The Most Arrogant Reality TV Stars
Be careful what you wish for, especially if it's fame and fortune and you've no discernible talent. In that case, you're basically left with just your personality — and it better be larger than life. Unless, of course, somebody "accidentally" leaks that embarrassing sex tape you made way back when. Then, as a couple of reality stars-turned-business moguls will confirm, you're in like Flynn. Ka-ching!
However, many reality stars have learned Andy Warhol's predicted 15 minutes of fame can actually result in a lifetime of shame. Reality TV often involves heavy and sometimes brutal editing. Scene set-ups and scripted confrontations. There are villains and victims, bad boys and boss b***hes. Anything for maximum drama. When you sign up, you sign your privacy away. If you're squeaky clean, then awesome. But, c'mon, who doesn't have a long-forgotten, problematic tweet from years ago? A photo or two texted to some random they'd rather forget? Or an ex with an ax to grind?
Your dirty laundry's gonna get aired at some point — along with your table flipping, petty feuding, and fighting. Shady shenanigans and drunken antics. It's the douchebags and divas, the debauched and ditzy, the glamorous and amorous, and the arrogant and entitled that really reel in the ratings. So, pop open the Pinot, clip in the hair extensions, and get your (fake) tan on. Grab a red rose and head to the boardroom. We're laying bare the most arrogant reality TV stars in all their gory glory.
Scott Disick
The Kardashians have been blamed for many things over the years. Being lousy role models for young girls. The increase in butt-enhancing plastic surgery. The dangerous teen girl trend of using suction mechanisms to achieve "totally natural" pouty lips like Kylie Jenner's – until she finally 'fessed up to cosmetic surgery (per Allure).
However, most blame has to be apportioned for inflicting Scott Disick on the world. From the start of "KUWTK" in 2007, Kourtney Kardashian's boyfriend, the self-proclaimed "Lord Disick," was reality villain gold. "Scott propagates the perception of himself as a lord not simply because he finds snakeskin loafers and double-breasted suits appealing, but because it is an obnoxious, outrageous hobby, and he is a rich man with no real job," Vice writes, branding Scott "arrogant and rude and compulsive."
Complex lists some of his countless "douche" moments. "Drunk with power and actual alcohol," he shoved a $100 bill down a server's throat. "Shut your f***ing mouth," Scott raged. Cheating with other women — even "secretly" sneaking one unfortunate along to a Kardashian family vacay. Awks, much? Totally forgetting his daughter's birthday as he was busy posting selfies on the 'gram. And reducing Kourtney to tears by fat-shaming her after she'd literally just given birth to their second child. "Your body was bangin' when I first saw you on the beach with that little a**," he said, complaining about her figure and decreeing what her goal weight should be. Anybody got a $100 bill?
Spencer Pratt
Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag met at a club in 2006. Despite being "surrounded by Playboy Playmates," the USC student only had eyes for "The Hills" costar, who was key to Pratt's future fame and (lost) fortune. Growing up, Spencer hadn't dreamed of becoming a TV villain. "I always wanted to work for the CIA," he told The Daily Beast. But, before you could scream, "Run, Heidi! Run!" Speidi was hot and heavy, and Spencer was a reality star — the OG of the most arrogant reality TV stars club.
Speidi was also arguably the most loathed tabloid couple, mainly because of Spencer's attention-seeking shenanigans. His own sister called him "evil," admitting on the "Pratt Cast" podcast that she and Spencer were "not on speaking terms." To quench his thirst for fame, Spencer considered becoming a rapper. "I think my style would've been Pacific [Palasades], private-school gangster type. It was a missing niche that I feel like I could've capitalized on," he told Spin (bro, peep Chet Hanx).
Spencer did eventually release a rap album. "Let me be clear: I'm making phenomenally great music," he told Spin in another interview. Humble is definitely not a word you'd use to describe Spencer. "I have more street cred than any new dudes," was his justification for calling himself the "White Jay-Z." Despite his well-earned arrogant and entitled rep, Spencer regrets only one thing about his reality TV villain days. Per Insider, "He just wishes he didn't let his ego get the best of him."
Arie Luyendyk Jr.
