Bob Barker Forced To Retire Following Threat Of Racially Charged Lawsuit

June 14th, 2007 by Castina

Bob Barker’s last episode as the host of the thirty-five year old game show “The Price Is Right” will air on Friday. Celebrity tattles are memoralizing the event by telling us that Bob’s desire to hit the road after more than three decades may have more to do with a multi-million dollar racially packed lawsuit waiting to be filed than the eighty-three year old’s desire for more free time to spay and neuter dogs and play Bingo.

“The Price Is Right” will reportedly be sued in the coming weeks, for the ninth time in thirteen years, in a lawsuit that alledges that:…under Barker’s supervision as executive producer, limited the number of black contestants chosen per episode, and that off-camera and with Bob’s knowledge, the Price set was a place where offensive and discriminatory remarks, including those against blacks, gays, and other minorities, were tolerated.
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According to our source:

The latest complaint comes from CBS prize administrator Debbie Curling, who resigned from the network in October after refusing to sign a CBS business conduct agreement with a nondisclosure clause. (The agreement, Curling’s lawyer claims, was presented to her after she began complaining to CBS.) Barker, who had signed a five year extension to his own contract in early 2006, announced his surprise retirement within hours of Curling’s resignation—a coincidence that has at least one former employee speculating that CBS, faced with the prospect of another Price is Right legal battle, may have forced Barker off the air.

“The day that Debbie quit and CBS realized they were about to be pulled into an ugly racism lawsuit, I heard that Mr. Barker was immediately told he’d be taking early retirement,” says ex-Barker Beauty Holly Hallstrom, who received a huge payday from CBS in 2005.

Holly claims:

“The day that Debbie quit and CBS realized they were about to be pulled into an ugly racism lawsuit, I heard that Mr. Barker was immediately told he’d be taking early retirement. I find the irony of that so rich, because those are the exact words Barker used when he fired me [in 1995.]”

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31 Responses to “Bob Barker Forced To Retire Following Threat Of Racially Charged Lawsuit”

On June 15th 2007, jaykaydee wrote:

Oh, I hope none of that is true. After 50 years on t.v. and 35 years on TPIR, he should be able to retire without another scandal rearing its ugly head.

There’s a nice/funny tribute piece to Bob here, including some classic clips from shows over the years.

http://www.unboundedition.com/content/view/901/50/
On June 18th 2007, yoki wrote:

I like Bob Barker and commend him for his work in helping animals through spaying and neutering. I don’t believe for a moment that Mr. Barker was involved in any racism. Jealous people are trying to bring him down but I’m sure that he will rise above these blatant lies.
On June 18th 2007, G. wrote:

I don’t know if Bob Barker limited the number of blacks — but isn’t that the idea of quotas — a certain number? If he selected 10-to-15 percent blacks (as an example) deliberately, then he was LIMITING the number of WHITE people to 85-to-90% at the most — probably less, since other ethnicities exist — so that’s LIMITING, too, and is that fair?

About “tolerating” unpleasant speech, I don’t know: Freedom of speech doesn’t mean that just “nice,” “cordial,” “pleasant” things are allowed to be said — that’s the problem with it. If only “sweet” things that no one objected to were spoken at all times, we’d have no NEED for freedom-of-speech. It’s because some people OBJECTED to others’ speech that this freedom was included in the Bill of Rights.
On June 20th 2007, Al wrote:

G., it sounds like they’re going after business policy which isn’t freedom of speech. I could care less. I thought it was going to be another sexual harassment lawsuit for Bob, lol. Eww, and 80 year old man still hitting on the model women, lmao.
On October 5th 2007, Mark H. wrote:

Probably something taken totally out of context. Get on with the show. For the life that it has left in it. Bob might be able to be replaced. Many other shows have died after a long standing host stepped down. Wait and see game, now.
On October 5th 2007, ‘The Price Is Right’ Lawsuit; Deborah Curling Sues CBS, Bob Barker | TV Crunch wrote:

