Bennion said that she also noticed escalating issues in her home, especially as new entrances were suggested, a deck was installed and her backyard was leveled. Its an innovative method thats particularly on-brand for the Gaineses. I heard different stories from every party in every call and text. Chip and Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Network is under fire after its show "Home Work" was canceled amid controversy. We worked with contractors. Several homeowners came together alleging that Utah-based home renovators Andy and Candis Meredith left them with unfinished projects and shoddy workmanship. Additionally, Bennion accused the Merediths of creating a drainage problem when they built a deck over a sprinkler system, ultimately requiring a fix that cost $18,000. The reason for that is I'm so passionate about creating a different kind of show, says Candis. In light of the accusations against them, Magnolia Network has pulled the show from Discovery Plus' streaming platform and the cable network. A rep for the network, which debuted Wednesday, confirmed that Home Work has been yanked after allegations surfaced against hosts Andy and Candis Meredith by homeowners on social media. Scroll through the gallery below for more information about Home Work: In need of renovations. She said she came home one day to find contractors getting ready to cut out a door in her family room. In their own Instagram statement, they wrote, We adamantly deny that we have ever stolen money from these clients, we haven't defrauded so many families. Our floors were laid wrong 3 times! / Jan. 10, 2022 1:54 pm EST Chip and Jonna Gaines took a jump into the big leagues in. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. I want them to be accountable for what they've done, and I also want them to stop doing this to other people, she says. (Noam Galai/Getty Images for Shorty Awards / Getty Images). People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. We will share more about that soon! they wrote. Aubry Bennion, a Utah-based project manager, had just finished renovating her own bathroom when she applied to the show and was contacted in October 2019. "People, bank accounts, livelihoods, families, our health, sanity all of us have been left on the cutting room floor., In an interview with TODAY, Bennion further detailed her disappointment, explaining that she was eager to work with the Merediths. On Instagram on Jan. 5, Bennion shared her experience across 18 posts and in journalist Meg Conley's newsletter. Three participants on the show have come forward with allegations of a poor working experience with the couple and detailed the entire process. A photo provided by Jeff Hawley shows a hole in the ceiling being patched up after he said a construction worker fell through into the basement. Id say most of our talent didnt come to us and say, I want to do a show. We came to them and said, Can we highlight what youre doing? Chip and Joanna, for their part, have yet to react to the ordeal, but prior to the headlines about Home Work, they detailed how they curated the shows on Magnolia Network. At least three Instagram users have shared posts detailing their experiences with Candis and Andrew Meredith, a Utah-based couple who restore and renovate homes. "Our commitment now is to provide appropriate resolutions," Magnolia's president Allison Page said in a statement late Thursday. Aubrey Bennion has been a longtime fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines, the couple who grew to fame thanks to their home . Families featured on the Magnolia home renovation show Home Work are alleging that their remodels turned into nightmares, sharing experiences likemonths ofdelayed construction,tens of thousandsofdollarsinunexpectedadditionalhigh costs andalack of communication from the show's hosts. Published: Jan. 9, 2022 at 7:50 PM PST. According to an interview with HGTV, the Gaineseswho before going on TV ran Magnolia Homes, a home renovation companywere originally approached for a show when a production company noticed one of their renovations on a "high profile blog," though at some point they did film a casting tape, which was released last week with the cable launch of Magnolia Network. BBC suspends presenter following sexual misconduct allegations | CNN Magnolia Network president Allison Page told FOX Business that the show has been pulled from the network and that it is now reviewing the claims against the Merediths. Of the many shows expected to come from the Magnolia Network, fans of Chip and Joanna had their eyes set on "Home Work," with an op-ed in Decider even calling the show "the most obvious hit." Tear it out and take it back, Bennion recalled. When the project ran way longer than the estimated time frame and the Merediths sent her a message seemingly desperate for funds while they were on a lavish vacation to Paris and Mexico, she began calling for a meeting and threatening to pull out of the show. When she would call Candis and Andy to express her concerns, she alleges she was told "this is just how it goes.". (The Merediths share one daughter, while