"The Bachelor" men aren't known for their humility. But they do have 30 women fighting for their affection — so, go figure. There seems to be a recipe for the perfect bachelor. A bowl of (conventional) good looks, a jug of ego, a cup of personality, a pinch of controversy, all mixed together, with a large splash of arrogance. However, throughout the 26 seasons of "The Bachelor," the show has served up more than a few disasters.
Arie Luyendyk Jr. had all the right ingredients — albeit a little heavy on the ego and arrogance — but was definitely lacking in likeability. He was Season 22's bachelor and one of the most hated "villains" in the show's history. Luyendyk dumped Lauren Burnham during the final rose ceremony and proposed to her love rival Becca Kufrin. But, weeks later, he brutally dumped Kufrin on camera. She sobbed uncontrollably as he informed her that he wanted to explore a future with Burnham — again. (via Insider).
Glamour called Luyendyk "almost lifeless — cold and stoic," opining, "God, this guy sucks." Others were blunter in their criticism. "He just is so damn arrogant and thinks he knows best," a BachandBacheloretteFans forum member wrote. "Arie shows over and over and over again that he doesn't give a poop about anything but himself and the woman he's currently banging or trying to bang," another chimed in. However, there's an actual romantic under all that arrogance. Luyendyk and Burnham married in 2019 and have three children, per People.
Kate Gosselin
It was evident from the start of "Jon & Kate Plus 8" that Jon and Kate Gosselin's marriage was on rocky ground. A house filled with 6-year-old twins and 2-year-old sextuplets makes for a ton of drama, temper tantrums, and fights — sadly, between Jon and Kate, though, and not the kids (per Us Weekly). The couple wasn't a good match. Jon was laid back, non-confrontational, and disengaged. Kate was an alpha perfectionist and "self-professed 'control freak'" who was constantly frustrated by Jon's behavior — especially after reports of him cheating emerged. Nobody was shocked when the couple announced they were divorcing in 2009 after 10 contentious years of marriage (per People).
On the show, Kate appeared bullying, condescending, and often angry — she regularly berated and belittled Jon. But being an exhausted mom of eight combined with some brutal reality TV editing can make anyone look bad, right? However, Kate's former publicist claims she's even more "difficult" in real life. He alleges her arrogance and coldness proved too much for him. "I called my boss and said, 'She's an awful human.' They were like, 'We know. Thank you for the feedback,'" Joey Skladany told "Straight Shuter" (via RadarOnline).
Kate was also slammed for her "diva" behavior while filming "Dancing With the Stars." Per the New York Post, insiders accused the single mom of "snubbing other contestants" and "set[ting] herself apart" during rehearsals. A source alleged, "She wants to be queen bee." Kate dismissed the reports as "untrue, unfounded and ridiculous" while co-hosting "The View" (via Parade).
Jax Taylor
Wendy Williams may consider Lisa Vanderpump reality TV's queen of mean, but her ex-employee actually wears the crown. Because, when it comes to the most arrogant reality TV stars, all hail Jax Taylor, the reigning king. Jax pretended to be a server at Sur for years on "Vanderpump Rules." However, the pretense ended after he lost his reality TV gig.
Just like many a great king of old, it was what E! News described as his "infamous ego" that proved to be Jax's downfall — the angry outbursts and casual sexism probably didn't help much either. In 2018, Lisa Vanderpump called him "arrogant" and "obnoxious" after one such eruption, per E! News. As his fame tank filled, he put the pedal to the metal. He kept going until he exceeded the maximum arrogance limit. You'd think he would have achieved that after squaring off with Lisa following an oh-so-LA fight with Tom Sandoval about "negativity," "energy," and "boundaries." "This is not just a [expletitive] television show, Lisa," Jax charged. "This is why my show is successful." Wait, what? Oh no, he didn't!
However, it also took homophobia, transphobia, and racism allegations before the hot-headed (reformed) womanizer was finally fired in December 2020, per Variety. Oh, and "disgusting behavior" like laughing at his costar as she talked candidly about her battle with depression, according to the Blast). "I don't have respect for your arrogant a**," Charli Burnett tweeted. There were few, if any, who were unhappy to see Jax go.
