. While the show has entertained audiences for decades, this darker side sheds light on the treatment of women in the entertainment industry, particularly during the era when such behaviour often went unchecked.
*Dirty Rotten Scandals: The Price Is Right* is set to premiere on E! on March 18 at 9:00 PM ET/PT, featuring these alarming yet eye-opening testimonies. As the series unfolds, it promises to provide a deeper exploration of the issues faced by women in the entertainment world, igniting important discussions about workplace conduct that remain relevant today. In an industry striving for equality and respect, the stories of those who endured such environments serve as an urgent reminder of the work still needed to ensure safer conditions for all.