What We Know About Bam Margera And Johnny Knoxville's Legal Battle

The relationship between Johnny Knoxville and Bam Margera had its genesis with "Jackass," which began when the now-defunct skate magazine "Big Brother" began producing crazy stunt videos with Knoxville in the late 1990s. Meanwhile, Margera was making his own prank and stunt series called CKY, according to Complex. They combined forces and soon found themselves on MTV, with the help of Spike Jonze, and took off like Knoxville being shot out of a cannon (the stunt that began each of the original episodes).

Over the years, Margera's problems strained their relationship. In 2019, the producers of "Jackass Forever" had Margera, who has had a history of alcohol and drug issues, sign a "wellness agreement" while he was in rehab if he wanted to be in any future "Jackass" productions, according to Margera's lawsuit (via Deadline). Margera alleged he had been "coerced" into signing the "draconian" agreement without a lawyer and that the producers forced him to take multiple drug tests a day. The strain "exacerbated his mental health issues and led to suicidal thoughts," per the lawsuit. He believed their treatment of him was "inhumane."

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).