YouTube videos claim the Fast N’ Loud star is behind bars. The truth? A years-old civil case, now settled, is being recycled as clickbait.
The Rumors
Above and lead photo: Gas Monkey Garage builds - cars just above auctioned off on Bring a Trailer
Richard Rawlings, founder of Gas Monkey Garage and star of Discovery’s Fast N’ Loud, has been the subject of sensational online claims. YouTube videos declare he’s “in jail” or “facing legal trouble.” For fans who followed every custom build on TV, that’s concerning news.
But after checking court records and local reporting, the facts tell a very different story: Rawlings is not in jail and has no active civil or criminal case against him.
Where the Story Comes From
The “legal trouble” narrative stems from a civil lawsuit filed in 2018. Rawlings clashed with partners at Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill, a Dallas restaurant and concert venue that licensed his brand.
The claims—worth roughly $6 million—centered on defamation and contract disputes. It was a messy fight, but crucially:
- It was civil, not criminal.
- It involved the bar and music venue, not the car garage fans know from TV.
- Rawlings also filed a countersuit for copyright infringement of the Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill name, resulting in the restaurant closing and opening under a new name.
Settlement and Rebrand
In August 2021, both sides reached a settlement and jointly dismissed their claims. Soon after, the venue rebranded to Amplified Live, publicly stating it had no connection to Richard Rawlings or the Gas Monkey brand.
That was the end of the dispute.
Video: Gas Monkey Bar & Grill is Back
Gas Monkey Garage Today
While Fast N’ Loud wrapped in 2020, Rawlings and Gas Monkey Garage are still active. The shop produces content weekly on YouTube, and the brand continues to engage fans through builds, appearances, and merchandise.
In short: the garage is alive, and Rawlings is very much part of the automotive scene.
Why the “Jail” Stories Keep Spinning
Clickbait thrives on exaggeration. By blending the civil lawsuit with Rawlings’ TV fame, content creators churn out attention-grabbing but misleading videos.
Local reporting and Dallas County court records confirm: no current legal trouble, no jail time.
Sidebar Box: Gas Monkey Garage vs. Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill
Gas Monkey Garage
- Dallas auto shop, basis of Fast N’ Loud.
- Owned and operated by Richard Rawlings.
- Still active, building custom cars and producing content.
Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill / Gas Monkey Live
- Restaurant & live music venue run by other partners.
- Licensed the Gas Monkey brand name.
- Involved in 2018 lawsuit with Rawlings.
- Settled in 2021, rebranded as Amplified Live, no current ties to Rawlings.
Takeaway: Gas Monkey Garage is Rawlings’ brand. Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill closed and opened under a new name.
The Final Word
Above and below: Richard Rawlings purchases the Ring Brothers' custom De Tomaso Pantera at Barrett-Jackson.
For auto enthusiasts, the truth matters: Richard Rawlings is not behind bars, nor is he entangled in fresh lawsuits. The old bar-related dispute is long settled.
So next time a flashy video title shouts “jail,” remember: it’s just recycled drama. The cars - and the man who helped make them famous - are still rolling strong.
Classic Industries & the American Muscle Car Hobby
Above: 1965 Ford Mustang K-code, Hi-Po V8, four-speed manual fastback
Speaking of famous, Classic Industries has been in the American Muscle Car Hobby for 50+ years! Providing GM, Mopar, and Ford components for these magnificent American muscle machines from the land of the free and the home of the brave to the world at large is an honor and a privilege! Classic Industries has and is helping millions of customers at home and abroad on a daily basis.
Above: CI customers' cars - Camaro and Mustang getting some feature photography attention at Classic Industries
Customers can shop online on the ever-expanding and ever-improving Classic Industries' website. Enhancing the online search is also a breeze with the voluminous and critically significant muscle car parts and accessories catalogs. Classic Industries is also deploying digital parts and accessories catalogs. As always - happy building, shopping, showing, driving, racing, restoring, and restomodding these mighty American muscle cars that continue to capture the attention of a world of admirers thanks to companies like Classic Industries, Gas Monkey Garage, and intelligent automotive entrepreneurial businessmen like Jeff Leonard and Richard Rawlings!
