Top 30 Biggest Reality Show Controversies & Scandals

In November 2020, singer and Beverly Hills housewife Erika Jayne announced she and her husband, Tom Girardi, were separating. But the real bombshell dropped the next month. Allegations arose that the divorcing couple embezzled from a charity fund set up to support people affected by a 2018 plane crash. However, the legal charges, moral implications, and ensuing legal battle became a main plot point on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” which saw the housewives taking sides. In 2022, Jayne was dismissed from the embezzlement lawsuit and scored a major win in court against fraud charges. The case was also the subject of two Hulu documentaries.

Coming off of a juggernaut first season, this singing competition was one of the most popular shows in America. On “American Idol,” hopeful pop stars’ dreams came true with the simple phrase “You’re going to Hollywood.” Well, Hollywood was the end of the story for season 2 contestant Frenchie Davis. She disclosed that she had taken revealing pictures a few years before, but the website they were featured on was defunct. The producers waited several months to disqualify her mid-season. Given the program’s popularity at the time, Davis’ talent was immediately missed. She would later appear on “The Voice,” where she made it to the semifinal round.

Bravo’s fashion design competition was just beginning to gain a following in its third season, when contestant Keith Michael was suddenly disqualified. The brash designer was accused of having a pattern book in his hotel room, which was explicitly against the rules. Word spread among the designers very quickly. After being confronted by his fellow competitors, Michael left the hotel and mentor Tim Gunn stepped in to confirm he had been disqualified. This, plus his leaving the production site to use the Internet, were cited as the reason. Michael denied any wrongdoing, and even denied the rule was made clear to him.

#27: Dog Uses a Racial Slur “Dog the Bounty Hunter” (2004-12)

Also in:

Top 20 Reality Show Controversies & Scandals

For 8 seasons, viewers watched Duane Chapman hunt down fleeing fugitives from the law. Because of the potential for dangerous situations, the show had many close calls and scary moments over the years. However, it was Duane’s mouth that got him in trouble. In 2007, the National Enquirer leaked a tape featuring Chapman repeatedly using a racial slur to describe his son’s girlfriend. Chapman, whose son leaked the conversation, faced a media firestorm as a result. “Dog the Bounty Hunter” was put on hiatus in the middle of its fourth season. However, the program returned the next year, and continued for several more seasons.

MTV viewers followed this original “16 and Pregnant” cast member from her teen pregnancy to motherhood. The show highlighted her tempestuous relationship with her child’s father, Gary Shirley. In 2010, fans were shocked to watch her physically assault Shirley on camera. An argument over custody became a full-on verbal and physical assault, with Portwood slapping and punching her ex right in front of the cameras. MTV’s decision to air the event was criticized and led to her arrest. It would be the first in a long line of legal troubles for Portwood. Two years later, she dropped out of a rehab program addressing substance abuse issues and opted instead for a 5-year prison sentence.

Many “Real Housewives” fights threatened to come to blows. Mud has been flung, tables have been thrown, and wine glasses have been tossed over the years. The season 6 reunion of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” brought things to a whole new level. A season-long feud between Kenya Moore and Porsha Williams erupted as the two traded barbs, and Willaims stood up and dragged Moore across the set by her hair. In the aftermath, Williams was arrested. Though she was demoted to a recurring role in the next season, Williams wouldn’t be fired. She and Moore would both retain regular roles on the cast for many of the future seasons.

Taylor Armstrong’s story of abuse at her husband’s hand was about as real as the “Real Housewives” had gotten up to that point. Season 2 of Bravo’s latest “Real Housewives” franchise was already shot and edited when Armstrong’s husband, Russell, took his own life. The network had a decision to make. The decision to re-edit and air the season anyway was criticized and praised in different corners. Viewers weren’t sure what the season would show of their marital issues, but the show didn’t shy away from Taylor’s experience much at all. Scenes of her co-stars confronting her about the abuse made it into the final edit. Whether it was ultimately exploitative or illuminating depends on who you ask.

