Dave Hester the real life villain character from Storage Wars filed a lawsuit against A&E Network back in December. His claim was that the show’s producers would “salt” the storage units, which was in direct violation of the Communications Act of 1934. Did he win?
Nuuup!
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Johnson threw out Hester's claim of Unfair Business Practices. First round win goes to A&E.
Dave Hester’s arrest for DUI back in 2005 may have hurt in his credibility. Not only was he arrested but also convicted and sentenced to 30 days community service at a Goodwill Store.
But maybe that didn’t come into play in the lawsuit, however as a self-appointed whistle blower, Dave Hester’s record is not clean as a whistle.
Part of the lawsuit by Dave Hester against A&E stated:
“The truth is that (producers) regularly salt or plant the storage lockers that are the subject of the auctions portrayed on the series with valuable or unusual items to create drama and suspense for the show.”
To get a better understanding of this lawsuit saga watch the movie Quiz Show starring Ralph Fiennes. Back in the 1950s a scandal erupted around quiz shows alleging that the contestants were given assistance by the show's producers to arrange the outcome of a supposedly fair competition.
Guess what? Back then it was true.
Congress then passed a law prohibiting the fixing of quiz shows and any other form of contests. Superior Court Judge Michael Johnson however found Dave Hester’s claims against A&E unpersuasive.
Storage Wars is not a contest driven show. Hester was unable to prove the show was rigged. Do you think there will be a better “bad guy” than Dave on that show?
Nuuup!
Hester will pursue his claim against A&E for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealings. Do you think Dave believes he has a shot to win the second round against the network?
Yuuup!
We’ll have to wait and see.