Finally, some sanity in reality television: VH1 has announced it is canningChad Johnson’s reality show, Ev & Ocho, because of the domestic violence charge that Ocho hashanging over his head for allegedly head-butting Ev.
The network said 11 episodes had been taped, including the two-part season finale. The series was scheduled to debut on Sept. 3, two days before the NFL season opens.
“Ocho,” of course, would Johnson, the wide receiver formerly known as Chad Ochocinco. “Ev” would be Evelyn Lozada, Johnson’s newlywed bride.
Forgive the cynics among us who thought the network might find a way to put the couple together anyway, maybe even follow them through the legal process — all for ratings and a buck.
Then again, who knows what the decision would have been had cameras — either from HBO’s Hard Knocks or Ev & Ocho — been present during the incident in the couple’s driveway Saturday night. The alleged assault led to Johnson’s arrest and subsequent release from the Miami Dolphins.
Lozada, who had a three-inch gash on her forehead, according to Davie, Fla. police, told officers she wanted to press charges, and signed an affidavit stating such. That signature may have cinched the cancellation.
Lozada was a star of the VH1 series, Basketball Wives — because she once was engaged to NBA player Antoine Walker.Ev & Ocho was to be a spinoff of that series. She and Johnson married on July 4.
The channel said the cancellation was because of “unfortunate events over the weekend and the seriousness of the allegations.” VH1 “has no current plans of airing it,” the statement added.