When the 25th season of the long-running dating show premiered in 2021, Matt James made history as the very first Black Bachelor. He ended the season by choosing 24-year-old Rachael Kirkconnell as his partner. Then, the scandal erupted. A TikTok user’s racist allegation led to an unearthing of her past, which included the winner sharing right-wing conspiracy theories. But the kicker was her participating in a college party with an “Old South” theme. The fact that she had been chosen by the series’ first Black Bachelor made the whole situation all the more volatile. Even longtime host Chris Harrison left the show after defending Kirkconnell in an interview.

The snowflake-holding cast of Bravo’s Utah-based franchise were caught up in an avalanche of drama when a co-star flaked out just before they were set to go on vacation. Jen Shah fled the scene mere minutes before the shoot was crawling with cops. She was then charged for her involvement in a wire fraud scheme. Given her villainous nature on the show, Shah was always a magnet for drama, but this was more than anyone expected. She would later be convicted and sentenced to prison for her crimes. She’s not the first or last Real Housewife to get in trouble with the law, but the fact that so much of the drama played out on screen makes this one a reality scandal to remember.

Tyra Banks’ modeling competition has had its fair share of unfortunate, offensive, and downright cruel moments. But its all stars edition was clouded by controversy when competitor Angelea Preston was disqualified for unspecified reasons in the finale episode. The aired finale saw Lisa D’Amato being named the winner. Preston would later come forward with the truth. Banks had originally awarded Preston the title in the 17th season, only to take it away once producers learned Preston had worked as an escort. This only came out when the contestant sued Banks, the producers, and the network. Her lawsuit didn’t go far, but they added to contemporary reappraisals of the show’s harsh treatment of its rotating cast of young, impressionable aspiring models.

There’s no good time to find out your boyfriend cheated on you, but days before having his child is probably one of the worst times. The entire Kardashian family was on camera when news broke that Khloé’s boyfriend, Cleveland Cavaliers player Tristan Thompson, had been spotted kissing another woman in public. First reported in April 2018, the scandal rocked the family and would become a main storyline on its 15th season. And then again in its 16th season, because Kardashian and Thompson’s relationship would take yet another hit when similar revelations came out the next year. Good thing the Kardashians are no strangers to a media frenzy.

This dating show has seen more than its fair share of controversial contestants, but none quite like Rozlyn Papa. The single mom appeared on bachelor Jake Pavelka’s season, and was thought to be a front runner. But only two episodes in, host Chris Harrison sent her packing. The reason? She allegedly had an off-camera affair with a crewmember. The staffer was fired, and while Rozlyn tried to reason with Harrison, the host simply wasn’t having it. Even though the other women reported seeing inappropriate behavior, Rozlyn still denies they were anything more than friends. But as we all know, there’s his side, her side, and the truth.

#18: Farrah Abraham’s Tape “Teen Mom” (2009-21)

Also in:

Top 10 Amy Farrah Fowler Moments on The Big Bang Theory

In 2013, the “Teen Mom” star circulated on the Internet in a less than wholesome way. Rumors had it she filmed a raunchy tape with compromising positions. It was later revealed that the adult film star who was involved with Abraham was actually hired by her to film the video. Essentially, she allegedly planned the leak herself in order to appeal to the adult film industry. Rumors also surfaced that Abraham had tried to leak a homemade tape prior. Adult film companies passed on the opportunity to distribute it, but she was purportedly later offered a chance to make that tape with Vivid Entertainment. MTV eventually fired her from “Teen Mom OG” over the ordeal.

“Sister Wives” star Meri Brown divorced her husband and found herself in a new romance with a complete stranger she met on Twitter. Her Internet lover was a man called “Sam” and the two dated for six months during which they exchanged steamy messages and professed their love for each other. However, Brown immediately called off the relationship when it was revealed she was actually being catfished by a woman named Jackie Overton. Brown’s catfish subsequently leaked a ton of private conversations between the two. Overton ended up being arrested due to three outstanding warrants.

In 2013, “Biggest Loser” viewers were shocked when it turned out trainer Jillian Michaels gave caffeine supplements to her team members to boost their performance. These supplements were given without a doctor’s permission, which resulted in a four-pound penalty. All results from the previous week were also declared invalid. However, Michaels defended herself, saying that her team didn’t have an unfair advantage. The only regret she has over the incident is that her professional opinion ultimately hurt her team members. Michaels also believed that the judges were looking to punish her team in order to bring back popular contestant Ruben Studdard. So, was it a ploy, or a doping scandal?

