The Real Reason Matt Brown Left Alaskan Bush People

Discovery's Alaskan Bush People has featured its fair share of intense storylines, all the way from Ami Brown's cancer battle to Noah Brown's difficult decision to spend time away from his large family. Another notable story concerns the plight of Matt Brown, who has openly struggled with addiction issues, which began in 2016 when the family moved from the Alaskan wilderness to the city of Juneau. "I've always been able to handle city life, no problem," he explained to People. "But I started hanging out with people who drank. They didn't have a problem with it so while I was around them, I started drinking."

After a lot of hard work and a move to California, it appears Matt is doing better than ever. "A year and almost 2 months ago, I started out on a quest of self-understanding, and awareness, to find a better way of existing in the world," he wrote in a September 2019 post, seemingly celebrating the anniversary of his rehab stay. "It has forever changed my life for the better."

Despite Matt's gains, he hasn't appeared on Alaskan Bush People since Season 9, which has fans wondering why he left the show in the first place. Although some might assume it has to do with his journey to sobriety, the real reason might be rooted in family drama.

It's no secret the Alaskan Bush People cast has experienced its fair share of tragedy and rifts, especially where it concerns Matt Brown's relationship with Billy Brown. This became especially evident during his addiction struggles, as a source alleged to Radar Online in May 2019 that the two fell out after a "nasty brawl" about Matt's sobriety, causing him to quit the show. 

The drama went down when Billy threatened to end Matt's contract if he didn't get help, which he did end up doing, as the insider explained. But despite Matt's improvements, Billy supposedly didn't live up to his end of the bargain. "Billy knows how much Matt needed to work and relied on the family's show for income, just as the rest of his siblings did, and Billy still cut him out," the source told Radar. They added, "Matt wants nothing to do with his dad, and it feels like they are all brainwashed by him. It is really sad because Matt is doing well, finally, which is all that Billy says he wanted from him."

As for Matt's siblings? "What's even worse is that Matt's brothers and sisters are siding with Billy because they are all just as money-hungry as their dad," the source alleged.

Then in August 2019, another report from Radar claimed Matt would return for Season 11, although this didn't happen. We guess fans will have to wait and see how this situation plays out.

Despite not returning to the show and reportedly feuding with his family, former Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown truly seems to be living his best life these days. And sticking to his sobriety, having hit the six-month mark in January 2019 (as reported by The Sun), he seems to be still going strong. Matt's Instagram is filled with posts of him living a laidback life in California, shots of him enjoying nature, and selfies captioned with inspirational messages to fans like, "It's a good day to enjoy the little things, hope everyone has a nice weekend."

Also per The Sun, Matt urged fans in an Instagram Story to keep their heads up. "I want to thank everybody for all the well wishes, I am doing well and living good and I hope the same for all of you all. Remember, stay strong, never give up, never surrender. I love you. Wishing everyone well out there, stay safe! Never give up never surrender!" He really does seem happier than ever.

While fans probably miss Matt Brown on Alaskan Bush People, it really seems like he's much better off these days, especially given all the drama in his family right now. For example, his brother Bear is embroiled in a messy custody battle with his ex-girlfriend Raiven Adams, who is filing for primary custody of baby River, born in March 2020. Previously, there were questions about the River's paternity, but Bear confirmed he was the father on Instagram after a test. He shared, "It is awesome news it was never any doubt but in order for me to get equal rights as a parent that is one thing I had to prove that I am actually River's dad."

There's a lot going on up there in the Bush, it seems. And while Matt was integral to the series, it's nice to see that he's taking care of himself and staying out of the fray. For now, it's probably just good for his health if he stays in California.