they each have three sons from previous relationships.) That lack of experience could explain, in part, why the Meredithss expectations for the renovations didnt square with reality. I truly dont know if (Candis) understood the concept of her role as a project manager to manage her clients scope and schedule and budget, said Bennion. Im speaking up because there are other homeowners who, after 18 months of stalled construction and some pressure from Magnolia, ultimately settled and have been silenced. Andy and Candis Meredith's latest show on the Magnolia Network, 'Home Work,' has been canceled. ", When asked about the incident with the floor, Candis told TODAY that she wasnt there when that happened. Chip and Joanna Gaines had high hopes when they launched Magnolia Network, but they were not expecting the controversy that stemmed from Andy and Candis Merediths show Home Work. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Magnolia Network pulls show over allegations of shoddy work - KWTX While it seems as if the Merediths did bite off more than they could chew, Bennion also questioned the role of the shows production company in the mismanagement. I have asked you about (cost) at every turn and you've always told me that it was going to be OK. Legal Statement. In unscripted television, networks typically outsource the day-to-day production of shows to third-party companies. On the eve of a Magnolia Network cable launch, the well-edited version of the story will show only their side of October 2019 and beyond," Bennion wrote in one caption. They have been flipping homes together since 2013. In 1901 . Lindsay Salazar Magnolia Network has decided to return "Home Work" to its lineup after initially pulling the show due to complaints made by homeowners about the quality of work done by the. The Merediths confirmed the situation, and said that they are working to make payments to the Goates and have assumed the debt after the general contractor they hired for the project said he could not return the funds for the project. Candis asked me not to communicate with the producer, undermining her competence and role when I asked for clarity.". In the end, the friends and family discount I got from a neighbor landscaper cost me $18,000 to make right what they did wrong.". ABC has opted not to renew for a second season The Company You Keep, its new drama series starring and executive produced by Milo . Candis said that she paid "tens of thousands" of dollars out of her own pocket to finish the work, but declined to specify a number, citing legal advice she received. The Hawleys and Bennion both said that they have connected with other homeowners impacted by the "Home Work" series, and have considered pursuing legal action, but aren't taking any steps at this time. "I'm speaking up to protect potential future victims from their dangerous pattern of behavior." Coast Guard launches review of sex assault mishandling after CNN But are some of them too good to be true? We never intended to hurt anybody.". The Hawleys as well as Bennion said they believed they could still live in their homes while the renovations were ongoing, though it was not encouraged by the Merediths. She's worked on staff at Architectural Digest, ARTnews, and Oyster.com, a TripAdvisor company, and has contributed to Cond Nast Traveler, The Washington Post, Design Milk, and Hunker, among others. Magnolia Network's 'Home Work' returning to TV after being - TODAY "We worked with contractors. And finally, weve taken time to catch our breath, something that we truly have not had time for in the past, they wrote. "At Magnolia Network, we believe in telling life's stories authentically and empowering our viewers to move past their comfort zones and try new things," the HGTV couple said in a statement (via Fox Business). By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. The price allegedly rose to $25,000 while taping Home Work. We have always done what we could to to remedy anything within and outside our control.. The Merediths rebutted her claims and all others on their own social media page, saying it was all a one-sided narrative and a series of half truths and outright lies., We have not heard from these clients in almost two years, and to have this come out publicly on the eve of the Magnolia network launch feels calculated and timed to hurt us the most. Update 1/13/2022: Magnolia Network announced that it would return to airing Home Work. TODAY wrote about the announcement here. We acknowledge that there were misunderstandings and hard conversations along the way, but just like with our many other happy clients, we did everything we could to resolve any issues that arose., Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Kerry Breen is a reporter and associate editor forTODAY.com, where she reports on health news, pop culture and more. I fully acknowledge how hard any renovation is, especially when its a renovation for television. The Merediths confirmed to TODAY that they had not paid the company. