# Richard Rawlings FINALLY Exposes The 4 Biggest Betrayals Behind Fast N’ Loud

Imagine building an empire on grease and gasoline, only to watch it crack under hidden truths and broken promises. Richard Rawlings, Gas Monkey Garage’s king, lived that nightmare. For years, cameras showed one story. Now, Richard pulls back the curtain on the four biggest betrayals that nearly tore his world apart.

## Aaron Kaufman’s Breaking Point

Richard Rawlings’ story began in 1969 in Fort Worth, Texas, with a love for cars sparked by his father. He worked odd jobs, fought off a carjacker, and in 2004, sold his printing business to launch Gas Monkey Garage. Discovery’s *Fast and Loud* premiered in 2012, making them stars.

Aaron Kaufman, the “Bearded Wonder,” was key. Richard hired him after seeing his talent. They built 12 cars in 24 weeks, working 110-hour weeks. But Aaron felt constrained by TV’s fast pace, wanting complex builds. In 2017, he left for Arklight Fabrication, starting his own shows. Richard called it unexpected, but Aaron saw it as choosing craftsmanship over constraints. They remain friends, proving it was about TV limits, not personal issues.

## Tom Smith and Jordan Butler’s Shocking Dismissal

Aaron’s exit shook things, but more drama followed. Tom Smith and Jordan Butler, popular “monkeys,” were fired on-air for tardiness. TMZ revealed the truth: they let a fan near Richard’s Rolls-Royce without permission and snapped at a manager.

Tom called it the best thing that happened. They joined *Misfit Garage*, proving misfits could build quality cars. Rumors swirled it was staged for buzz. Shockingly, Richard was *Misfit Garage*’s executive producer and landlord. The “feud” was a business ploy, betraying fans with fake drama.

## The Barroom Battles

Richard expanded into bars and restaurants: Gasmon Bar and Grill in 2013, Gas Monkey Live in 2014, and more. But issues arose. In 2015, a sting caught the bar selling cheap liquor as premium. Lawsuits followed; Richard claimed unauthorized whiskey partnerships and lewd events, suing for $1 million. He felt partners betrayed his family-friendly brand, owing unpaid fees.

By 2019, they settled, and the bar rebranded to Amplified Live. Richard closed ventures, facing reputational damage. His ambitious empire betrayed him through mismanagement.

## Why Fast and Loud Really Ended?

The ultimate betrayal came from Discovery. Richard revealed on Joe Rogan in 2020: strict contracts fined him $25,000 per negative comment and barred external deals. Trapped, he left, ending *Fast and Loud*. He chose freedom for his YouTube channel and *Monkey Trap* podcast.

Post-Discovery, fame typecast him, hindering new ventures. He sold cars to invest elsewhere, showing resilience.

Richard’s journey—from Aaron’s departure to network chains—highlights betrayals that tested his brand. Yet, he reclaimed control, proving freedom triumphs over fame.