Bob Barker, known as America’s beloved game show host, was subject to scrutiny behind the scenes according to Marc Summers, former host of Nickelodeon’s ‘Double Dare.’ Appearing on ‘Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia,’ Summers discussed allegations of hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and discrimination related to Barker and ‘The Price Is Right.’

Barker passed away in 2023 at the age of 99. In March 2026, he featured in E!’s documentary ‘Dirty Rotten Scandals,’ which explored these allegations in-depth.

Summers, who worked with Barker, expressed regret that Barker was not around to defend himself, but insisted on the truthfulness of the allegations. He described Barker as a different man with a considerable ego after the passing of his wife, Dorothy Jo, in 1981.

“When Dorothy Jo passed away, he kind of became a different guy, and his ego wouldn’t fit in the room,” Summers stated, emphasizing Barker’s self-proclamation as ‘World’s Greatest MC.’

Summers recounted a prank involving the removal of a sign from Barker’s dressing room by Bob Eubanks, another famous game show host, illustrating Barker’s ego and the atmosphere at Studio 33 where ‘The Price Is Right’ was taped.

Summers shared his early career experience, recalling a time when Barker requested questions for a game show but compensated him far less than expected, highlighting the disparity in working for Barker.

The documentary series also spotlighted Holly Hallstrom’s claims of losing her job on ‘The Price Is Right’ after refusing to support Barker in a sexual harassment case filed by model Dian Parkinson in 1994. Hallstrom blamed her firing on medication-induced weight gain, following controversy over the lawsuit that Parkinson eventually dropped in 1995.

Parkinson’s lawyer cited the legal battle as excessively draining, impacting her health. Barker consistently denied allegations of harassment, maintaining consensual relationships.

Hallstrom opposed participating in PR activities supporting Barker and faced blacklist in the industry. Eventually, she settled a defamation lawsuit with CBS, reportedly for millions, without signing a nondisclosure agreement.

Despite the documentary exposé, Barker’s longtime publicist and producer Roger Dobkowitz defended Barker, describing him as ‘beloved’ and denouncing the series as a disparaging hit piece, asserting ‘The Price Is Right’ was a happy place for most employees.