Former reality television star Spencer Pratt has denied reports that he plans to film his campaign for mayor of Los Angeles as a reality TV series, rejecting claims that cameras are following him on the trail or that a production deal is in place.
Read more Draft Prospect Caleb Wilson Names His Favorite NBA Player
The denial comes as new polling shows Pratt second behind incumbent Mayor Karen Bass ahead of next month’s election, elevating a campaign that was once largely viewed as a long-shot celebrity bid.
Pratt, the former star of MTV’s The Hills, launched his campaign in January and has since generated interest and controversy, with celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Joe Rogan rallying in support, while others—including his sister Stephanie Pratt—have publicly opposed him.
He is campaigning on an antiestablishment platform targeting public safety, homelessness and government corruption.
Newsweek contacted Pratt via email on Friday outside regular working hours.
How the Rumors Originated
Representatives for Pratt have denied reports that he signed a deal to film a reality show with his wife, Heidi Montag—who also appeared in The Hills—and children as he campaigns for mayor.
TMZ, citing “sources with direct knowledge” of the deal, reported on Thursday that Pratt had signed an agreement with the production company Boardwalk Pictures to begin filming a TV show soon, and that the filming would continue even if he were to take office.
“This is inaccurate,” a spokesperson for Pratt told the Wrap about TMZ’s report. “There is no series in production and cameras have not been following the campaign.”
When pressed for further details of the alleged agreement, the spokesperson said: “He does not have any signed contract. No contract exists related to this because it isn’t true.”
Pratt’s Second-Place Polling
Bass, the first woman elected mayor of Los Angeles, is seeking a second term and continues to lead the race, according to polling and odds—with Pratt generally running second.
The mayor has faced criticism over her handling of last year’s devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, while Pratt, who lost his home in the Palisades fire, has made his advocacy for wildfire victims part of his campaign messaging.
Read more First US ‘Detransition Clinic’ Mandated in Texas Settlement Over Child Care
A recent poll from Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics showed 30 percent of respondents saying they supported Bass, up from 20 percent in March.
Pratt followed with 22 percent, more than doubling his support from 10 percent in March.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman came third with 19 percent of support, and smaller numbers of respondents said they supported other candidates or were undecided, though the number of undecided respondents dropped dramatically from 51 percent in March to 16 percent in May.
The poll was conducted May 9-10 among 1,000 likely primary voters, and it had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.
The new poll comes a week after Bass, Pratt and Raman faced off in a mayoral debate.
The prediction market Polymarket also put Bass in the lead, showing a 59 percent likelihood of her winning. Pratt, meanwhile, had a 25 percent chance and Raman 17 percent.
The platform Kalshi showed similar odds, with Bass’ chances at 58 percent, Pratt’s at 25 percent and Raman’s at 18 percent.
What Happens Next
The mayoral election is scheduled for June 2. A candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to win outright and avoid a runoff. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the top two vote-getters will advance to a November election.
Read more Hantavirus Tracker: More Than 40 People Being Monitored Across US
