Reality TV villains
From “American Idol” to the latest season of “Celebrity Apprentice” (who’s the villain?) viewers can’t get enough of reality TV, and every show has its villain. Millions tune in to watch their heinous behavior and to see what damage they will do next. Take a look at the best of the worst stars of reality television.
Simon Cowell spent nine seasons on “American Idol” crushing the dreams of contestants with his blunt and uncensored criticisms. When he wasn’t slinging verbal abuse at the singers, he was bickering with the nice judge.
Most “Bachelors” break one heart at the end of the season. Brad Womack devastated two women when he became the first contestant to reject both finalists in the rose ceremony.
Matt Hoffman’s strategy on “Big Brother 12” was to gain sympathy when he told his fellow houseguests that his wife had a medical development and that he needed the prize money to save her life. Was she even sick? He was voted off the show.
Omarosa’s ice-cold demeanor and relentless ambition on the first season of “The Apprentice” made her one of the original bad girls of reality TV. Though she was fired, Omarosa was given a second chance on a spinoff
As a frequent shedder of clothes, Richard Hatch was the first winner and villain on “Survivor.” Find out why he was sentenced to prison after he won the million-dollar prize.
Spencer Pratt began his oversaturated celebrity career on a hit MTV show where he fueled his rivalry with his co-star with allegations of a sex tape, and has tortured viewers by documenting every move he makes on camera. Who is his infamous wife?
“The Real World” is known for its controversial housemates, but David “Puck” Rainey from the San Francisco house was the show’s original bad boy. His horrific hygiene and verbal abuse of this roommate got him evicted from the house.
Bianca Golden was the bully-in-residence for Cycle 9 of “America’s Next Top Model.” Her favorite victims were Heather, a model with Asperger's syndrome, and Lisa, an exotic dancer.
Danielle Staub is best known for her tussles on “Real Housewives of New Jersey.” Her controversial past became fuel for fiery arguments on the show.
Contestants feel the burn in “Hell’s Kitchen” with Gordon Ramsay’s temper tantrums. His encouragement comes in the form of insults and foul language. Dishes that are not up to his standards end up in the garbage, or on the chefs.
Who says romance is dead? Jonathan Baker’s performance on “Amazing Race” included yelling at his wife.
The self-proclaimed “world’s first supermodel,” Janice Dickinson has had her share of villainous roles on reality shows. In her own show, she hurled abrasive comments at the models, and she was fired as a judge on another reality program.
Tiffany “New York” Pollard fought with every contestant on a romantic reality show where she vied for the attention of an iconic rapper. Though most feuds were just harsh words, New York’s violent threats came to fruition on the reunion show.
On Season 5 of “The Bachelor,” Trish Schneider set things straight with the other bachelorettes when she said, "I'm here to find love, not to make friends." Her T-shirt with a telling slogan didn’t earn her any friends, but she didn’t find love with the former pro football player, either.
“Rock of Love” contestant Lacey Conner was more interested in winning than finding love with this rocker. She allegedly attempted to sabotage the others but, ultimately, she was eliminated.
Russell Hantz
Russell Hantz
Russell Hantzspent most of his time on “Survivor: Samoa” lying and manipulating his way to the top. He laid the groundwork by lying about losing everything in a natural disaster.
The original “Project Runway” villain, Wendy Pepper’s attitude annoyed the other designers, who gave her an unflattering description. She confessed to exploiting her mothering role to survive on the show.
Any man nicknamed “Evel” deserves to be on a list of villains. On “Big Brother 8,” “Evel Dick” Donato abused other houseguests with his foul-mouthed insults against their sexualities, religious beliefs and ethnicities. But did he get the top prize?
Jade Cole
Jade Cole wanted to be “America’s Next Top Model” during her cycle, but she thought she could do a better job as a judge. She told host Tyra Banks that she was the “undiscovered supermodel” and made no secret that she thought she was better than the other contestants.
Unlike his name, Johnny Fairplay did not play fair on “Survivor: Pearl Islands” He schemed to have a visiting friend break the news that his grandmother, who was very much alive, had died.
