Jailhouse Rock: Richard Hatch speaks out.
Like we’re surprised he’s outspoken! Richard Hatch, the first million dollar winner of Survivor in 2000, was definitely a man we loved to hate. Never shy about his opinions on the show, he has not changed in the least.
Last year, he was sentenced to a 51 month sentence for tax evasion on his winnings, plus other income from a rental company, and his radio show. People Magazine, due out today, has an exclusive Jailhouse Interview, where Richard proclaims his innocence loud and clear. That’s not all that surprising, as everyone knows the jails are filled with innocent people (/dripping sarcasm), but what caught my eye is why he says he’s innocent:
Explaining why he contends he’s innocent, Hatch – whose lawyers on March 8 filed an appeal to overturn his conviction – says: “During Survivor, I caught them cheating – that’s where this story really begins.”
Hatch claims that he saw a member of the program’s behind-the-scenes crew giving food to other contestants during the course of the show, on which sustenance is notoriously scarce.
“I demanded that something be done,” he says, recalling that he had a heated meeting with the show’s executive producers, who ultimately agreed to pay his taxes if he’d keep quiet about the cheating.
In response to Hatch’s accusations, CBS spokeswoman Colleen Sullivan simply says, “The allegations have no merit, and certainly no one connected with the show agreed to pay the taxes on Richard’s prize money.”
There’s more to be had online, and lots more in the actual issue of the magazine on Friday. As for what he’s going to do while he’s incarcerated? Write a tell-all book of course! Gee, aren’t we shocked?
So what do you think of it all? Did he, or did he not….
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