“90 Day Fiancé” fans weren’t impressed when they discovered Geoffrey Paschel’s dark persona. He may seem sweet, but the truth was, Paschel was arrested in 2019 for kidnapping and domestic assault on his former fiancé. Viewers urged TLC to ax him and the network reportedly refused to let him come back for the reunion episode. In his Instagram post, Paschel defended himself saying it’s his past, his life, and his choice. He added that he can never go back and wouldn’t want to have it any different way. However, we’re pretty sure he was singing a different tune when he was convicted of the crime in October 2021 and subsequently sentenced to eighteen years in prison.

#14: Phil Robertson’s Homophobic Remarks “Duck Dynasty” (2012-17)

Also in:

Top 10 Behind the Scenes Dr. Phil Scandals

“Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson came under fire after a controversial GQ interview. He was quick to point out that he believes a relationship between same-sex people is sinful. His son Alan defended his views and went as far as comparing his dad to John the Baptist. He added that the public outcry hasn’t changed who they are as a family. A&E decided to call off the initial suspension of “Duck Dynasty” and cited that the family apologized for the statements.

All eyes were on this Kardashian sister when she married basketball player Kris Humphries on August 20, 2011. Only seventy-two days later, Kim caused a whole new media frenzy when she filed for divorce. What followed was a high-profile split perfect for the tabloids, with Humphries asking for an annulment on the basis of fraud rather than a divorce. Some news outlets even accused Kardashian of using the marriage as a publicity stunt. After a long and public legal battle, Kim and Kris finalized their divorce in June 2013.

This hit singing competition has had a fair amount of drama over the years - like any good reality show - but a contestant having an affair with a judge is something else entirely. The show’s second season had an elimination bombshell: Corey Clark was disqualified after making it to the Top 9. Reason? Well, officially it was due to Clark’s failure to disclose an arrest record. But it also may reportedly have had to do with his shocking relationship with Paula Abdul. Although Abdul never confirmed the relationship, Clark became very open about his experiences over the years and even ended up suing E! Television network for an allegedly unfair portrayal of his character.

Things frequently get messy on the set of any “Bachelor” show. It’s par for the course. But the fourth season of “Bachelor in Paradise” threatened to get a little too real. Production halted when reports of severe intoxication and intimate misconduct were leveled against contestant DeMario Jackson. Both of the contestants involved, Jackson and Corinne Olympios, were removed from the season, which continued to film. Though the details of the incident remain vague, an investigation concluded that no misconduct actually occurred. Rumors swirled, inviting criticism and speculation that affected both contestants for months after the news broke.

#10: The “Pretty Woman” Costume “Toddlers & Tiaras” (2009-16)

Also in:

Top 20 TLC Scandals & Controversies

In Season 4 of this often-criticized TLC series, three-year-old Paisley was dressed as Julia Roberts’s character, Vivian Ward, from “Pretty Woman.” Even in an industry frequently accused of sexualizing girls, this was controversial, prompting other pageant moms to accuse Paisley’s mother, Wendy Dickey, of going too far. In her defense, Dickey stated that she thought it would be funny rather than provocative. Despite the backlash, this pageant princess, now a teenager, has moved on to small roles in TV and movies. In a series rife with controversy, this remains one of the most talked about moments.

The “Real Housewives” franchise is all about the drama – just ask Kenya and Porsha. While Porsha was arrested and released for assault, Jersey housewife Teresa Giudice wasn’t so lucky. In March 2014, Teresa and her husband Joe pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges. That October, Teresa was sentenced to fifteen months in jail, while Joe was sentenced to forty-one months. After eleven months in prison, Teresa was released in December 2015. After being released in 2019, Joe returned to his native Italy rather than await a deportation decision. As this reality couple proves, all that glitters is not gold.

Abby Lee Miller was known for her brutal treatment on “Dance Moms.” But no one expected she’d end up in actual prison. And no, it wasn’t for screaming at kids or fighting with moms. Miller allegedly had employees sneak more than $120,000 after a trip to Australia. She was also charged with bankruptcy fraud - it turned out she was concealing more than $700,000 from the proceedings. She ended up serving eight months in prison and continued to film “Dance Moms” after she was released. In Miller’s words, her incarceration only made her tougher.