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Im speaking up to protect potential future victims from their dangerous pattern of behavior. It eventually cost more than $39,000 with much of the sum allegedly going toward fixing the issues created by the project and took five months to complete. One of the bigger issues plaguing the production of Home Work is that the Merediths seem to have taken on far more roles than is typical for reno show hosts (and even real-world designers). They stand behind all the work they did. Many of you know that I had to wait longer than I would have liked for my reading cottage to get finished, but ultimately I love what they did and would have done it all over again, wrote@hotcocoareads, identified on Instagram as Jeana. Magnolia Network, the new joint venture between Chip and Joanna Gaines and Discovery, has removed one of its series from the air two days after the channels launch following allegations that its hosts performed shoddy work and did not finish projects on time or on budget. "For us to stretch that much further, we would have just been beyond a point where we could actually return and fix this and not be just hostages in our house.". Market data provided byFactset. Candis is a great designer, Bennion said. Magnolia Network announced Thursday that the show "Home Work" will return to air after it was pulled due to multiple allegations against the show's hosts. While others are still left paying on a second mortgage for the loan they wholly handed over to Candis and Andy., Another homeowner, Teisha Satterfield, came forward with her own allegations in an eight-part Instagram post. Bennion also said that the Merediths did not pay a flooring contractor, which Candis confirmed. Andy and Candis, notably, followed a similar path, having gotten their start in the design industry by renovating their own home before they were approached to take their skills to TV. "Within the last day, we have learned additional information about the scope of these issues, and we have decided to remove Home Work from the Magnolia Network line up pending a review of the claims that have been made.. According to Bennion, she would later find out that the deck was constructed without proper concerns for its longevity outdoors by allegedly unlicensed and uninsured workers. ", For their part, the Merediths owned up to some shortcomings on the projects, including sometimes being left with outstanding balances, per their own Instagram post addressing the allegations on Saturday, but we always pay, even if it takes some time for us to make arrangements. In an exclusive interview with House Beautiful, Candis also confirmed that some of the timelines on the renovations in question were extended. In doing that, we strive to meet people with compassion, and to cautiously approach difficult moments with honest understanding," said Allison Page, the president of the network, in a statement. Magnolia Network has announced that Andrew and Candis Meredith's home improvement series "Home Work" will return to air a week after the show was pulled. We will never take away their truth and how they are feeling. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. That is on me, and I take full responsibility. "We were told that we had to wire $10,000 immediately to have anything done. Andy and Candis Meredith on April 15, 2018 in New York City. ", A representative on behalf of the Magnolia Network confirmed that the show "Home Work" has been removed from the lineup. That is simply not true. I do know that the contractor patched the ceiling, she said. A few days ago, it was confirmed that Chip and Joanna Gaines' newly launched Magnolia Network had cancelled the series Home Work, after hosts / renovation experts Andy and Candis Meredith were. Part of the a360media Entertainment Group. Andy and Candis Meredith could not be immediately reached for comment. ", "Our commitment now is to provide appropriate resolutions for those whose experience with Home Work fell short of our networks standards," Page continued. She said she "begged" for some kind of scope, schedule or budget for the project, which she allegedly hasnt received to this day. The Fixer Upper alums left HGTV in 2018 after becoming some of the networks biggest stars. The 13-episode series, which finished airing its first season in October, showed the Merediths renovating their own home, a 20,000-square-foot former schoolhouse, while also remodeling the homes of other families. "My first question was if building a deck was within budget," Bennion wrote. Magnolia Network is dedicated to sharing hopeful and genuine stories. Why Homework Was Banned. However, she said Candis argued it could all be done for $20,000. Jeff Hawley's wife and mom of three, Teisha Hawley, told TODAY that she and her husband were thrilled to be chosen for the show after they submitted to an online casting call in 2019. