Is "Storage Wars" fake? Nope, according to A&E. The network filed papers in court regarding David Hester's claims that the reality series is staged and said Hester was trying to create "tabloid-worthy drama."
"In a transparent attempt to distract from the issues -- and maximize any potential recovery -- Plaintiff's Complaint tries to convert a garden-variety breach of contract claim into a tabloid-worthy drama, in which Hester portrays himself as a crusading whistleblower," A&E said in court papers, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
In his lawsuit, Hester claims "Storage Wars" producers plant expensive items in storage lockers that its stars are supposed to be blindly bidding on.
A&E claims Hester can't be the whistleblower he says he is. "Among other things, Plaintiff says that he participated in the very conduct he simultaneously claims was 'fraudulent' and 'illegal,' namely, the purported 'salting' of storage lockers with valuable items and the 'scripting' of some portions of the reality television program."
According to A&E, Hester wasn't fired after complaining about "salting" -- adding items to storage lockers -- but the two parties were involved in a battle at the US Trademark Office over improper use of trademarks. Hester's allegations that "Storage Wars" is rigged came after he became unhappy with contract negotiations.
Click over to THR for more on A&E's response to Hester's lawsuit.
