NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND: Richard Hatch holds the distinction of being the winner of the debut season of 'Survivor' back in 2000. The former reality TV star is very much alive at sixty-two years of age and lives in Newport.
However, the fame he gained from winning the survival show's first season was eventually overshadowed by his infamous legacy as the most hated villain on the show who introduced alliance-making among the contestants.
Eventually, both Hatch and 'Survivor' turned away from each other and went their separate ways. Hatch, for his own part, couldn't entirely stay out of trouble following the end of his stint on the show.
He was charged with and convicted on three counts of fraudulent tax returns and attempted tax evasion in 2006. He served fifty-one months in prison following which he did an additional nine months worth of jail time after failing to fix his tax returns for the years 2000 and 2001.
Richard Hatch accused of sexual misconduct by fellow cast-mate Sue Hawk
Hatch's claim to the seat of the most hated villain on 'Survivor' was reinforced during a particular immunity challenge on the show during which he brushed up against Sue Hawk as they ran through a balanced beam.
Hatch, by all means, was often in the habit of being voluntarily naked at the island location of the show. On the day in question, he was without any clothes as the challenge commenced.
The incident left his cast-mate Sue Hawk scarred as Hatch rubbed his naked body against her as she brushed past him. Sue quit the show following this.
“I was sexually violated,” Hawk later declared. She added, "To have some guy come up, he passed a half a dozen people on platforms and never touched ’em. It went too far. He crossed the line with me.”
Richard Hatch was not in 'Survivor' Season 40
The 40th season of 'Survivor' presented itself as a throwback in which the 20 competing players were all former winners on the show who were specially invited.
Throughout the past season, the show had a list of 38 former winners, out of which 20 were recalled. Of the 18 winners who weren't called back, Hatch was the most notorious.
'Survivor' host and executive producer Jeff Probst clarified the reason behind Hatch's absence during a promotional interview for the season, saying, "I didn’t feel comfortable having him out on the show and representing a show that is for families,” per Time.
Richard Hatch may lose Newport property due to unpaid taxes
Hatch was reportedly being chased by tax officials due to $2.9 million in back taxes and interest. In response, federal prosecutors were left with no choice but to seek judicial approval to sell off two of Hatch's Newport properties to recover the unpaid tax amount.
Hatch was also accused of illegally transferring the property to his sister's name to quash governmental efforts to nab him.
