‘Alaskan Bush People’ Broke? Why Loyal Fans Shouldn’t Send Money To The Browns
The Discovery Channel’s Alaskan Bush People is strictly reality television programming. That means everything you see and hear should be taken with a pinch of salt. Or perhaps a truckload. After all, so many reality TV shows are out-and-out scripted. Others are carefully edited to achieve maximum emotional impact.
Although I’ve mistakenly referred to Alaskan Bush People as being scripted in the past, it’s clear that there are elements of fiction throughout the Alaskan wilderness series.
One of our lifelines has broken… #AlaskanBushPeople pic.twitter.com/348okesGYf
— Alaskan Bush People (@AlaskanBushPPL) July 14, 2016
What’s most disconcerting about Alaskan Bush People is the lack of an overall disclaimer. A warning was added after a couple of seasons of upsetting animal lovers everywhere. However, nothing was said about the fact that the show’s premise was ultimately fake. Inevitably, the lack of transparency would lead to sincere worry from fans — particularly those who are unaware of the show’s roots.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Alaskan Bush People was meant to be a one-time documentary. The first season was allegedly a recreation of events written in Billy Brown’s book One Wave At A Time.
The family weren’t always known as the “bush people” portrayed on TV. In fact, Matt Brown’s ex-girlfriend Heather Bagayas told Reality TV Scandals that she recalled the Browns as living “in a white house.” Said house was very much “on the grid.”
Even more telling, since becoming reality TV stars, the cast has reportedly seen an income boost. As the blog Richest Celebrities Reality TV Stars writes, it’s quite common for reality TV casts to be paid for their time. Aside from money, Radar Online reported that the “Wolf Pack” lives in a cushy lodge when they’re not filming at “Browntown.”
Another major clue that money troubles aren’t what they seem? The cast’s clothing has improved by leaps and bounds since Alaskan Bush People‘s earlier seasons.
Despite this, there are reports that loyal Alaskan Bush People keep trying to send the Brown family money. That’s why the lack of a disclaimer is so disturbing: You have kindhearted, everyday people who watch this show. Not only do they believe it’s 100 percent factual, but they are also moved to help the Browns.
They don’t question the circumstances (or editing), instead they are apparently moved to help in any way they can.
Family is an anchor in rough waters #AlaskanBushPeople pic.twitter.com/rkKAeKqmqi
— Alaskan Bush People (@AlaskanBushPPL) July 14, 2016
It’s nice to know there are so many kindhearted and thoughtful people in the world. Even so, it’s never advisable to send money to strangers without knowing all the facts. The Browns have not explicitly asked for money through Alaskan Bush People or the Discovery Channel.
Also, a bit of common sense goes a long way. A reality TV family that is struggling financially could not afford to pick up everything and travel to Hawaii for a reunion in the middle of the busy tourist season — when things are most expensive. Then there’s the fact that the Discovery Channel show repeatedly mentioned Billy and son “Bam” going to jail but said nothing about the thousands of dollars in fines and restitution they had to pay.
“In return for their guilty pleas, Billy Brown must return $7,956 in improperly obtained dividends and pay a $10,000 fine. Joshua Brown must pay back $1,174 in dividends and pay a $2,000 fine. They both must complete 40 hours of community service.
“They can never apply for the dividend again, and by April 15, they must report to jail, said Juneau Superior Court Judge Philip Pallenberg.”
It seems peculiar to leave out such important consequences. That is until you consider the likelihood that the family was easily able to pay off the fine with money they’d earned from their show. One final clue? Gabe Brown was able to get some great dental work during their time in the lower 48. Nothing was said about bartering for fish — which was allegedly how the Browns paid for a previous dental visit.
It’s true the Browns may not be “keeping up with the Kardashians” or as wealthy as the kept Real Housewives casts. Still, it’s best to assume based on the clues that the show is fake and the Browns are living just fine.
Why do you think people believe the Browns are broke? Share your thoughts below!
[Featured Image by the Discovery Channel]
