The Controversies of Pawn Stars' Rick Harrison
A deep dive into the scandals and controversies surrounding Rick Harrison from Pawn Stars.
The Family Business and Reality TV Stardom
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Pawn Stars' Rick Harrison is a well-known figure in the reality TV world, gaining fame through the History Channel series that takes viewers inside the fascinating world of the pawn business. As the owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, Rick, along with his son Corey 'Big Hoss' Harrison and childhood friend Austin 'Chumlee' Russell, became household names as they used their sharp-eyed skills to assess the authenticity of items brought into the shop. The show offered drama, emotions, and entertainment, but it also brought to light some of the controversies surrounding the cast, particularly Rick Harrison.
Pawn Stars' Rick and Chumlee talking over an item
The three generations of the Harrison family, including Rick, Corey, and Chumlee, became superstars of Pawn Stars, captivating audiences with their expertise in spotting fake or stolen items. However, behind the scenes, the cast members were not immune to drama and conflicts, leading to several controversies that have plagued the show and its key personalities.
Pawn Stars Cast Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Chumlee posing with menacing looks and folded arms for promo
Legal Battles and Family Feuds
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In recent years, Rick Harrison has faced several legal battles and family disputes that have made headlines. One of the most prominent controversies involved a lawsuit filed by Rick's 81-year-old mother, Joanne Harrison, in March 2022. Joanne accused Rick of cutting her out of the family businesses and holdings, including the Pawn Shop, G&S Pawn Shop, Harrison Properties, and JoRich. She claimed that Rick took control of aspects of the business that rightfully belonged to her, alleging that he manipulated her into signing over her shares.
Pawn Stars' Rick wih customer
Additionally, Rick's public support for certain political views, including comments about transgender bathroom accommodations, sparked controversy and led to the loss of product endorsements. The accusations of 'wage theft' against the production companies associated with Pawn Stars also raised concerns about the treatment of employees. These legal battles and controversies have cast a shadow over Rick Harrison's public image and the reputation of the show.
Pawn stars Rick looking at starbucks mug inside his Las Vegas pawn shop
Personal and Professional Turmoil
Aside from legal disputes, Rick Harrison's personal life has been marred by divorces and allegations of fakery. His multiple divorces, including a quiet divorce from his third wife, Deanna Burditt, in 2020, have drawn attention to his tumultuous marital history. Furthermore, accusations of fakery and scripted elements in Pawn Stars have raised questions about the authenticity of the show and the integrity of its cast members.
Pawn Stars Rick Harrison wearing a black shirt with a pained expression in a fake courtroom
Rick's involvement in controversies, including the handling of a stolen antique coin collection and the exclusion of his son, Christopher, from his father's will, has sparked public interest and scrutiny. These personal and professional turmoils have added layers of complexity to Rick Harrison's public persona, challenging the perception of the charismatic reality TV star.
Rick-Harrison of Pawn-Stars standing inside his Las Vegas store wearing store uniform
