Reality television over the last few years has transformed into an enterprise amongst nearly every major, and even some minor, television networks. The effect of these shows on the individuals participating has ranged from success stories such as Lauren Conrad's rise to fame on The Hills, to the latest debacles of John and Kate Plus Eight. VH1's Megan Wants A Millionaire, however, demonstrates the danger of inadequate screening of the individuals featured on reality shows, whose personal reality may be darker than what is shown on screen.



VH1 decided to cancel the dating show, which centered on Megan sifting through a group of wealthy bachelors to date, after one of its contestants, Ryan Jenkins, was charged with the murder of his ex-wife. It was reported that Jenkins, 32, fled to Canada after the dismembered remains of his ex-wife and swimsuit model, Jasmine Fior, were found in a suitcase in a dumpster in California. Three days after the suitcase was found, Jenkins committed suicide while in hiding in British Columbia.




Though Jenkins' VH1 profile describes him as "smooth operator" and investment banker worth $2.5 million, he also had a criminal record that was not disclosed or included in the profile. In his hometown of Calgary, Canada, he was sentenced to a 15-month probation in January 2007 after pleading guilty to abusing a woman. He was also ordered to undergo psychological counseling for domestic violence and attend outpatient treatment for sex addiction. How did a person like this manage to make it on television without his record being revealed?

According the Associated Press, 51 Minds, the producers of the popular VH1 show, had commissioned a background check for all the contestants, but somehow Jenkins' past didn't emerge in its entirety. After Jenkins' connection with Fior's murder surfaced, the production company issued a statement that said it was not aware of Jenkins' record when it cast him on the show. 51 Minds has also stated that it is investigating the system of background checking in light of these events.

This instance certainly highlights the necessity to improve background checks of individuals appearing on reality television. Whereas perhaps networks relied on the integrity of the individual, this clear failure of a thorough investigation of Jenkins' past demonstrates possibility for successful deceit.