What started as a getaway to Las Vegas ended with a dramatic confrontation for HGTV star Tarek El Moussa.
The reality TV personality found himself in the middle of a heated altercation that left one man unconscious—and the whole thing reportedly happened while El Moussa was defending his elderly father.
Tarek Reportedly Knocks Man Out While Defending His Dad
According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated quickly last Thursday at The Palazzo, part of the Venetian Resort on the Las Vegas Strip.
Tarek, 43, allegedly delivered a powerful knee to a man’s head, knocking him out cold.
While the incident was serious enough for police involvement, El Moussa was not arrested—though he was cited.
The other man involved refused medical treatment, and it’s still unclear exactly what sparked the confrontation.
A spokesperson for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that both men were part of the altercation, which has since made headlines.
Heather Rae Was There but Not Involved
Tarek’s wife and co-star, Heather Rae El Moussa, was in Las Vegas with him during the trip.
However, she was not part of the altercation. The 37-year-old former Selling Sunset star had shared photos and videos from their time in the city, including a sweet snapshot that featured Tarek’s father.
While it may have been a family trip, things clearly didn’t stay peaceful for long.
A Look Back at Tarek’s Previous Legal Run-In
This isn’t the first time Tarek has found himself in a high-stakes situation.
Back in 2016, during a highly publicized split with his ex-wife and Flip or Flop co-star Christina Hall, he was involved in an incident that had law enforcement swarming a nature trail.
During a heated fight with Christina, Tarek grabbed a firearm and took off toward the hills near their home in Yorba Linda, California.
Christina feared for his safety and called 911, leading to a full police response, including a helicopter with armed officers.
Police and Helicopters: The Wild 2016 Trail Incident
Tarek later explained that he wasn’t suicidal—he simply wanted some exercise and to test out new mountain bikes.
But because the area was home to wildlife like mountain lions and rattlesnakes, he brought a .38-caliber handgun for protection.
He had just received his concealed carry permit weeks before.
What followed was a surreal moment: police helicopters hovering above, rifles pointed, and a loudspeaker demanding he raise his hands.
He recalls the dust swirling around him and police swarming in off-road vehicles.
That day ended with him handcuffed on his driveway while Christina cried nearby—marking the end of their marriage.
Rock Bottom and a Long Road Back
After that 2016 incident, Tarek admitted to going through a dark period.
He battled substance withdrawal from testosterone therapy, drank heavily, and eventually checked into rehab.
At the time, he says he felt completely abandoned by the media, his TV network, and even those closest to him.
He even spent time living in what he described as a “halfway house,” holding onto hope that he and Christina might eventually reunite.
But those hopes were crushed when he learned she had moved on with TV host Ant Anstead in 2017.
Tarek later admitted the heartbreak was “devastating.”
Christina Moves On While Tarek Starts Fresh
Christina and Ant married in 2018 and had a son together the following year.
Their marriage didn’t last long, though—they split in 2020. Meanwhile, Tarek found love again.
He met Heather Rae on July 4th, 2019, and the two quickly became inseparable.
They married, and in 2023, welcomed their son Tristan, who’s now two years old.
A New Chapter with No Bitterness
Despite all the past drama, Tarek says he harbors no resentment toward Christina.
Seven years after their divorce, he says they’ve found a way to co-parent peacefully.
“There’s nothing but understanding now,” he said, reflecting on how tough those years were due to his health and emotional struggles.
“We really focus on the kids,” he added, noting that communication with Christina is healthy and respectful.
Heather Is His Breakthrough Moment
Tarek credits meeting Heather as the true turning point in his life.
He says he’s never looked back since they got together and is finally in a place where he feels fulfilled, optimistic, and focused on family.
“She was my breakthrough moment,” he shared, clearly grateful for where he’s landed after so many public ups and downs.