Spencer Pratt has revealed a surprising aspect of his past involving Mary-Kate Olsen in his upcoming memoir, “The Guy You Loved to Hate: Confessions from a Reality TV Villain,” set to be released on January 27. In a candid admission, the former star of “The Hills” disclosed that he sold photographs of a teenage Olsen partying with Max Winkler, son of acting legend Henry Winkler, for an astonishing total of up to $90,000.
Reflecting on a trip to Winkler’s bedroom in 2004, Pratt discovered a “photo shrine” dedicated to Mary-Kate and seized the opportunity to monetize the images. He initially sold one photo to InTouch for $50,000, and noted that none of the images were scandalous enough to warrant any backlash, describing them as content one might post on social media.
In a light-hearted discussion on Page Six Radio, Pratt also mentioned a particular photo he did not sell that drew him some criticism, depicting him at a formal event alongside a presumably inebriated Mary-Kate. Despite this, he maintains that the photos he actually distributed remained harmless.
The reality star reminisced about the environment in 2004, recalling how he utilized the “golden age of tabloid voyeurism” to turn his proximity to fame into profit. Pratt set the scene for his entrepreneurial venture, describing how he obtained the photos from Max’s wall under the guise of wanting to aid his friend’s healing process after a breakup, although he humorously admits that it was never explicitly approved.
After brokering a deal with a photo agency, Pratt likened the exchange to a drug deal, noting the thrills of transforming his friend’s romantic plight into financial gain. He vividly recalls the rush of seeing his photos on the cover of InTouch with exaggerated headlines like “TEENS GONE WILD!” The memories of cashing in on this teenage escapade left him feeling momentarily wealthy, affirming his status as a recognizable figure in tabloids across the nation.
As the memoir approaches its release, fans of reality television and celebrity culture may find insight into the intersections of fame, friendship, and the sometimes morally ambiguous decisions that come with navigating that world. While Pratt’s past antics may raise eyebrows, they also serve as a testament to the unpredictable paths that careers can take in the entertainment industry.