Richard H. Hatch Jr., the inaugural winner of the TV series "Survivor," has petitioned a Rhode Island federal court to dismiss the government’s claim against him for nearly $3.3 million in unpaid taxes. Hatch argues that these liabilities originate from his problematic criminal conviction for tax evasion almost 20 years ago.

Survivor Series $3M Tax  : Contesting the Conviction

In a brief submitted Tuesday, Hatch maintained he never intended to evade taxes on his $1 million prize from "Survivor" in 2000. He contends his conviction, which resulted in a four-year prison sentence, was influenced by judicial and other biases. Hatch, who is openly gay, highlighted that during jury selection for his 2006 trial, some prospective jurors used anti-gay slurs. Despite this, the presiding judge prohibited him from probing jurors about their attitudes toward gay individuals and allowed jurors to consider his "personal characteristics."

Hatch also called for the judge’s recusal, noting the judge had previously faced a judicial tenure board over an issue involving Hatch’s son, for which the board admonished the judge. Hatch asserted the prosecution and the IRS exploited prejudices and his fame to pursue him unjustly.

Survivor Series $3M Tax  : Complicated Tax Situation

Hatch argued that the "Survivor" winnings presented a complex tax scenario involving international rules and foreign tax credits, as the money was earned in Malaysia. He claimed he "never willfully attempted to evade taxes" and has been "forthcoming, truthful, and compliant" throughout the lengthy legal proceedings.

Government's Stance and Legal Battle

In 2006, a Rhode Island jury found Hatch guilty of tax evasion and filing a false return, failing to report about $1.4 million to the IRS, including his "Survivor" prize. He was sentenced to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay nearly $475,000 in taxes for 2000 and 2001.

The government, in a 2022 lawsuit, asserts Hatch still owes taxes for those years plus a $5,000 liability for 2012. They are pushing for Hatch to liquidate properties to satisfy these debts. The government claimed Hatch didn't report his "Survivor" prize on his late-filed 2000 federal return and failed to declare additional income from 2000 and 2001 related to his "Survivor" fame. Despite being ordered to file amended returns post-conviction, Hatch has not complied.

Survivor Series $3M Tax  : Property Dispute

The government seeks to seize property Hatch allegedly transferred fraudulently to his sister. Hatch countered that his sister is the rightful owner, having purchased one building with his assistance and the other from him at full market value, receiving no compensation beyond settling his outstanding mortgages.

Hatch Speaks Out

Representing himself, Hatch expressed relief at being able to share his narrative, stating, "For 24 years, this has gone on. From my perspective, it's an awful, awful game in which someone like me is just bullied."

Government counsel declined to comment on the case.

The U.S. is represented by Samantha S. Lieb of the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, with Hatch representing himself.