Storage Wars Star Sues A&E, Calls Show A "Fraud"

**DejaVu** · 12th December 2012

Fans of reality TV often walk a strange tightrope, accepting in the back of their minds that the events being presented are somewhat staged, or even edited to appear more dramatic than they really are. That line isn’t often called into question, but ‘Storage Wars’ star Dave Hester is fighting back against A&E for his recent dismissal, the cause of which was apparently complaints to the show’s producers of “fraud on the public.” Does his $3.75 million dollar lawsuit have a case?

Brace yourselves for a real shocker: reality TV might not live up to its name. Via Deadline, The latest assault on the fictionalized nature of “documentary” TV series comes from fired ‘Storage Wars’ star Dave Hester,’ who today hit both A&E and the show’s producer Original Productions with a $3.75 million dollar lawsuit for wrongful termination. Hester claims that the network unfairly dismissed him from the series when he complained to producers of production “salting” and staging the storage lockers featured in the series.

Says Hester’s 14-page complaint, presented by attorney Marty Singer to the producers:

Nearly every aspect of the Series is faked, even down to the plastic surgery that one of the female cast members underwent in order to create more “sex appeal” for the show, the cost of which was paid for by Original.
Original regularly ‘salts’ the storage lockers that are the subject of the auctions portrayed on the Series with valuable or unusual items to add dramatic effect, even going so far as to stage entire storage units.
Original also manipulates the outcome of certain auctions by paying for storage units on behalf of the weaker cast members who lack the both the skill and financial wherewithal to place winning bids.

‘Storage Wars’ garners high ratings for A&E, and recently began airing the second half of its third season. Hester has participated in the series since its 2010 beginning, earning the nickname “The Mogul,” but won’t be featured in the fourth season after A&E’s decision.

What say you? Was Dave Hester unfairly dismissed from ‘Storage Wars?’ Do you believe his complaints about the show being staged?

Source

**evilsatan** · 12th December 2012

This genre of show really bugs me, staged events being presented as reality. Operation Repo used to be entertaining until it became obvious it was all faked, this show was also entertaining until they take it over the top by planting firework explosives and having the woman nearly shoot her husband in the head...

The premise of these shows is good but the over dramatisation ruins it to the point I can't watch it anymore as its less entertaining then the genuine reality shows. If they insist on faking parts then don't make it too obvious!