HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Richard Hatch went from America's first reality star to a man spending four years in jail on tax invasion charges. And in his first interview since being released from prison to home confinement, Hatch says he was the victim of discrimination by a legal system out to get him because he's a gay man.
"I know without question that there are personal issues involved for the prosecutor," the 2000 "Survivor" winner told Matt Lauer on Tuesday's "Today Show." "I don't know why. The prosecutorial misconduct has been egregious."
Hatch also expressed disappointment that the judge in his trial refused to let his attorneys question jurors about their views on homosexuality.
"My personal opinion: He discriminated against me," said Hatch. "I do believe that. I don't think you or anyone else could deny that we, as homosexuals, face discrimination."
As for how he was treated in jail as a gay man known for walking around naked, Hatch said his experience at the federal prison in Virginia went smoothly.
"I was treated fine. I was never assaulted," he said.
While Hatch contends that CBS promised to pay the taxes on his $1 million prize, he says that all was not lost in his rags-to-riches story.
"I'd say it reduced my arrogance," he said of his time in prison.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
- Comment