[...] Earlier media reports alleged Bob Barker was forced to leave his hosting post under the threat of a racially charged lawsuit. (Read Original Story Here) [...]
On October 5th 2007, me wrote:

i dont know anything..all i can say is that i like Bob Barker..and im black..hopefully he likes me too.l0l…
On October 5th 2007, Hedley R. wrote:

Bob been there for little over three decades…for god sake lets just show some respect for this man…and for so many people that lost their lives for the freedom of speech
On October 5th 2007, Ron wrote:

Discrimination is a very broad term that can be applied in unlimited ways. It seems that folks of color are still hanging onto every thread of possibility to use it. Maybe the tables need to be turned with regard to the choice of speech used by many of the same folks. We now dial “1″ for english, maybe we should also dial “2″ for jive talk or “3″ for chinees, etc. Bob has built a fantastic show over the years, unfortunately the joker following him, I predict, will knock it down in no time at all. This is AMERICA and we do have a few (but quickly disappearing) freedoms left. There are many other serious topics that need our attention.
On October 5th 2007, DOROTHY JANE SMITH wrote:

I REALLY FEEL THE NEED TO SAY “I AM SORRY ” FOR SOME (and i did say some) OF THE WOMEN WE HAVE IN THIS WORLD. IT IS SUCH A SORRY DAY,WHEN THESE TYPY OF WOMEN GO AFTER THESE MEN, AND I ASK , “WHAT IN GODS NAME FOR”. THEY SEEM TO HAVE TO MUCH FREE TIME ON THEIR HANDS. WE HAVE A BUNCH OF EVIL WOMEN OUT THERE…AND YOU ALL KNOW WHO “YOU” ARE . LEAVE THESE MEN ALONE ………………………………………… DJ
On October 5th 2007, Isa wrote:

I have read all the comments and the most outrageous one was the one that Melissa sent. Lady, I am no black and I did feel very ofended for your ignorant comment. Who told you or where did you learn that all black people comes from Africa? United States is a country of inmigrant people. The only natives here are the Native American that were taken all his possessions by the so call conquers. Educate yourself and don’t be so prejudice. We are all human beings living and contributing to this place calls Earth and we all deserve respect. My respects to you. God bless you!
On October 5th 2007, Tesha wrote:

For the comment made by Melissa above on Oct. 5th, what nationality are you? You need to go back to the land of IGNORANCE because BLACKS are here to stay whether you like it or not! So get over it! You have no more the right to be here than we do.
On October 5th 2007, Ace wrote:

I just wanted to say, how amazin it is, when someon Blacks, stands for there rights…is people like that stupid “Melissa Comment on this page, about “Blacks go back to Africa” Comment, Why dont you go back to some Cave with probably some Silly Family that raised you, I get so tired of hearing White folks (Some) act like there is no Rasicm in this world..but let “Some” of you, get done wrong, you are ready to say “injustice” Thanks Goodness there was a some good white, brown and other ethnicicies that stood up for Equality of Minorities, that person who gave the stupid Comment about Blacks go to Africa, I Like to see how you would have felt, if in history your ancestors were been dragged down streets and assaulted..for nothing, last time I check, Mellisa, none of your ancessors were Slaves…Stupid..why dont you go see the Devil..and he can keep you stupid self…anyway…lastly, a black person stands up for there rights..on TPIW, but what color was the other woman, that sues…”Melissa” you are one stupid, son of a piece of crap…
On October 5th 2007, kenneth wrote:

Sure he has been doing the show for a while……..but like everyone else he is not above doing the right thing…….he was also brought up on sexual harrassment(the accuser was white)truth is He is not God……IF HE WERE BLACK WOULD HE BE ABLE TO WALK AWAY GRACEFULLY?
On October 5th 2007, chance wrote:

Bob Barker just got haters on his jock and won’t his money and can’t have it and Bob mighta have did that I would not put it pass him he always kissing on a female
On October 5th 2007, EVE wrote:

