Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kevin O'Leary

Public opinion and media debates around Kevin O'Leary—discover key moments of controversy.

Kevin O'Leary, a Canadian businessman and television personality known as Mr. Wonderful, gained prominence through appearances on Canadian business news programs like SqueezePlay and The Lang and O'Leary Exchange, as well as reality shows Dragons' Den and Redemption Inc. He also appeared on Discovery Channel's Project Earth. He is widely recognized for his role as an investor on the American reality show Shark Tank since 2009, where he continues to evaluate and invest in budding entrepreneurs' ventures.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2011: Criticism of Chris Hedges on The Lang & O'Leary Exchange

During a segment of The Lang & O'Leary Exchange in 2011 about Occupy Wall Street protests, Kevin O'Leary criticized Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges, leading to controversy and a CBC ombudsman finding O'Leary in violation of journalistic standards.

January 2016: Offer to Invest in Alberta's Economy

In January 2016, Kevin O'Leary offered to invest $1 million in Alberta's economy if Premier Rachel Notley resigned.

February 2016: Criticism from Maxime Bernier

In February 2016, Conservative politician Maxime Bernier criticized Kevin O'Leary for wanting to be prime minister without speaking French, prompting O'Leary to take French lessons.

February 1, 2017: Controversy over Gun Range Video

On February 1, 2017, Kevin O'Leary posted a video of himself shooting at a Miami gun range, which was later removed from Facebook due to its insensitive timing during the funeral for victims of the Quebec City mosque shooting. O'Leary apologized for the post.

November 2018: Lawsuit against Elections Canada

In November 2018, Kevin O'Leary sued Elections Canada over campaign finance laws, arguing they limited candidates' spending and discouraged wealthy individuals from running.

August 24, 2019: Involvement in Fatal Boat Crash

On August 24, 2019, Kevin O'Leary and his wife Linda were involved in a fatal boat crash on Lake Joseph in Muskoka, Ontario, resulting in two deaths and a police investigation.