The Duggar family
"19 Kids and Counting" first aired in 2008. To many, the Duggars were a shining example of "traditional family values." Jim Bob Duggar was the alpha-male head of the evangelical family. Michelle Duggar was the adoring, subservient wife who'd fulfilled her godly duties by popping out 19 babies. Like all humans, they had their secrets. However, theirs were way darker than average.
Per The U.S. Sun, it was revealed in 2015 that Josh Duggar, a married father of seven, "molested multiple underage girls" when he was a teen. Four were his little sisters. While Jim Bob once campaigned for "rape and incest" to be ruled capital crimes, Josh underwent "Christian counseling" and was given "a very stern talking to" by a police officer. Per InTouch, no charges were filed because the Duggars didn't report Josh to the proper authorities at the time.
The cheating website Ashley Madison was hacked later in 2015, and Josh's name was among the leaked list of subscribers, per CNN. "I have been the biggest hypocrite ever. While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the internet," Josh explained in a statement — before entering "faith-based" treatment. An insider told InTouch (via Hollywood Life) that Josh was still "arrogant" post-release. His wife, Anna Duggar, stuck with him, and the couple had three more children. However, their family will not be expanding again anytime soon — Josh is serving a prison sentence for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material, per KNWA.
Abby Lee Miller
Abby Lee Miller subscribed to the "no pain, no gain" school of thinking. The teacher pushed young students to the edge in her pursuit of perfection. Per Biography, Abby inherited her love of dance from her mom and formed her own group at 14. However, she decided she preferred teaching to performing, so she opened her own studio when she was 15. In 2011, she scored a Lifetime reality show called "Dance Moms."
Abby was an outspoken, larger-than-life character who duked it out with moms who disagreed with her assessments and teaching methods. She regularly screamed at students too — often lashing out in bursts of anger — even throwing a chair in front of a student once during a dramatic altercation. The dancer, Paige Hyland, sued Abby for assault, claiming she'd suffered emotional abuse and feared for her safety. The 13-year-old alleged "Dance Moms" had resulted in her suffering "panic attacks" and "anxiety" (via Deadline).
Abby came under fire for arrogantly advising Britney Spears, "Close your rib cage!" after she posted a video of herself dancing freeform. Fans accused Abby of attention-seeking and being "the biggest bully in America," per The U.S. Sun. Then, she battled allegations of racism. One mom accused Abby of cultural appropriation and "continuously [putting my daughter] in afros" on Instagram. Another claimed her child overheard she was only there because "they needed a sprinkle of color," per Entertainment Weekly. Miller posted an apology, promising to "grow and do better." However, "Lifetime [severed] ties" with Abby in June 2020, per Deadline.
Omarosa Manigault Newman
Omarosa Manigault Newman is one of the most arrogant reality TV stars in the history of "The Apprentice." She competed in the premiere season. Her back-stabbing, game-playing, and manipulation quickly made her the show's boardroom baddie. "Omarosa's an absolute lunatic b**ch," teammate Heidi Bressler claimed. She was "fired" after nine weeks. "Omarosa had a huge chip on her shoulder; she felt she was superior to the other people," Trump charged (via People).
He clearly changed his mind about Omarosa — which is little surprise given Trump's record of 180s. Per USA Today, she returned to battle on "Celebrity Apprentice." Omarosa clung on for 10 weeks before getting axed. "I adore you. We've had tremendous success together. You helped make 'The Apprentice.' You helped to make me a star," an uncharacteristically humble Trump said before returning to business as usual. "Omarosa, you're fired."
She still wasn't done with being fired, though. President Trump hired Omarosa as director of communications for the Office of Public Liaison. She lasted a year this time around. Per Politico, Omarosa was fired for "using the White House car service ... as an office pickup and drop-off service." However, she insisted in an interview with "Good Morning America" she "resigned" over unnamed issues. Meanwhile, Slate claimed Omarosa's "brash, dismissive arrogance and antagonism" perpetuated the "Black b****" trope. "It's hard to overstate the enormous — and damaging — cultural influence of history's greatest reality TV villain," they wrote.
Ramona Singer
It's nearly impossible to decide on which of the Real Housewives is the most arrogant. However, Ramona Singer has to be a top contender. She's a "Real Housewives of New York" OG, having featured in all 13 seasons. "She is truly an inspiration – a self-made, entrepreneurial, ambitious, and truly motivated person in all aspects of success," Ramona's website reads. It also claims she's "a firm believer that courage and self-esteem create confidence and strength in everyone and hopes to inspire all those that she comes in contact with."
There are definitely more than a few who disagree with the latter statement. Ramona adamantly refuses to ever apologize for her mistakes and bad behavior. She regularly throws temper tantrums and starts petty fights and feuds. She loves to boast about her material wealth and bank balance and can be unbelievably condescending to those she deems "lesser" somehow. She's judgemental and downright arrogant. And, her Season 9 tagline was, "I'm an acquired taste. If you don't like me, acquire some taste."
Ramona's behavior has put the show's future in jeopardy. Following accusations of racism, Bravo suspended the "RHONY" Season 13 reunion show, per TMZ. However, no proof was found to back up the claims. Ramona was also accused of acting "like a brat" during a Broadway show (which she denied), per Page Six. "She has no self-awareness whatsoever. She just says whatever. She doesn't care," former Orange County Housewife Tamra Judge said of Ramona on "Two Ts in a Pod." "I've never met anyone like her."
Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino
When "Jersey Shore" first aired in 2009, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi was plastered all over the tabloids. But it wasn't long before Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino started hogging the headlines. Per Us Weekly, the stripper-turned gym rat had a "confident and sometimes arrogant nature." The arrogance grew as he upped his controversy game and became more famous.
Mike lost all his friends as he mocked and feuded with castmates. He also apparently lost all his shirts — baring his hairless, spray-tanned chest and six-pack at every opportunity. The self-professed "guido" even showed off his abs in a modeling shoot, all with his usual swagger, natch. According to TooFab, "The Situation [did] what he does best" for "Men's Fitness," which was "taking off his shirt and showing off his trademark abs."
However, Mike eventually followed in Isaac Newton's footsteps — well, kind of, not really — but he did discover that what goes up must come down. Mike's fall occurred when he pleaded guilty to tax evasion. His friends-turned-foes rallied, claiming the situation (no pun intended) had humbled Mike. "He was a villain for so long. We couldn't even stand him, and now he's so different," Deena Cortese told People. "He's not an a**hole anymore," Snooki claimed. "It took him hitting rock bottom to humble him out and bring out the good person inside of him," Ronnie Ortiz-Magro opined. Pauly "DJ Pauly D" DelVecchio agreed, admitting "Sorrentino used to be quite the 'arrogant a**hole' [but] that's not the case anymore."
Tiffany Pollard
Tiffany Pollard, aka New York, is the queen of controversy and arrogance. When VH1's dating show "Flavor of Love" aired in 2006, she was the competitor who was willing to do anything to win. "[Her] audacious and backhanded behavior toward other women on Flavor of Love included gaslighting, bad-mouthing, and manipulating," Slate commented. Pollard clashed and feuded with everybody as she battled to be Flavor Flav's woman. But things turned violent when Pumkin was eliminated. "You're just as ugly on the outside as you are on the inside," Pumkin told Pollard, sparking an intense screaming match that resulted in Pumkin spitting in Pollard's face.
After losing in the finale, Pollard took her cray across the pond. The reality star entered the "Celebrity Big Brother" house. Her endless drama, tantrums, twerking, and histrionics resulted in her finishing fourth. She upped the drama by launching "an attack" on a "One Mo' Chance" cisgender contestant. Per Pink News, she accused Tiffany Walker of not being "forthcoming" about her gender identity and speculated that she had male genitalia.
Pollard's #SorryNotSorry apology did little to stop the flood of transphobia accusations. "It's a shame to see that you don't understand the harm your actions have caused. You have so many queer fans; you owe it to them to do better. Hold yourself accountable and educate yourself," trans activist Munroe Bergdorf tweeted (via Pride). "Tiffany Pollard, I'm DONE. I really thought you were an ally. I'm fully gagged right now," Bob the Drag Queen tweeted.
Paris Hilton
One of Paris Hilton and Rick Salomon's steamy sessions spawned a sex tape. "One Night in Paris" was a smash hit. Suddenly, Hilton went from an unknown socialite to the hottest topic on everyone's lips. Per the Daily News, Donald Trump told Howard Stern that he'd "known Paris Hilton from the time [she was] 12" but admitted watching the porn flick with Melania. "The Simple Life" premiered just weeks later, resulting in fame and (yet more) fortune for Paris and co-star Nicole Ritchie. Well, at least the publicity-fueled TV ratings helped turn poor Paris' frown upside down. Such coincidental and convenient timing!
After Paris and Nicole both copped DUIs, "The Simple Life" was canceled, per E! Online. However, Paris was a bonafide celebrity now, and girlfriend milked it for all she could. City Journal claims Hilton symbolizes all that's wrong with today's USA — citing her "arrogance, promiscuity, antifeminism, exposed roots, and navels, entitlement, cell-phone addiction, anorexia and bulimia, predilection for gas-guzzling private transportation, pornified womanhood, exhibitionism, narcissism—you name it."
"[Paris is] the epitome of our shallow, celebrity-obsessed culture; an exhibitionist It Girl ... [who's] essentially famous only for being famous," The Evening Standard writes. But the criticism hasn't caused Paris to shy away from the spotlight. In 2022, Bloomberg reported that she was attempting to rebrand herself as a "timeless icon," and she didn't try to be humble while discussing some of her business ventures, which include the virtual Roblox destination Paris World. "I make an amazing partner," she said.
Christine Quinn
Christine Quinn makes for the perfect reality TV villain. She's arrogant and judgemental, brings bucket loads of drama, loves to gossip, backstab, fight and feud, and plays fast and loose with the truth. Per Film Daily, "Selling Sunset" fans have "compared Christine to Regina George in 'Mean Girls.'" The luxury realtor, who describes herself as being "a little bit cold but always honest," has become the show's "most hated" cast member during its four seasons.
The Cut says Christine "will do anything to make great reality television." The outlet credits her for turning a potentially "dull" show "into a compelling, drama-filled soap thanks to her shade-filled confessionals, no-nonsense confrontations, and 'Botox and burgers' parties." And Christine credits herself for the show's continued success too. She insists she "fell on my sword and did what I had to do" to get another season.
"Christine Quinn is the queen of mean, and she never misses a single shot," The Tab writes. "She's savage, bold, and glamorous — quite frankly, no one does it better." Not everyone is such a fan, though. An alleged crewmember started a Reddit thread to spill the "Selling Sunset" tea. "Christine never works," the anonymous staffer claimed. When asked what she's like in real life, the purported staffer shared, "Christine is nice to us but so rude about other cast members. She also posted a private text with one of our senior producers on her Twitter a while ago."
Donald Trump
Before he was the President of the United States, Donald Trump was a reality TV star on "The Apprentice" — and a self-professed billionaire property tycoon. Trump does everything "big league," so of course, he's the leader of the most arrogant reality TV stars, in addition to the former leader of the free world.
It would take weeks to list all of the examples of Trump's arrogance. But Marie Claire notes some of them, including this quote: "We are going to have an unbelievable, perhaps record-setting turnout for the inauguration, and there will be plenty of movie and entertainment stars." He went on to boast that so many of the glitterati planned on attending the event that "all the dress shops are sold out in Washington." Then there was this gem: "I will build a great wall –- and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me — and I'll build them very inexpensively." Trump also claimed that Mexico would foot the bill for the "great, great wall," which never happened.
"How can anyone act so arrogantly and meanly in public life?" CNN asked. "But in fact, there is a large body of academic and other work that helps to explain. Just Google the literature on 'narcissistic leadership' and you will instantly recognize Trump." Likewise, The Guardian deemed Trump "the arrogant boss we've all seen before." The outlet quoted a professor who called Trump "a world-class narcissist" who "has been richly rewarded" over the years "for his grandiosity, self-absorption, and lack of empathy."