A 'Storage Wars' lawsuit, filed by the show's star David Hester, has been dealt a serious blow after L.A. Superior Court judge Michael Johnson tossed a claim of unfair business practices, on Tuesday (March 12, 2013). Hester filed the lawsuit against A&E and producer Original Productions in December, alleging he was wrongfully terminated and that the high-rated series is - shock - rigged!

Hester is known as a professional buyer of abandoned storage locks - an unlikely profession to be the focus of a television show, though 'Storage Wars' has emerged as one of the most popular shows on U.S. television. It sees Hester and other buyers competing for lockers, though the star claims unethical behaviour takes place and says the show runs in violation of the Communication Act of 1934, which prohibits, "influencing, prearranging, or predetermining outcomes" in "contests of knowledge, skill, or chance."

One of Hester's specific claims is that A&E committed unfair business practices, as a result of "interference and manipulation of the outcomes of the auctions show." Essentially, he claims the whole thing is fixed - something Judge Johnson disagrees with. He says Hester can't make the case, noting that unfair competition only regulates business practices within the arena of commercial speech and that Hester's claim "arises entirely out of non-commercial conduct concerning the production and broadcast of an expressive work."

Though the suit appears dead, Hester is likely to appeal given he's represented by celebrity attack dog Marty Singer. A&E has acquired the services of Kelli Sager.

Dave HesterDave Hester Has Hit A Stumbling Block In His Lawsuit With A&E