7 Biggest Controversies of Alaskan Bush People: Scandals of the Brown Family Revealed

Alaskan Bush People has captivated audiences since 2014 with its portrayal of the Brown family's rugged lifestyle in the Alaskan wilderness. The show's unique premise and characters have made it a popular fixture on Discovery Channel, drawing viewers into the world of off-grid living and frontier survival.

Despite its popularity, the reality series has faced numerous controversies and criticisms over the years. These controversies range from questions about the show's authenticity to legal issues involving members of the Brown family. As with many reality TV programs, the line between fact and fiction has often been blurred, leading to intense scrutiny from viewers, locals, and media outlets alike.

1) Matt Brown's Departure

Matt Brown, the eldest son of the Brown family, abruptly left "Alaskan Bush People" in 2016. His sudden departure sparked curiosity and concern among fans of the popular reality show.

Matt's struggle with substance abuse became public knowledge, leading to his decision to seek treatment. He entered rehab for alcohol addiction, taking a step back from the family's wilderness lifestyle and television commitments.

Despite attempts to return to the show, Matt's relationship with his family became strained. Reports of conflicts with his father, Billy Brown, emerged, further complicating his potential comeback.

In 2018, Matt faced serious allegations from two women associated with the show. These accusations of sexual assault added another layer of controversy to his departure and absence from the series.

As of 2025, Matt remains estranged from the show and his family. He has maintained a low profile, occasionally sharing updates on social media but staying disconnected from the "Alaskan Bush People" franchise.

2) Bear Brown's Legal Troubles

Bear Brown, a prominent member of the Alaskan Bush People cast, has faced his share of legal challenges. In March 2022, he was arrested on allegations of domestic violence.

The incident occurred near the family ranch where Bear had been living with his wife and son. While details of the case were initially limited, more information emerged as the legal process unfolded.

Bear's arrest brought significant attention to the reality TV star and raised questions about his future on the show. The charges against him were serious, potentially impacting both his personal life and his role in Alaskan Bush People.

This legal trouble came at a difficult time for the Brown family, who were already dealing with other challenges. The situation added another layer of complexity to the family's public image and their portrayal on television.

As with many legal matters involving public figures, Bear's case attracted considerable media interest. Fans of the show and the general public closely followed developments in the case.

3) Noah's Marriage Controversy

Noah Brown's marriage to Rhain Alisha in 2018 sparked controversy among Alaskan Bush People fans and family members. The wedding took place in Idaho, away from the Brown family's homestead in Washington.

Some viewers criticized the couple's decision to have a more traditional ceremony rather than adhering to the family's rustic lifestyle. This choice raised questions about Noah's commitment to the bush way of life portrayed on the show.

Tensions arose between Rhain and Noah's siblings, particularly his sisters. Reports of disagreements and personality clashes circulated, leading to speculation about family dynamics behind the scenes.

The couple's quick engagement and marriage also drew scrutiny from fans. Some questioned the authenticity of their relationship, given the show's history of staged elements.

Noah and Rhain's decision to start a family soon after their wedding added another layer to the controversy. Their son, Elijah, was born in 2019, making Noah the first of the Brown children to become a parent.

4) Filming Fakery Allegations

Alaskan Bush People has faced accusations of staging scenes and fabricating events for dramatic effect. Critics claim the show's portrayal of the Brown family's wilderness lifestyle is heavily embellished.

Former crew members have come forward with stories of reshooting scenes multiple times to get the desired outcome. Some allege that the family's "bush" homes were actually constructed by production teams rather than the Browns themselves.

Locals have reported seeing the family staying in hotels during filming, contradicting the show's premise of their isolated existence. Additionally, questions have arisen about the authenticity of hunting and gathering scenes.

Skeptics point to inconsistencies in the Browns' clothing and appearance between shots as evidence of careful editing and staging. The family's interactions with technology and modern conveniences have also raised doubts about their purported off-grid lifestyle.

While the show maintains its classification as a reality series, these allegations have led some viewers to approach the content with increased skepticism. The debate over the show's authenticity continues to be a significant point of controversy.

5) Browntown Set Abandonment

The Brown family's departure from Browntown, their self-built homestead in Alaska, stirred controversy among fans of Alaskan Bush People. The family claimed they were forced to leave due to Ami Brown's cancer diagnosis and need for medical treatment.

Critics questioned the authenticity of this explanation, suggesting it was a scripted plot point rather than a genuine necessity. Some speculated that the move was motivated by production considerations or financial incentives.

The abandonment of Browntown raised concerns about the environmental impact of leaving structures and materials behind in the Alaskan wilderness. Local residents expressed frustration with the potential ecological consequences.

