Discovery Channel’s Fast N’ Loud was one of the most popular car restoration shows, featuring Richard Rawlings and his team at Gas Monkey Garage. The show, which ran from 2012 to 2020, built a cult following for its high-energy restorations, dramatic flips, and the unique personalities of its cast.
However, behind the fast cars and big deals, Fast N’ Loud was riddled with controversies, from legal disputes and employee departures to allegations of staged drama and feuds with other builders. This article delves into the most talked-about controversies surrounding the show.
1. The Aaron Kaufman Fallout
One of the biggest scandals in Fast N’ Loud history was the departure of Aaron Kaufman, the talented mechanic and fabricator who was a fan favorite.
Kaufman left Gas Monkey Garage (GMG) in 2017, citing creative differences with Richard Rawlings and frustrations over the unrealistic time constraints imposed by the show’s production schedule.
Kaufman later revealed in interviews that he was frustrated by the emphasis on quick flips rather than quality builds. He wanted to focus on high-performance engineering and custom fabrication, but the show prioritized getting cars done fast for profit.
His departure was a major blow to Fast N’ Loud, as many fans felt he was the real talent behind the builds.
Shortly after leaving, Kaufman launched his own show, Shifting Gears, on the same network, though it was short-lived. His exit fueled speculation about the real working environment at Gas Monkey Garage.
2. Feuds with Other Car Builders
Richard Rawlings has never shied away from controversy, and over the years, he has been involved in multiple feuds with fellow car builders. One of the most notable was with Jesse James, the former Monster Garage star. James accused Rawlings of being a businessman rather than a real builder and criticized Fast N’ Loud for being too scripted and commercialized.
Additionally, there was ongoing tension between Rawlings and the team from Street Outlaws, particularly Big Chief (Justin Shearer). The feud intensified when Rawlings made comments about Street Outlaws being more about staged drama than real racing. In response, Big Chief and other cast members fired back, claiming that Rawlings was the one staging things for the camera.
3. Lawsuits and Legal Troubles
Over the years, Richard Rawlings and Gas Monkey Garage have been entangled in several lawsuits:
- Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill Lawsuit: Rawlings was sued by the owners of a Gas Monkey-themed restaurant franchise. The lawsuit alleged that Rawlings failed to promote the restaurant as agreed and made disparaging remarks about the establishment, ultimately leading to its downfall. The legal battle turned ugly, with both sides throwing accusations at each other.
- Mecum Auctions Dispute: Rawlings found himself in legal trouble when Mecum Auctions sued him over a failed car deal. The details were murky, but it was another stain on his reputation in the car-flipping world.
- Richard Rawlings vs. His Own Show: In 2018, Rawlings filed a lawsuit against Discovery Communications, claiming that the network was limiting his business opportunities and that he was being unfairly restricted in making deals outside of Fast N’ Loud. The case was settled, but it fueled rumors that Rawlings was considering leaving the show before its eventual cancellation.
4. Staged Drama and Fake Builds Allegations
Like many reality TV shows, Fast N’ Loud has been accused of staging drama and faking builds. Multiple former employees have suggested that not all car restorations on the show were as authentic as they appeared.
Some cars were allegedly finished by third-party shops before being presented as Gas Monkey Garage builds. Additionally, there were reports that deadlines were artificially created to add tension, and some of the “last-minute” rescues were pre-planned for dramatic effect.
These claims disappointed some hardcore car enthusiasts who wanted Fast N’ Loud to showcase real craftsmanship rather than TV spectacle.
5. The Mismanagement of Gas Monkey Garage Employees
Another major controversy involved how Gas Monkey Garage employees were treated. Several former employees spoke out about long work hours, unrealistic expectations, and poor management behind the scenes. While Rawlings portrayed himself as a fun-loving boss on TV, reports suggested he was tough to work for.
Tom Smith and Jordan Butler, who were both fired from Fast N’ Loud in 2014, later revealed that their termination was due to their involvement in a prank. They claimed Rawlings was not as supportive of his employees as he made it seem on television.
6. The Sudden Cancellation of the Show
After an eight-year run, Fast N’ Loud ended in 2020, leaving fans wondering what had happened. Rawlings later revealed that he was done with the show and wanted to move on to other business ventures.
However, rumors swirled that Discovery Channel had grown tired of the ongoing controversies and legal issues surrounding Rawlings.
Adding to the mystery, the end of the show also marked the end of Rawlings’ long-standing contract with Discovery. While he has remained active in the automotive industry, there has been speculation that tensions between him and the network played a role in the show’s conclusion.
7. Richard Rawlings’ Personal Controversies
Aside from Fast N’ Loud-related issues, Rawlings has found himself in hot water for his personal behavior. His party-loving lifestyle, frequent drinking, and brash attitude have drawn criticism.
In 2019, he went through a public and messy divorce from his second wife, Suzanne Rawlings. The couple had previously divorced and remarried before splitting for good.
Additionally, Rawlings’ sometimes reckless social media behavior has led to backlash. Whether it was controversial comments, feuding with other car builders online, or showing off an extravagant lifestyle while some former employees struggled, his image has remained polarizing.