HGTV fans were upset with Chip Gaines, the former star of “Fixer Upper,” after he made a comment about money during a Twitter beef with college basketball fans. Chip, who is a proud graduate of Baylor University, seemingly implied that head basketball coach Scott Drew would stay at the school because he’s not money hungry and it’s God’s will. Fans criticized Chip for being dismissive about the importance of money, with some calling him out for being out of touch and not understanding the struggles of those who don’t have enough money.
Chip, who is worth an estimated $50 million with his wife Joanna Gaines, responded to the criticism by offering to help some fans in an unspecified monetary way. He told one user he would send them something to help out, promised to give another person $100, and said he would donate to another person’s cause of choice. Representatives for the couple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Chip and Joanna Gaines became famous after starring on “Fixer Upper,” and they have since used their fame to launch a multi-media empire that includes a home and lifestyle network called Magnolia.
Magnolia, the brand created by Chip and Joanna, launched in 2022 with a soft launch of “Fixer Upper: Welcome Home” on Discovery+. The network also hosts other shows like Joanna’s cooking series “Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines” and “The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey & Jo.” In addition to their TV ventures, Chip and Joanna have a life and style brand that is exclusively sold at Target, where fans can purchase their memoirs and cookbooks. They have also created a tourist destination in their hometown of Waco, Texas, with Magnolia Silos and Market, a complex that features shops, a bakery, a coffee shop, and more. They have also opened a hotel, Hotel 1928, in Waco and offer hand-designed bed and breakfast options for guests.
Overall, Chip Gaines faced backlash from fans for his comments about money during a Twitter exchange with college basketball fans. Fans were unimpressed with his dismissive attitude towards the importance of money, given his own wealth. Chip responded to the criticism by offering to help some fans in a monetary way, although the specifics of his offers were not disclosed. Chip and Joanna Gaines have leveraged their fame from “Fixer Upper” to create a successful multi-media empire that includes TV shows, a lifestyle brand, and tourist attractions in Waco, Texas. Despite the criticism, the couple’s brand, Magnolia, continues to thrive with a strong presence in the retail market and on television.
