Survive this!
Richard Hatch, the stubbled, Machiavellian contestant who won the top prize on the original “Survivor” series, is in hot water with the IRS for not declaring his $1million reality-TV windfall.
In papers unsealed in federal court in Rhode Island, the IRS charged that the often-nude, always stubborn 43-year-old star of the wildly popular show filed false tax returns for 2000 and 2001.
The feds claim that not only did the tempestuous Newport resident fail to tell them about his “Survivor” winnings in 2000, he also didn’t bother to report $321,000 paid to him by a Boston radio station where he worked as an on-air host in 2001.
Officials said Hatch had agreed to plead guilty to two counts of tax evasion.
The penalty could have been up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each charge – but as part of a plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said it would recommend a lesser sentence.
He’ll also have to pay back what he owes in taxes – but the amount wasn’t specified.
Hatch was scheduled to appear in court in Providence next Monday.
Court documents showed the hirsute sunbather appeared on WQSX-FM in Boston in 2001 as co-host of a radio show, but failed to report most of his earnings there.
Hatch published a 2000 book subtitled “How to Make $1,000,000, Lose 100 Pounds, and Just Plain Live Happily.”
The often arrogant “king of the island” became one of the show’s most despised stars.
He later appeared – often without clothes on – in the show’s sequels.
Hatch also worked as a spokesman and motivational speaker for several companies and appeared as a TV correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight” and CBS’s “Early Show.”
Dubbed the “fat naked guy” by David Letterman, Hatch stood out on his show because he was openly gay – and nude.
Calls to his lawyer were not immediately returned. With Post Wire Services