The relocation to Washington state further fueled skepticism about the family's commitment to their purported off-grid lifestyle. Some viewers felt betrayed by the dramatic shift in setting and questioned the show's continued authenticity.

The controversy highlighted the ongoing debate about the balance between entertainment and reality in the series. It also underscored the challenges of maintaining a wilderness lifestyle while participating in a popular television show.

6) The Family's Financial Disputes

The Brown family of Alaskan Bush People has faced several financial controversies over the years. One major dispute arose when they were accused of falsifying residency information to obtain Alaska Permanent Fund dividends.

In 2015, Billy Brown and four of his children were charged with 60 counts of first-degree unsworn falsification and theft. They allegedly claimed to live in Alaska from 2011 to 2013 when they were actually residing elsewhere.

This led to legal consequences, with Billy and son Bam Bam pleading guilty to one count of second-degree unsworn falsification. They were ordered to pay back the dividends and perform community service.

The family's income from their TV show has also been a point of contention. Critics have questioned how the Browns maintain their lifestyle while claiming to live off the land.

Reports of the family's net worth and property purchases have further fueled speculation about their financial situation. These disputes have cast doubt on the authenticity of their portrayed lifestyle and raised questions about their relationship with money.

7) Discovery Channel Influence

The Discovery Channel has played a significant role in shaping the public perception of "Alaskan Bush People" since its premiere in 2014. As the show's broadcaster, Discovery has considerable control over how the Brown family is portrayed.

Critics argue that the network prioritizes entertainment value over authenticity, potentially encouraging dramatized scenarios. This has led to accusations of staged scenes and exaggerated storylines to boost ratings.

The channel's marketing strategies have also come under scrutiny. Some viewers feel Discovery promotes an idealized version of wilderness living that doesn't align with reality.

Questions have arisen about the network's ethical responsibilities in representing Alaskan culture and lifestyle. Critics suggest Discovery may overlook cultural sensitivities in favor of creating compelling television.

The show's editing process, guided by Discovery, has been criticized for potentially misrepresenting events or character dynamics. This has fueled debates about the line between reality television and scripted entertainment.

Television Ratings Impact

"Alaskan Bush People" has significantly influenced television ratings and viewer engagement since its debut. The show's unique premise and controversial elements have played a crucial role in shaping its audience and broader impact on reality TV programming.

Viewer Demographics

"Alaskan Bush People" attracted a diverse audience, particularly resonating with viewers aged 25-54. The show's peak ratings occurred during its earlier seasons, with millions tuning in to watch the Brown family's unconventional lifestyle. Rural and suburban viewers showed strong interest in the series, drawn to its portrayal of off-grid living.

As controversies emerged, some loyal fans remained engaged, while others became disillusioned. This shift in viewer sentiment led to fluctuations in ratings over time. The show's ability to maintain a core fanbase despite controversies demonstrated its lasting appeal to certain demographic groups.

Influence on Reality TV

"Alaskan Bush People" set a new standard for wilderness-based reality shows. Its success prompted networks to greenlight similar programs, expanding the subgenre of outdoor survival and off-grid living series. The show's format, combining family dynamics with survival challenges, became a template for other productions.

The controversies surrounding the series also influenced how networks approach fact-checking and authenticity in reality TV. Increased scrutiny of reality show claims became more common in the industry. Despite facing criticism, "Alaskan Bush People" maintained its position as a notable player in the reality TV landscape, showcasing the enduring appeal of unconventional lifestyle narratives.

Authenticity Concerns

The authenticity of "Alaskan Bush People" has faced significant scrutiny. Critics question the show's portrayal of wilderness living and the Brown family's true lifestyle.

Scripted Elements Debate

Many viewers and locals have raised doubts about the spontaneity of events depicted on "Alaskan Bush People." Some scenes appear staged or pre-planned, leading to accusations of fabricated storylines.

Critics argue that certain survival challenges and family interactions seem contrived for dramatic effect. The show's producers have been accused of manipulating situations to create more compelling television.

Skeptics point out inconsistencies in the family's supposed isolation, noting evidence of modern conveniences and frequent trips to populated areas.

Family's Lifestyle Choices

The Brown family's portrayal as rugged wilderness dwellers has been challenged by those familiar with their actual living arrangements. Reports suggest they spend significant time in more comfortable settings when not filming.

Some Alaskan residents claim the show misrepresents the realities of bush living, arguing that the Browns lack authentic survival skills and experience.

Questions have arisen about the family's true connection to Alaska, with records indicating they lived elsewhere for extended periods.

The show's depiction of the Browns' self-sufficiency has been disputed, with critics suggesting they rely more on modern resources than portrayed on screen.