**Somaya Reece Reflects on Her Time as a Model on ‘The Price Is Right’ Amidst Discussions of Discrimination**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Somaya-Reece-bob-barker-the-price-is-right-040826-8a168f8254664612a11b00b3e8313f2b.jpg)
Somaya Reece, once one of the iconic “Barker’s Beauties” on the long-running game show *The Price Is Right*, has opened up about her personal experiences while working on the show during the early 2000s. Her reflections come in the wake of recent discussions prompted by E!’s docuseries, *Dirty Rotten Scandals*, where fellow model Claudia Jordan detailed her experiences of discrimination and harassment.
On April 7, Reece took to Instagram to share her journey, providing a glimpse into her life and career leading up to her time on the game show. She described how, before her appearance on *The Price Is Right*, she was already working steadily as an actress in scripted television, films, and national commercials. Reece emphasised this significant moment in her career, reflecting on how she was “freshly discovered by top agents from humble beginnings” in the entertainment industry.
In her post, she recalled the excitement she felt when she was offered a contract with CBS, which she expressed was a pinnacle achievement. This moment carried additional significance for her, as she fondly remembered watching the show as a child with her grandmother, who would often enjoy it while using subtitles. The nostalgia tied to that moment made it particularly special for Reece, highlighting the emotional connection she holds with the programme.
Reece also made a significant statement regarding her identity, noting that she is proud to have been the first Salvadoran Afro-Latina to land a role on a major national television programme. This milestone highlighted both personal achievement and broader representation in an industry often critiqued for its lack of diversity. “I was honoured to receive a hefty CBS contract and be part of something so iconic,” she wrote, underscoring the importance of her role.
In the context of Jordan’s account in the docuseries, where she described experiences of racism, Reece provided a contrasting perspective on her own time on the show. She recounted her interactions with the show’s host, Bob Barker, which she described as positive and courteous. Their brief encounters were characterised by polite greetings and compliments, leading her to express disbelief when hearing about Jordan’s experiences of discrimination and harassment on the set.
Reece recognised the disparity between her experiences and those of others involved in the show. She conveyed that it was heartbreaking to hear the accounts shared in *Dirty Rotten Scandals*, emphasising that personal narratives in the industry can vary significantly. “It’s a reminder that you never fully know what someone else may be experiencing behind the scenes,” she said. This acknowledgment served to underscore the complexity of shared spaces, where varied truths can coexist.
Furthermore, Reece was careful to clarify that her account was not intended to undermine or discount the experiences of her colleagues. “Both truths can exist at the same time,” she asserted, expressing solidarity with those who have faced challenges in their careers. Her commitment to supporting women and creating space for their voices highlighted her compassion for those who have felt marginalized.
Reece concluded her message by commending the courage of women who have come forward to share their stories. She extended her support to those who have encountered pain and adversity, stating emphatically, “Their voices matter, and I stand in support of them.” This sentiment highlights a growing movement within the entertainment industry to acknowledge and address issues of discrimination and inequality.
As discussions surrounding workplace culture continue to evolve, Reece’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of both the strides made in representation and the work still necessary to ensure all individuals feel safe and valued in their professional environments. Her story is a testament to the importance of dialogue and solidarity among women in the industry; the ongoing challenge lies in ensuring that all voices are heard and validated.