Former game show host Marc Summers has stated that allegations of a hostile work environment and an inflated ego surrounding the late Bob Barker were "true and then some," reflecting on his own experiences with the iconic television personality.
Summers, known for hosting Nickelodeon's "Double Dare," made these remarks during an appearance on "Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia" while discussing the 40th anniversary of his show. The conversation turned to a recent E! docuseries, "Dirty Rotten Scandals," which detailed accusations of sexual harassment, discrimination, and a toxic atmosphere during Barker's tenure on "The Price Is Right."
Barker, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 99, has faced scrutiny following the docuseries. Summers, who worked with Barker previously, commented, "I think it's too bad that the man's not around to defend himself. However, everything on there was true and then some. I could tell you stories off the air that make your hair curl that were true."
Summers described Barker's ego as being immense, particularly after the death of his wife, Dorothy Jo, in 1981. "When Dorothy Jo (Barker's wife) passed away, he kind of became a different guy, and his ego wouldn't fit in the room," Summers said. He recalled Barker labeling himself "WGMC" – "World's Greatest MC" – on his dressing room door and shirts.
In one anecdote, Summers recounted how fellow game show host Bob Eubanks pranked Barker by hiding the "WGMC" sign. Barker reportedly refused to start taping "The Price Is Right" until the sign was found, leading to Eubanks being contacted to reveal its location under a couch.
Summers also shared a story about Barker's business dealings. When Barker was given an executive producer role and an overall deal at CBS, he needed questions written for game shows he was producing. Summers, then 22, recalled Barker calling him for 25 questions, promising to "take care of" him. Eager to impress, Summers provided 50 questions. When he inquired about payment, Summers received a check for $50, despite having written double the requested amount.
These recollections echo concerns raised by other former "Price Is Right" participants. Holly Hallstrom, one of the show's longtime models known as "Barker's Beauties," claimed in the docuseries that she lost her job after refusing to publicly support Barker amid sexual harassment allegations made by fellow model Dian Parkinson in 1994. Hallstrom stated producers cited weight gain from medication as the reason for her 1995 dismissal.
Parkinson's lawsuit was eventually dropped in 1995, with her attorney citing the emotional and financial toll of the legal battle. Barker at the time claimed vindication, but Hallstrom contested this, stating she would not alter her testimony. She alleged that following this period, she was told her weight was an issue and she was removed from the show.
Hallstrom and Barker were involved in a protracted legal dispute for nearly a decade. She sued for defamation, emotional distress, and discrimination, alleging she was blacklisted in the entertainment industry. Hallstrom stated she rejected settlement offers that included non-disclosure agreements, refusing to be silenced.
Two days before Hallstrom's case was set to go to trial, Barker and CBS settled, reportedly with CBS paying Hallstrom a multi-million dollar settlement. The terms were not disclosed, and the settlement did not constitute an admission of wrongdoing.
While the docuseries has brought these allegations to light, not all former associates have viewed Barker negatively. His longtime publicist defended him as "beloved" and "the greatest MC in TV history," and producer Roger Dobkowitz called the series an "obvious hit piece," asserting that "The Price Is Right" was a positive environment for most.