Reality TV shows have their share of on-screen drama, but it’s often the spectacle that happens off screen that makes the best stories. While “Real Housewives of O.C.” star Gretchen Rossi’ ongoing tug of war with her ex- boyfriend may put her on the next scandal list (how much was she ordered to pay him?) check out some of the biggest real-life TV scandals in recent years.
This bachelor created a stir in 2007 when he didn’t extend a rose to either finalist in the season finale. Given a second chance at love in Season 15 he proposed to Emily Maynard,but did he get the fairy-tale ending?
Bristol Palin
Bristol Palin
The daughter of a Republican darling didn’t really wow with her personality or dance moves while on “Dancing With the Stars.” So when she kept advancing, rumors of a voting controversy started with a newly formed political group as a prime suspect.
David Hasselhoff
While “America’s Got Talent” was heating up NBC ratings in summer 2006, the former host was going through a personal meltdown with his wife "The Hoff" faced allegations of violent behavior, alcohol abuse during a bitter custody battle. The outcome?
The Heene family
America watched as a silver balloon flew over a town in northern Colorado with reports of 6-year-old Falcon Heene trapped inside. Turns out, Falcon hid at home while his parents created the hoax to land a reality TV show.
‘American Idol’
Season 8 of “American Idol” boiled down to theatrical and talented Adam Lambert and folk-style singer Kris Allen. When Allen was declared the winner, fans cried foul, which called into question Idol’s voting system.
Richard Hatch
The “Survivor” Season 1 winner was able to outlast the other 16 contests to win the top prize of $1 million. But failing to report the winnings on his federal tax return landed him in trouble with the law. He’s in hot water again for his tax debt.
The “Survivor” Season 1 winner was able to outlast the other 16 contests to win the top prize of $1 million. But failing to report the winnings on his federal tax return landed him in trouble with the law. He’s in hot water again for his tax debt.
Anna Nicole Smith
This Playboy playmate was back in the spotlight when she launched her own reality show in 2002. However, the spotlight captured a downhill spiral of the former model that culminated with her tragic death in 2007.
The Simple Life’
In 2003, socialites and best friends Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie traded in their Hollywood lifestyle for farm life on FOX’s "The Simple Life" However more dirt was slung in their friendship than on the show and the two called it quits. Are they friends again?
Jon & Kate Gosselin
"Jon and Kate Plus 8" followed the Gosselin clan in their day-to-day adventures. But when their off-screen life fell apart, divorce, custody battles and partying filled tabloid headlines.
‘Jersey Shore’
MTV’s pseudo-scripted show follows eight housemates spending a summer on the Jersey Shore. Their partying ways and their portrayal of Italian-American stereotypes raised the eyebrows of an official organization.
'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'
ABC’s tear jerker reality show finds a family in need and builds them a dream home in a matter of days. But for some families their dream house quickly became a nightmare.
Camille Grammer
This former dancer, model and actress joined the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast in 2010. She was the wife of actor Kelsey Grammer. But her housewife status didn’t last long. Kelsey wanted out of the marriage and their divorce battle got heated before it was finalized earlier this year.
Michaele Salahi
This housewife made a name for herself, along with her husband, when they crashed a White House State Dinner in 2009. The incident helped promote the launch of her reality show.
Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman
This star of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” is known for catching criminals and bringing in high ratings. But the popular show was suspended in 2007 after Chapman was caught using a racial slur about his son’s girlfriend.
This star of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” is known for catching criminals and bringing in high ratings. But the popular show was suspended in 2007 after Chapman was caught using a racial slur about his son’s girlfriend.