Not so long ago, Honey Boo-Boo and her family were TLC staples. All that came to an end in 2014 however, when Mama June reportedly started dating Mark McDaniel. McDaniel is a convicted criminal. Even worse, it came to light that one of his victims was Honey Boo-Boo’s older sister, Anna. Unsurprisingly, TLC axed the series. While no longer working with TLC, Mama June continues to live as a reality star, with her series, “Mama June: From Not to Hot” airing on We TV, an AMC Networks channel. Anna since became estranged from both her mother and sisters.

If you saw Season 10 of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” you know the scandal that surrounded Brooks Ayers. Most of the season focused on his health while others questioned his diagnosis. However, Ayers stood by the fact that he had cancer and was receiving treatment. He even said that his castmates just want to fabricate drama. However, a few months down the line, E! News reported that he was actually lying after the hospital he claimed he went to confirmed they never treated him. Knowing he was finally caught, Ayers eventually admitted that he was, in fact, lying about his diagnosis. Wow.

#5: Jon & Kate’s Divorce “Jon & Kate Plus 8” (2007-17)

Also in:

Top 10 Dating Show Controversies & Scandals

With twins and sextuplets, the Gosselins were reality royalty. But in 2009, their show and picture-perfect family fell apart. Kate filed for divorce after ten years of marriage, launching a bitter custody battle. Rumors of Jon cheating circulated, but were never confirmed. In 2018, Jon was awarded custody of children Hannah and Collin, after Kate had enrolled the latter in an inpatient facility. Jon later went on “The Dr. Oz Show” in 2019 to voice some of his struggles post-divorce. Clearly, the divorce hasn’t been easy, especially on the children. Only time will tell if this famous family ever makes amends.

Even people who’d never seen Lisa Vanderpump’s spinoff series seemed to know exactly what Scandoval was. The whole fallout was caught by a camera crew, and the scandal that rocked “Vanderpump Rules” was the talk of the reality TV sphere for months. The breakdown of Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix’s relationship after Sandoval’s affair with co-star Raquel Leviss went public was a real-life soap opera for the social media age. Everyone had an opinion. The scandal has yet to go away. Leviss filed lawsuits against both Madix and Sandoval nearly a year after it all went down.

#3: Sherry Pie Disqualified “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (2009-)

Also in:

Drag Race Recap: Robyn Guest Judges and Sherry Pie Disqualified | MsMojo's Drag Race RuCap

Season 4 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” saw Willam Bell’s mysterious disqualification, and while it may have set the standard for “Drag Race” controversy, there was something a lot darker to come. Season 12 was rocked by a scandal so damaging, the show had to be re-edited to all but remove one competitor. One of the season’s finalists, Sherry Pie, was accused of inappropriate conduct by several men. Sherry Pie was subsequently edited down from the final cut of the episodes, which was a feat, considering she made it to the top four. It cast a dark shadow over a season that didn’t need one, as it was the first to air during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Real estate investor Ryan Jenkins reportedly placed third on this dating show, but only three episodes aired. The day before VH1 pulled the plug, Jenkins was charged with the murder of his wife, Jasmine Fiore. The model’s body was found in a suitcase and she could only be identified by the serial number on her breast implants. Jenkins however, never lived to stand trial. On August 23, 2009, he was found after having taken his own life in a Canadian hotel - a tragic end to an all too real and horrific story.

#1: The Josh Duggar Scandal “19 Kids and Counting” (2008-15)

Also in:

Top 10 Reality TV Show Scandals

In 2015, the eldest Duggar son Josh was in the news after the Ashley Madison leak revealed he was paying for the controversial service. Duggar released a statement, admitting to being unfaithful to his wife and having a substance use disorder. However, it doesn’t stop there. Way back in 2002, a thirty-three-page police report described Duggar behaving inappropriately with minors while they were asleep in the Duggar family home. In 2003, two more incidents were reported. And in 2019, the police raided his business and discovered an office where he searched the dark web for illegal images and videos. He was sent to prison in 2021 and could face upwards of twenty years. What reality show shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments.