Barker’s impressive 35-year run as the host of the Price Is Right was marred by a series of lawsuits from models, known as Barker’s Beauties, and some other female crew members who accused him of sexual harassment and unfair dismissal.
As a committed animal activist, the late host also disagreed with fellow showbiz icon Betty White, whom he called his sworn enemy following their differences on a discussion bordering on animal rights, preservation, and cruelty.
Bob Barker and Betty White disagreed over the fate of Billy the Elephant
In 2007, several guests who had visited the Los Angeles Zoo initiated a legal case, urging the Zoo to relocate an elephant named Billy to a sanctuary after observing that its emotional well-being might be compromised. Following the complaints, an offer to transport Billy to a 2,300-acre facility surfaced to improve their chances of living a good life. However, the request was met with different opinions.
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Barker, a wildlife conservationist, supported moving the elephant to a sanctuary. At the same time, White, an ardent supporter of the Zoo system, argued that Billy should remain in the Los Angeles Zoo. In an article she wrote for the Zoo’s magazine, the actress stated her concerns that other animals would follow suit once the elephant was moved. “It will not stop with elephants. Giraffes will be next,” White wrote. “If they win this battle, they will not stop until zoos themselves are extinct.”
He and Betty White reconciled in 2015
The situation between Barker and White escalated to the point where the late host promised to boycott the annual Game Show Awards if White was present, even though he was to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award that year. The Television Hall of Famer decided not to attend but instead pre-recorded her speech for the event to ensure Barker’s attendance.
Eventually, the two warring parties reconciled in 2015, when they both shared a common disdain for Walter Palmer, the dentist who gained notoriety for killing Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe.