Property Brothers, They’ve built a brand around warm reveals, goofy chemistry, and tidy renovations — the kind of TV that plays well at family gatherings. But every public life collects a few stains, and the Scott twins are no exception. Over time, a handful of incidents nudged at the squeaky-clean vibe HGTV sells. Some were small and messy, others loud and lingering. None of them were career-ending, no—they’re still on screens—but they did complicate the story people tell about them. Here are three moments that, together, made viewers squint a little and ask questions.
A late-night bar scene that didn’t end well
There’s something about fame and bars that rarely mixes smoothly. In 2016, Jonathan Scott ended up on the wrong side of one of those nights. The story — which circulated through TMZ and local outlets — goes like this: Jonathan was at a Fargo, North Dakota bar when closing time rolled around. He allegedly didn’t take the hint and refused to leave. At some point he reportedly asked, “Do you know who I am?” which, well, is always awkward. Security intervened, he was escorted out, then apparently came back and was physically restrained before being led out again.
He later called police and accused an officer of assault, claiming he’d been put in a chokehold. The official follow-up, though, didn’t find enough evidence to charge anyone. The city attorney said there wasn’t enough to prove assault or disorderly conduct beyond a reasonable doubt. So legally, that was the end of it. Socially, though, the clip didn’t do him any favors. People love a rise-and-fall bar tale—maybe because it’s easy to picture ourselves doing the same stupid thing after too many drinks. I don’t know about you, but hearing that made me wince a bit. Not proud.
Also read: When a Mother’s Outfit Becomes the Story: Victoria Beckham at Brooklyn’s Wedding
A couple sued after a renovation they weren’t happy with
There’s irony here: a show that promises polished renovations faces a lawsuit over allegedly shoddy work. In 2021, Paul and Mindy King — who had been clients on one of the brothers’ shows — sued Cineflix (the production company) and Villa Construction, the contractor on their remodel. The Kings claimed the job, which reportedly cost them over $193,000, was sloppy and didn’t meet building codes. Mindy’s blunt comment in an interview — that crews “just come in and… bring a Sharpie or spray paint and try to make things look pretty” — stung. It sounds the sort of offhand criticism that spreads fast on social media.
The brothers themselves weren’t named defendants, but their team issued a sharp rebuttal calling the suit an attempt to get a big payout and distancing the Scotts from responsibility. That kind of statement, while maybe legally sensible, reads as defensive — and defensiveness rarely wins hearts. Fans went online; some doubted the show’s realism, others defended the brothers. Lawsuits take years and the impression often lingers longer than any final legal ruling. Even if the Scott twins weren’t directly responsible, viewers saw the headline: “HGTV renovation sued.” That’s not great PR. I’ll admit, I felt a little let down reading about it—maybe because I’d assumed the show’s finished spaces were more than TV smoke and mirrors.
Money fights between brothers — yes, really
It’s oddly comforting to think famous siblings are immune to ordinary arguments, but that’s wishful. Sometime after years of shared success, Jonathan publicly admitted there had been a money disagreement. He said he used to film roughly three times as much as Andrew on certain projects and suggested he should be paid proportionally. Andrew’s reaction? A hard no, apparently: “You’re never allowed to bring this up again ever,” was how Jonathan remembered it.
Andrew pushed back with context: he handled contracts and other behind-the-scenes work people didn’t see, which he felt justified any differences in on-screen time. So you had two reasonable positions and, well, awkwardness. This isn’t the melodrama of a reality-show fall-out; it’s the mundane sort of tension that happens when work, family, and money mix. Still, hearing it out loud nudged at the image of seamless twin teamwork. For fans who like the fantasy of perfect partnership, it punctured that bubble just enough to be noticeable. I can’t say I was surprised—siblings argue—but it made them look more human, or messy, depending on your perspective.
What all this adds up to
None of these incidents singularly ruined their careers. The brothers remain successful, and many viewers still enjoy their shows. But taken together, the episodes chip away at an image that used to feel unassailable: wholesome, unfailingly professional, and family-friendly. People notice inconsistencies. A late-night bar brawl, a client lawsuit tied to a show about renovations, and a very human dispute over pay—those things don’t line up neatly with polished brand messaging.
Also read: Celebrities may be developing gaunt facial features due to Ozempic use, raising concerns.
And that’s sort of the point. When public personas are tightly managed, small contradictions stand out more. They become the stories people tell at dinner parties, the quick headlines that feed skepticism. I don’t think the Scotts are villains—far from it—but they aren’t flawless icons either. They’re successful professionals who sometimes make mistakes, defend themselves, and squabble like any family might. That reality can be uncomfortable for fans who preferred a simpler narrative, yet it’s oddly liberating if you prefer nuance. People are allowed to be both competent and imperfect. Or stubborn and earnest. Or a little defensive and still likable. Life is messy.
Leave a comment