Hollywood is used to scandals, but no one expected the next person to step into the legal battle line to be the legendary Dick Van Dyke – and his target was host Pete Hegseth and the TV network behind him.
The incident erupted just minutes after a live segment about… wild animals. While Hegseth was trying to make a joke, he suddenly mocked Dick Van Dyke, likening him to “an ancient species in need of preservation”. The audience laughed. But in Hollywood? No one was happy.
Dick Van Dyke, who is considered one of the most respected icons in entertainment, did not immediately respond. But 48 hours later, he appeared with a lawyer, filing a $60 million lawsuit, accusing the show of seriously damaging his honor, spirit and artistic image that he had built over decades.
The lawsuit, which is more than 300 pages long, claims that Hegseth’s actions were “not just a mindless joke, but a direct and offensive attack on a senior artist who continues to contribute to the entertainment industry.”
Immediately, social media exploded.
Fans called Van Dyke “the most respected man in Hollywood,” praising him for “finally demonstrating the steadfastness and temperament of a legend.” Many veteran actors even sided with him, saying that Hegseth’s actions “crossed the line between humor and insult.”
Meanwhile, the TV station is on the defensive, not making an official comment other than a brief statement that they are “looking into the matter.” Hegseth has been… completely silent, disappearing from the airwaves for the past two days, sparking rumors that he has been “suspended.”
But the most surprising reaction was Dick Van Dyke’s reaction. A source close to the case said he wasn’t pursuing the case for money, but for a simple principle: “Respect for artists shouldn’t be made fun of.”
Will the $60 million lawsuit go to court or be resolved behind the scenes? Will Pete Hegseth publicly apologize? And more importantly: is Hollywood about to witness a confrontation between an unyielding legend and a controversial television personality?
One thing is for sure: all eyes are on Dick Van Dyke — and he’s once again proving that even at his age, he’s still the most unexpected star in show business.
