Judge overturns verdict to 'Price is Right' model

[March 14, 2013]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A judge has overturned an $8.5 million verdict awarded to a former "Price is Right" model in a pregnancy discrimination case and says a new trial is necessary.

City News Service reports Judge Kevin Brazile ruled Tuesday that he didn't properly instruct the jury that ultimately sided 9-3 in Brandi Cochran's favor last year.

Cochran alleged she was discriminated against after becoming pregnant.

Brazile determined he should have instructed the jury to determine whether pregnancy discrimination was a substantial factor in the producers' decision to keep her from rejoining the cast after her child was born. He cited the divided verdict as a factor warranting a new trial.

Attorneys for Cochran and "Price is Right" producers FremantleMedia did not return calls seeking comment Wednesday.

[Associated Press]

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