Advertisement

Model drops suit against TV's Bob Barker

By CYNTHIA LITTLETON

LOS ANGELES, April 13 -- Former game show model Dian Parkinson has dropped her sexual harassment suit against Bob Barker, the longtime host of TV's 'The Price Is Right.' On Thursday, after Parkinson made the announcement, the judge in the case fined her and her attorneys for failing to disclose documents supporting her damages claim to Barker's lawyers as ordered. Parkinson, who filed suit against Barker last June, said Wednesday she stands by her claim that she was pressured into an intimate relationship with Barker, but he still denies the allegations and maintains their casual affair was consensual. Parkinson, 46, said she could no longer afford to pursue the lawsuit, adding that the discovery process had aggravated anemia and other ailments she claims were brought on by her stressful relationship with the 71-year-old game show host from 1989 to 1993. 'Bob Barker has beaten me into submission,' Parkinson said in a statement. 'My doctor has advised that I am not strong enough to see this thing through.' Barker said he felt 'completely vindicated' by Parkinson's decision. Barker has said Parkinson filed suit only after he refused to buy her silence for $8 million. He also questioned her new claim that she cannot afford to take him to court. 'If there were any truth to the outrageous charges she made against me, and if there were any chance she could win any money in court she never would have dismissed the lawsuit,' Barker said Thursday. His attorneys rebuffed three attempts by Parkinson's lawyers to initate settlement talks, Barkeradded.

Advertisement

The trial had been scheduled for Aug. 28. Last month, a different set of attorneys claiming to represent Parkinson offered to drop the suit if Barker signed a waiver promising not to countersue for malicious prosecution, Barker said, adding that he still is considering his legal options. Parkinson was a model on the popular game show, posing with cars, appliances, furniture and other prizes on display, for 18 years before resigning in 1993. Her lawsuit contended Barker began to pressure her into having sex with him in 1989, following the death of his wife. Parkinson claimed Barker promised to help advance her career if she gave in to his demands. Parkinson gave no indication she was unhappy with their casual relationship, which Barker claims he ended in 1991, until a few weeks before the suit was filed, Barker said. The day after Parkinson announced she was dropping the suit, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Edward Ross fined Parkinson and her attorneys, Laurence Labovitz and Thomas Celli, a total of $2,100 for failing to hand over documents relating to Parkinson's medical problems and her earnings after leaving 'The Price Is Right.' Labovitz and Celli could not be reached for comment.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Headlines