The Most Controversial As Seen On TV Celebs

Television commercials have been a staple of entertainment since the medium's inception, often utilizing psychological tricks to entice viewers into purchasing products. Among these advertisements exists a niche known as "As Seen on TV," featuring quirky items like the Shoedini and the Potty Putter, which has captivated audiences for years. Sometimes, those who promote these products become celebrities themselves, like fitness icon Richard Simmons, who transitioned from infomercial star to a beloved talk show regular.

However, the path from fame to infamy can be perilous. Many infomercial stars have found themselves embroiled in scandals, facing lawsuits, fraud investigations, and even jail time. As we delve into the lives of these controversial figures, we will uncover the dark truths behind their once-glittering personas, revealing how quickly fame can turn to disgrace.

Remember when the ShamWow guy punched a prostitute?
What role did cocaine play in Billy Mays' death?
The cure for Kevin Trudeau's fraud was prison
Jamaican psychic Miss Cleo was neither Jamaican nor psychic
Chaz Dean's cleansing conditioner touched a lot of people
Infomercial king Don Lapre's sad end after fraud charges
The My Pillow guy can't fix your headache
'Free money' guy Matthew Lesko blasted for deceptive claims
Ron Popeil's Ronco filed for bankruptcy
Fitness guru Tony Little took a big financial hit
Richard Simmons' vanishing act and stunning lawsuit loss
Tao-Bo pitchman Billy Blanks sued his own lawyers

Remember when the ShamWow guy punched a prostitute?

Offer Shlomi, widely known as Vince Offer or "The ShamWow Guy," burst onto the infomercial scene in the late 2000s, marketing the ShamWow as the ultimate absorption tool. He famously proclaimed, "It's like a chamois, it's like a towel, it's like a sponge!" However, his fame took a dark turn in 2009 when he was arrested for a violent altercation with a prostitute in a hotel room.

The altercation began when Sasha Harris offered him sexual services for $1,000. After she bit his tongue during a kiss, Shlomi retaliated, resulting in both parties being arrested for felony aggravated battery. Fortunately for Shlomi, the prosecutors declined to pursue formal charges. In hindsight, he reflected that the arrest "probably saved my life," casting light on the troubled path that often accompanies fame.

What role did cocaine play in Billy Mays' death?

Billy Mays was a household name in the mid-2000s, known for his energetic pitch style and memorable tagline, "Hi, Billy Mays here!" His sudden death in June 2009, at just 50 years old, shocked fans. An autopsy revealed that his death was caused by a heart condition exacerbated by cocaine use, making headlines for its unexpected nature.

Interestingly, a second autopsy ordered by his wife disputed the initial findings, concluding that cocaine did not contribute to his death and that its use was likely several days prior. This case highlights the complexities surrounding celebrity deaths and the often sensationalized narratives that accompany them.

The cure for Kevin Trudeau's fraud was prison

Kevin Trudeau styled himself as a self-help guru, marketing books that promised secrets to weight loss and financial freedom. His infomercials captured the attention of the Federal Trade Commission, which fined him for false claims. His legal troubles escalated over the years, culminating in a 10-year prison sentence for fraud.

The FTC described Trudeau as an "uncontrollable huckster," emphasizing the extent of his deceptive marketing practices. He became a cautionary tale of how quickly a facade of success can unravel when faced with legal accountability.

Jamaican psychic Miss Cleo was neither Jamaican nor psychic

Miss Cleo became a pop culture phenomenon in the late 1990s, offering psychic readings with her distinctive Jamaican accent. However, her actual background was far less glamorous; she was an actress named Youree Dell Harris from Los Angeles. After her passing in 2016, it was revealed that her psychic claims were fabricated, and her business practices drew scrutiny from the FTC.

Despite the lawsuits and controversies, Miss Cleo was able to capitalize on her persona, continuing to perform readings well into her later years. Her story underscores the fine line between entertainment and deception in the world of infomercials.

Chaz Dean's cleansing conditioner touched a lot of people

Chaz Dean, a celebrity stylist, marketed his WEN Cleansing Conditioner as a revolutionary hair care product endorsed by stars like Alyssa Milano. However, many users reported severe side effects, leading to a class-action lawsuit against his company. The case highlighted the potential dangers in beauty products and the responsibilities companies have to their consumers.

Despite the backlash, WEN continued to maintain that their products were safe. The settlement that followed showcased the potential repercussions of failing to adequately address consumer complaints in a timely manner.

Infomercial king Don Lapre's sad end after fraud charges

Don Lapre, known as the "King of Infomercials," made headlines for his outrageous claims about making money through classified ads. Eventually, he faced 41 counts of fraud and was accused of scamming thousands of individuals. Surprisingly, his story ended in tragedy when he was found dead in his jail cell, days before his trial.

Lapre's life serves as a grim reminder of how quickly success can turn to despair when deceitful practices come to light. His legacy is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the consequences that can follow when one crosses the line.

The My Pillow guy can't fix your headache

Mike Lindell, the founder of My Pillow, turned his life around from addiction to success with his pillow sales. Despite selling millions of pillows, his claims that they could cure various ailments led to legal troubles. California sued him for deceptive advertising, resulting in substantial fines that cast a shadow over his business reputation.

The controversies surrounding Lindell highlight the importance of truthful marketing and the fine line between promoting a product and making unverifiable claims. His story is a reminder that success can be fleeting if not grounded in reality.

'Free money' guy Matthew Lesko blasted for deceptive claims

Matthew Lesko became famous for promoting government grants and "free money" in his flashy infomercials. However, his claims were met with skepticism, leading to warnings from consumer protection agencies. The fallout from Lesko's exaggerated promises serves as a reminder to consumers to be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.

His legacy underscores the need for transparency and integrity in advertising, especially in the realm of financial advice. Lesko's story emphasizes the importance of verifying claims before investing time and money.

Ron Popeil's Ronco filed for bankruptcy

Ron Popeil was a pioneer of infomercials, known for products like the Pocket Fisherman. His company, Ronco, generated over $2 billion in sales, but eventually succumbed to financial issues, leading to bankruptcy. This situation illustrates the volatile nature of the infomercial business and how rapidly fortunes can change.

Popeil's story reflects the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in maintaining success over the long term. His experiences highlight the need for adaptability and sound business practices in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Fitness guru Tony Little took a big financial hit

Tony Little, known for his energetic fitness infomercials, became a household name in the 1990s. However, he faced a significant setback when his financial officer embezzled a large sum from his company. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and oversight within business operations.

Little's experience teaches valuable lessons about due diligence and the potential risks of placing too much trust in others. His story emphasizes the need for vigilance in business to protect one's hard-earned success.