Frank Fritz’s strained relationship with Mike Wolfe has only worsened.
The former “American Pickers” star slammed the co-host’s statement about his departure from the hit History Channel series.
On July 21, Wolfe, 57, took to Instagram and released a lengthy statement, sharing he will “miss” Fritz and “pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.”
Fritz was not having it.
“Mike’s statement was bulls–t, somebody wrote it out for him,” Fritz told The Sun on Wednesday.
The 55-year old claimed that they were not friends in grade school. “I don’t believe he’s ever said five nice words to me in ten years. Unless he was ripping off someone else and we were both laughing.”
Fritz claimed Wolfe did not reach out to Fritz when he was having health problems. Fritz had previously stated to the outlet that he had a back injury.
Fritz said, “Mike never called me myself, never, as I said – and we haven’t spoken for over two years.” “That’s the 100% truth, and I don’t like people who lie to me. My brain doesn’t know if I lied and I don’t believe it. Even if it hurts, I won’t lie to anyone. If it hurts you, I am sorry. If you don’t like me anymore that’s your problem.
Fritz said to the outlet that he stood by his original claim that Wolfe had not spoken to him in two years.
He stated, “That’s true. I’m not going sit here and f —–g tell people.” He could have called me f —–g if he didn’t like it. Perhaps he should have called me and asked, “Hey, how is your back?” He knows that I injured my back. Everyone in my network knew this, but only one person called me to find out how I was doing. No. How does that make you feel, then? It makes it seem like you’re just another number. It was like, “Oh, you hurt my back?” You know, life continues. F–k you.
Fox News asked Wolfe for comment but a Wolfe representative didn’t respond immediately.
Wolfe made his first statement about Fritz’s exit from the series.
Wolfe stated that Frank was a friend for as long as he can remember. He’s been a brother to him since childhood. “The journey Frank, Dani, and I began back in 2009 has had its highs and lows as well as blessings and challenges. But it has also been the most rewarding.”
He said, “The support you all have given to us has been an ongoing reminder of what the show’s message has always been; through these places, people and things, we all have one common thread.” We’re here to take care of the future, but also eachother. Frank will be missed by me, as well as all of you. I wish him all the best on his next journey.
The popular History Channel reality series, which premiered in 2010, chronicles the adventures of the pickers as they travel across the country in hopes of finding and rescuing prized objects with stories deeply rooted in American history. When the pair find themselves in a comedy bind, Danielle Colby is there to help.
On Monday, Colby broke her silence on Instagram. While on the road, Colby, 45, shared a candid photo with Wolfe.
She captioned the photo, “Out on the road again avec my best friend & my big brother whose support I fully and stand behind.” “Thanks for all your advocacy over the past decade towards me and others on set. @mikewolfeamericanpicker I’m proud of how you have handled the last 12 years and look forward to many more years of rolling around this big blue marble together.”
Colby said, “I am truly saddened by the loss Frank on the show.” Colby shared, “I am incredibly sorry for his struggles. Over the past decade, I have witnessed everything. Although I have many thoughts, they are not my gospel. Although I wish things were different, we have to be accountable for what we do when we cause pain or instability in the lives of others.
Colby said, “Frank caused such pain for himself that it was hard to watch,” Colby added. Frank deserves all the help that he can get after so many years of being sick. I won’t make it a point to be negative about someone who is in need of help. “I send love to everyone.”
Colby said that she is speaking out now, as she doesn’t want tabloids to voice her opinion. Colby stated that her goal is to share her views on the matter.
Colby wrote, “The reason I’m speaking about this is because everyone is speculating upon my words and my words have been taken out of context by tabloid rags because it’s impossible to interview me because I won’t interview with a tabloid paper.” If you want to know my feelings, click here. This is exactly what I feel. I wish everyone well. I wish everyone continues to love one another, even in the toughest times.
Fox News asked Fritz for clarification but Fritz’s rep didn’t respond immediately.
Earlier this month, Fritz told The Sun that his relationship with Wolfe was on the rocks. Fritz confirmed to The Sun that he had left the series and is not in contact with Wolfe.
Fritz stated that he hasn’t spoken to Mike in over two years. Fritz stated that he knew his back was broken, but didn’t call to ask me how I was doing. “That’s how it is.”
Fritz would not give details about the reason for his departure but described feeling like he was “second” on “American Pickers”.
