Matt Brown was once the driving force of Alaskan Bush People, often leading the family through their most rugged challenges. But by 2019, he had quietly vanished from the show—without explanation, and without a word from the rest of the Brown family. While the series itself has since gone on hiatus, Matt’s absence has lasted even longer. Today, he lives off the grid in Loomis, Wash., far from the cameras that once made his family famous.
Why Did Matt Brown Leave ‘Alaskan Bush People?’
Matt has reportedly been battling alcohol addiction from early on and entered rehab for the first time in 2016. But his recovery, unfortunately, didn’t last for long after that, and he relapsed. He then returned for treatment a second time in 2018. Around that same time, two women came forward with allegations of sexual assault. They claimed Matt had physically assaulted them in two separate incidents that occurred just two days apart. Both women also claimed that he was heavily intoxicated at the time. As per The Sun, Matt had been absent from Alaskan Bush People and went to rehab shortly after the alleged encounters.
Though never officially addressed on the show, it’s widely believed that the serious allegations against him were the reason Matt was allegedly fired from Alaskan Bush People. The same Sun article also reveals that one of the women who accused Matt of assault also spoke to other Brown family members. Since then, most of his family have reportedly cut off contact with him. In April 2021, Matt opened up in a raw and emotional Instagram video where he shared details about his struggles and gave fans a darker look into what life was like behind the scenes. He claimed that members of the production team had supplied drugs to the family, which he believes worsened his addiction. He also accused his father, Billy Brown, of withholding money he earned from the show, leaving him in a difficult financial situation. Despite everything, Matt continued working on his recovery and seems to be doing well today.
Matt Brown’s Life After His Departure From ‘Alaskan Bush People’
Since stepping away from the show, Matt has chosen a quiet, solitary life. He doesn’t live far from the family’s North Star Ranch but remains estranged from their world. After his second stint in rehab in 2018, Matt committed to sobriety. He’s reportedly been clean ever since and continues to share his progress with fans.
In 2019, Matt launched a YouTube channel where he documents his day-to-day life, and over time, he’s built a substantial online following, with 260,000+ Instagram followers and 50,000+ YouTube subscribers. His content focuses on simple living, outdoor survival skills, and personal growth. Additionally, he also works in a local orchard where he tends to trees and helps with harvests. He’s also openly talked about his recovery, shares practical sobriety tips, and encourages others who might be struggling.
Can Viewers Expect to See Matt Return to ‘Alaskan Bush People’?
Alaskan Bush People has been on an indefinite hiatus since Season 14 ended in 2022, and there’s been no official word on whether the show will return. Even if it does, it’s unlikely that Matt will be included in the cast. Matt has also publicly stated that he was able to make peace with his late father, Billy, before he died in 2021, although he was still missing from Billy’s televised memorial episode (Alaskan Bush People Season 13, Episode 8, “One Last Dance, Da”). So, despite the father and son’s moment of closure, there might still be some tensions within the family.
