Spencer Pratt Confronts His Reality TV Villain Past in Candid Interview
Former MTV star Spencer Pratt, now 42, is embarking on a significant career transformation as a published author and aspiring politician. However, the shadow of his notorious reputation from The Hills continues to loom large. Pratt has recently released his memoir, The Guy You Loved To Hate: Confessions from a Reality TV Villain, and has been actively promoting it through various media appearances.
Unexpected Remarks from a Morning Show Host
During a promotional segment on CBS Mornings, host Gayle King did not shy away from addressing Pratt's controversial television persona. She directly referred to him as a 'douche canoe', highlighting his penchant for pushing boundaries and stirring drama on the popular reality series. Pratt has now publicly responded to this pointed comment, revealing his initial surprise during the exchange.
'You know, I’ve been called everything at this point, so I haven’t been called that,' Pratt stated during an appearance on Page Six Radio via SiriusXM. 'But my reaction to being called everything is pretty good.' He elaborated that the remark caught him off guard, especially after what he perceived as a positive thirty-minute pre-interview where King appeared thoroughly prepared and engaged with his book.
A Calculated Interview Strategy or Spontaneous Jab?
Pratt speculated on King's approach, suggesting it might have been a strategic move. 'She threw me off because we had a thirty minute pre, and she had notes, my whole book, all these quotes. So I don’t know if she did it to get me soft, you know? Like it was a bait and switch, like she’s a pro, or once she gets in front of the camera?' he mused. He admitted he was anticipating praise, perhaps comparing his writing to poet Robert Frost, only to be met with the blunt and juvenile label.
Despite the on-air slight, Pratt maintains a philosophical and grateful perspective. Having lost his Pacific Palisades home in last year's devastating wildfires, he expressed appreciation simply for being in a professional studio setting. 'I’m very humble these days. I’m grateful to be sitting with lights in a studio and not just filming myself. So you can... get away with calling me anything with good lighting!' he remarked with a touch of humour.
No Regrets and Political Aspirations
It has been over a decade since Pratt featured on The Hills as Heidi Montag's boyfriend, a role that cemented his status as one of reality television's most polarising figures. When pressed by King on whether he ever regretted his on-screen actions, Pratt not only stood by his behaviour but doubled down on it. He argued that his castmates should have emulated his approach for greater, lasting success, citing the enduring popularity of shows like Jersey Shore.
'I was well aware. If anything, I probably should have been a bigger douche canoe,' he asserted. 'The show ended and Jersey Shore is still airing, still a success and I always wanted to be part of a franchise, a team like the Jersey Shore cast. So I think the rest of the cast should have all tried to be bigger douche canoes.' This unrepentant stance aligns with his current ambition to become the next Mayor of Los Angeles, a goal he is pursuing in the wake of his personal losses.
Memoir Details and Controversial Revelations
Pratt's new memoir promises a deep dive into his rise and fall as America's 'most notorious reality TV villain' and outlines what he describes as his redemption arc. The book contains several explosive anecdotes, including a detailed account of how he capitalised on a friend's personal turmoil. Pratt recalls disassembling a 'photo shrine' that his friend, Max Winkler, had of actress Mary-Kate Olsen following their breakup.
He then sold these intimate photographs to a tabloid magazine for a substantial sum of $50,000, an act he frames as 'entrepreneurial genius'. 'Here I was, 20 years old, turning my buddy's romantic misery into startup capital,' he bragged in the book. The fallout resulted in a magazine cover story and inadvertently linked Pratt's image to Olsen's 'supposed wild phase' in the public eye forever.
As Spencer Pratt navigates this new chapter—promoting his tell-all memoir while campaigning for political office—he remains a figure who provokes strong reactions. His journey from reality television antagonist to author and mayoral candidate underscores a complex narrative of personal reinvention amidst unwavering public scrutiny.