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. ", CLICK HERE TO READ MORE STORIES ON FOX BUSINESS, She added: "We were stuck in a demoed houses, were limited on funds and were not sure what was next. Its either talent that were just completely enamored with as far as what they do, what theyre passionate about. Throughout the process, both homeowners said that it was impossible to get a fixed budget or breakdown of costs, despite multiple requests. Magnolia Network's 'Home Work' Could Be the Next 'Fixer Upper' One homeowner came to the hosts defense last week with an Instagram post about her experience with the couple. It is extremely difficult to pinpoint everything thats going to happen or things that might change. A post shared by Andy and Candis Meredith (@andyandcandis), On Jan. 7, 2022, The Magnolia Network released a statement to People Magazine removing Home Work from the network lineup and scrubbing all episodes from Discovery Plus. We were exhausted, we had just been told all of our funds were used and our home was torn apart with bubbling floors laid. The couple said they had planned to take out a home equity loan to fund the remodel, but then they said a producer called wanting to start the work the next day, so they wound up using their own funds. We dont go out looking for people to work with," Andrew Meredith said. Chip And Joanna Gaines Cancelled Their New Magnolia - CINEMABLEND The lack of communication, the lack of respect for our budget and the lack of respect for realizing my family was living in a basement truly makes me sick.". Legal Statement. The Merediths told TODAY that they regret letting clients live in their homes while the renovation went on. Teisha Satterfield Hawley, another homeowner who worked with Andy and Candis, came forward with similar claims. We can only say that there are two sides to every story and we lose not to go public with our truth, because we know how hurtful this feels, we understand that only hearing one side can paint a negative picture.. While being told that the differences she was experiencing were due to the TV production appeased her for a while, eventually she began noticing some red flags. By Anna Garrison Jan. 8 2022, Published 1:01 p.m. A representative on behalf of the Magnolia Network confirmed that the show "Home Work" has been removed from the lineup. Bennion said long periods of time would go between work. I fully acknowledge how hard any renovation is, especially when its a renovation for television. She oversaw the design. This is not the appropriate time to tell me that's what you've already (spent.) We have always tried to give everything we have to make anyone we work with happy, they wrote. (Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images / Getty Images), Thats when, like Bennion, Hawley was told that the project had gone well over budget and that she was on the hook for double the original estimate. TODAY reviewed a judgement signed by Candis that confirmed that as of Sept. 30, 2021, the Merediths owed the Goates family $39,537.94. "We've seen stories that has (sic) been circulating, and although we cannot speak for anyone but ourselves, we can say that we have always tried to give everything we have to make anyone we work with happy," the couple's lengthy statement posted to Instagram begins. ", She explained that she quickly lost faith in the team that was handling her home. She called it the remodel from hell., It is scary to speak out but also something we have to do, she wrote. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Neither Magnolia Network nor Linguine Pictures has responded to a request for comment about the production of the show, though Magnolia previously issued House Beautiful the following statement by its president Allison Page regarding pulling Home Work from its programming: "Magnolia Network is aware that certain homeowners have expressed concerns about renovation projects undertaken by Candis and Andy Meredith. Chip & Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Network Pulls 'Home Work' Series - The The Hawleys said they quit "Home Work" after being told the cost of their remodel would double and had the work finished by another contractor, while Bennion said she couldn't continue to pay for the renovation after the price increased from $25,000 to $40,000 mid-project. DIY Network eventually rebranded as Magnolia Network in January 2022. Bennion had her project finished by the Merediths, but didn't pay Candis the extra money she had asked for. Its disappointing and heartbreaking. Others who worked with the reality stars, including a local real estate agent, came forward with similar allegations via social media. After speaking with homeowners as well as Candis and Andy Meredith regarding renovation projects for Home Work, and hearing a mix of both positive and negative experiences, we do not believe there was ill or malicious intent. The couple shared a seven-page statement on Instagram Friday with their response to the Instagram allegations made this week. Homeowners Aubry Bennion and Teisha and Jeff Hawley told TODAY that they had to pay other contractors to finish or repair their renovations after their experiences with the Merediths. Watch Why Homework Was Banned Clip | HISTORY Channel Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. According to a statement provided to TODAY, that review found no "ill or malicious intent" on the part of the Merediths.