Ex-‘American Pickers’ Star Frank Fritz Slams Mike Wolfe, Calls His Statement BS
Frank Fritz is firing back at Mike Wolfe. The ex-American Pickers star has been publicly feuding with his former co-host in recent weeks. In a recent interview, Fritz called Wolfe’s statement on his departure from the show “bulls—.” The dustup comes amid the news that Fritz will not be returning for future episodes of the popular History Channel reality TV series.
Frank Fritz is missing from recent episodes of ‘American Pickers’
Questions about Fritz’s future on American Pickers began to swirl in recent months. He last appeared on a new episode of the show in March 2020, leaving fans to wonder if he’d been fired or quit.
Fritz shed some light on the situation in an interview with The Sun published in July 2021, explaining that health problems related to his back surgery had kept him from filming. He added that he hadn’t spoken to Wolfe in two years. Fritz and Wolfe had co-hosted American Pickers since its debut in 2010.
Fritz also hinted at behind-the-scenes drama, saying “the show is tilted towards [Wolfe] 1,000%.”
Soon after, the History Channel confirmed to EW that Fritz would not be returning for future episodes of the show, which are currently in production.
Mike Wolfe comments on Frank Fritz’s exit; Fritz reacts
Wolfe reacted to Fritz’s Americans Pickers exit with a statement on Instagram.
“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me,” he wrote. “The journey that Frank, Dani, and I started back in 2009, like all of life, has come with its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding.”
He added: “I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.”
Fritz wasn’t impressed with Wolfe’s comments. He spoke to The Sun again about his relationship with Wolfe, and he didn’t hold back.
“Mike’s statement was bulls—, somebody wrote it out for him,” Fritz said. “We never were friends in grade school. I don’t believe in 10 years he’s said five nice things to me, you know? Unless he was cutting somebody else down and we were both laughing.”
Ex-‘American Pickers’ cast member says he’s not a liar
Fritz went on to reiterate his claim that he and Wolfe had not been in contact for some time.
“Mike didn’t call me himself, never, like I said — we haven’t spoken for two years,” he told the tabloid. “That is the 100% truth and I don’t like people that lie to people.”
“I’m not going to sit here and f—— lie to people,” Fritz added. “And if he doesn’t like it, then maybe he should have f—— called me. Maybe he should have called and said ‘Hey, how’s your back doing?’”
In a previous interview with The Sun, Fritz also revealed he had entered treatment for alcohol abuse and has been sober for 11 months.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet was unable to reach a representative for Wolfe via email for comment on Fritz’s latest interview.
Danielle Colby weighs in on ‘American Pickers’ drama
Fellow American Pickers cast member Danielle Colby has also weighed in on the drama surrounding Fritz’s exit. In early August, she took to Instagram to share a photo of herself with Wolfe. In the caption, she called him “my best friend and my big brother.”
She went on to say that she was “truly saddened for the loss of Frank on the show.”
“I wish things could have been different but we must be accountable for our actions when we cause instability or pain and suffering to others,” she went on to say. “Frank caused so much pain for himself that it has been hard to watch. I truly hope Frank receives all the help he needs to become well after years of being unwell.”