HOW ABSOLUTELY DISAPPOINTING THAT MR. BARKER ACTS LIKE HE’S SO PERFECT, WHEN IN ALL REALITY HE’S PATHETICALLY RACIST……IF YOU’RE GOING TO HELP THE ANIMALS, WHY NOT RESPECT HUMANS FIRST! HE’S ALREADY BEEN SUED FOR HORNILY HARASSING HALF OF ALL THE MODELS THAT HAVE BEEN ON HIS SHOW……..IT DOESN’T SURPRISE ME THAT HIS RACISM WOULD BE THE CHERRY ON TOP OF HIS IMPERFECT CAKE!—-GOOD RIDDANCE HIPPOCRITE!—-SUCH A SAD ENDING FOR SOMEONE WHO I THOUGHT WAS TOTALLY GENUINE AND PLEASANT IN EVERY WAY, BUT TRULY ……………………………………………..IS NOT!
On October 5th 2007, michelle olson wrote:

we always love bob i like his game show i watch it everyday. me and 8 month son we watch it everyday i hate bob going to leave we going to miss him. your friend michelle
On October 5th 2007, Kee Kee wrote:

Melissa, how dare you come off and say it had to be blacks… Where were you when the white females on his show filed a lawsuit against him? I guess that was okay for the white females to stand up for themselves and get money but not for us blacks to stand up, because in your eyes it is always a problem. I am sick of people like you… think you own the world and that the blacks are the ones ruining it. Last time I check, the man in the white house is the one ruining it for everyone to live in a decent world so we don’t have to struggle like we still are back in the 1950’s. Who gave you the right to say go back to Africa, have you ever went back in the cave, have you ever build anything, have you ever came in contact with a black person and if so I know he/she made you feel small because you are not the brightest bulb in the lamp. All of the white people need to take a look at your self and see how racism needs to leave your mind, body and soul. Last time I check you want to be like us, look like us, have men like us and able to sit in the sun like us without changing colors. You make someone come out their character because of the ignorance you displayed. Coming from you, I guess it is fine to hide behind your words…
On October 5th 2007, Red wrote:

Melissa, that was a racial coment “go back to Africa” you are IGNORANT yourself. Would you step to a black person and say that? NOOOOOO
On October 5th 2007, Tyrone wrote:

I want to explain something to all of you racist out there.. Number one don’t tell anyone to go back to Africa.. Number two do you know what happened were you there? There are always two sides to a story.. Bob has had eight law suits against in thirteen years what does that tell you? Hello any thinking people out there? Would you like it if I told you to go back to Cacus Mountains and the caves that you come from?

Where you painted yourselfs blue ate each other smacked your woman in the head with clubs..

Remember this Black is first always.. You can not have any other colors without black.. What is the last color in the spectrum? White!! Not being racist just stating the facts..

Don’t be stupid and ignorant!! Do your homework before you open your mouth and make an ass yourself Stupid!!
On October 5th 2007, Ron A. wrote:

First of all, I would like to say the comment that Melissa made on October 5 shows you just how ignorant and stupid and backwards some people in the world really are. I love The Price is Right – I have been watching the show for many years. I am a big Bob Barker fan – I think he is an excellent game show host. Even though I like Bob Barker a great deal, I must say this – if he was showing signs of racism at CBS, then he should have been forced to resign. We all must remember the “golden rule” that Jesus Christ taught us when he was in this world – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Racism has no place in our society, nor in the world as a whole.
On October 5th 2007, Annette wrote:

Melissa above on Oct. 5th
Please, i like Bob as well but even i realize the man has a problem with women. He was sued for sexual harassment by one of the ladies on the program. It’s not that big of a leap to discrimination against blacks for that’s what he did when he tried to exert undue influence to gain favors. CBS has allowed this to go on far to long, its time they put an end to it. For as much money as they made from the show i am sure they paied out a lot, if they did not those people did not have the right lawyer.
On October 5th 2007, gayle wrote:

