Price Is Right Models Speak Out on Racism, Sexism

A new docuseries, “Dirty Rotten Scandals,” is shining a spotlight on the alleged dark side of a beloved game show. Former models from “The Price Is Right,” Claudia Jordan and Kathleen Bradley, are sharing their experiences, detailing claims of racism, sexism, and workplace misconduct during their time on the show, particularly under the long-time host Bob Barker.

Both women, who were part of the show’s iconic “Barker’s Beauties,” describe a work environment fraught with issues, including significant pay disparities and retaliation for speaking out. Bradley, who made history as the show’s first Black model, stated that the compensation was far from adequate.

Pay Disparities and Retaliation

“Absolutely not, no, hell no,” Bradley responded when asked if the models were paid well. She explained that the role was categorized in a lower pay bracket due to the lack of union standards at the time. Jordan echoed this, calling the pay “the minimum” possible and highlighting the stark contrast with Bob Barker’s reported earnings of “$100,000 a day,” while the models only received a bottle of water daily, with no meals covered—an unusual practice in television production.

Beyond financial issues, the women described a culture where speaking up had serious consequences. Jordan alleged that after reporting an incident of assault, she faced retaliation. “If you report someone, you better just count your days,” she stated, claiming producers began documenting minor or fabricated issues to justify disciplinary actions against her.

Claims of Racial Bias

The docuseries also delves into allegations of racial bias in casting and on-screen representation. Jordan shared her observations about how Black contestants were selected and how she was often assigned prizes with a “Black connotation.” “Anything that had a Black connotation… I was assigned to model that prize. It was an inside joke,” she alleged.

Bradley discussed the complexities of being the first Black model on the show and acknowledged that while she didn’t always experience direct hostility, the environment could be intimidating as the cast adjusted to the show’s evolution.

Seeking Accountability and Encouraging Others

The series also revisits past allegations concerning Bob Barker, including claims of preferential treatment and workplace relationships that impacted the set’s dynamics. For Jordan and Bradley, participating in “Dirty Rotten Scandals” is about more than just recounting past events; it’s about demanding accountability and empowering others.

I just want it to be more common for women… to speak out against the powers that be. — Claudia Jordan

Bradley added a broader message: “People need to be careful and actually care about the way they treat people because the tables always turn.” Their willingness to share their stories aims to encourage others facing similar situations to speak up.