Bob Barker did an out standing job host of TPIR. My question is why did it take so long for these ladies to complain could it be the big checks at pay day or being on t.v or their name on the credits. Am a women and I worked in the public and I have seen for hands how some women work and play the ” I’ve been sexualy harrased card” when in fact I have heard and seen some talk and gesture come from women hands and mouth that would curl your hair. Debbie and Holly and the rest don’t tell me you didn’t have anything to do with what went on. It was good until something went wrong with your job performance then you started to cry I’ve been abuse.You played along with it now shut up . Debbie why are you crying now? More than likely the same poor job performance and when you were called out for it you played the race card. Seen that played in my many years of public work. There are many abused women out there but their abuse don’t have a big pay check tied to it, money is the factor in all of these law suit nothing but greed and money. The more you have the more you want. Debbie and Holly talk to real women who have been abused, that are living on the streets or in a shelter. They can’t sue their abuser they have to run from them to stay alive. Get over it!! Holly donate your law suit money to women’s centers if your so big on what you say happened to you. Let’s see how long it takes you to turn lose of your winnings.
On October 5th 2007, Bobby wrote:

Hello, I just got online and this thing was on the front page so I decided to read it. I was looking for the comment that everyone is talking about about some melissia. I dont see it?

Anyway, sorry to see bob go. love his show.
On October 5th 2007, Bryan wrote:

I don’t know the truth of these allegations against Bob Barker. Is he a racist? I remember several years ago he made no secret of his fears of Samoans, stating that whenever they won prizes on the show, Soman men or women, overcome with excitement, would grab him with WWE-like holds. Interesting that he never says anything about this anymore.

Obviously, I have not seen every single moment of “The Price is Right” from day one, but I have watched the show for years. In all that time, I have never once seen a moment where all four people in Contestant’s Row were black. Based on the odds of random chance, I would think something like this could have happened by now. Has anyone ever seen this?

If these allegations of sexual harrassment and racism against this man are true, I find it beyond disgusting that here is a guy who is a staunch animal-rights activist, yet he goes around and treats human beings like crap. It also upsets me that many people without hesitation condemned Michael Vick for his unspeakable, heinous acts against dogs, yet are willing to make excuses for Bob Barker, even blaming charges of mistreatment on the women themselves. And this is the tenth lawsuit against him?

Cruelty to animals is real. But so are sexual harrassment and racism.
On October 5th 2007, coraltusky wrote:

let’s see,Mike Vick beats the crap outta dogs and kills them,but it was prejudice to arrest him.THEN the racially charged Jena 6 rope trick.Which by the way was followed by black teachers in Grambling ,La bout 70 miles away,hanging their students w/ropes from a tree.Then of course there was Johnny Cochran,OJ’S attorney ,that called an oriental a chink at a party for the well to do. WATCHA THANK?! I am sick of the word myself,as it is lopsided.
On October 5th 2007, coraltusky wrote:

The racially charged Jena 6 rope trick,was followed by black teachers in Grambling ,La bout 70 miles away,hanging their students w/ropes from a tree.Then of course there was Johnny Cochran,OJ’S attorney ,that called an oriental a chink (around the time of the trial)at a party for the well to do. WATCHA THANK?! I am sick of the word myself,as it is lopsided,and it seems to be good only if it can be twisted or manipulated.
On January 25th 2009, Chris wrote:

Screw Holly Hallstrom and Debbie Curling for sueing Bob Barker.
On April 26th 2009, Retroality.TV wrote:

Chris Mann’s Radar Online story that broke news of Debbie Curling’s lawsuit months before its filing can now be found at:

http://web.archive.org/web/20071011015623/http://www.radaronline.com/features/2007/06/bob_barker_the_price_is_right_dian_parkinson_1.php

Chris Mann’s in-depth review of Barker’s new book, “Priceless Memories” can be found at:

http://www.Retroality.TV/RetroHotPricelessMemories.html
On April 26th 2009, Retroality.TV wrote:

Chris Mann, by the way, is the author of the “Three’s Company” tell-all book “Come and Knock on Our Door.”

He’s been writing a ‘Price is Right” backstage tell-all, which will include all of the fascinating stories and details that “Priceless Memories” does not.
On August 12th 2009, i’m not going to make a price is right pun « Vegans of Color wrote:

[...] So who does Bob call. His “friends” at PETA. I’m starting to wonder about Bob’s friends. Maybe he’s not the best judge of character. But you know what they say: birds of a feather. [...]