In his forthcoming book, Flip Your Life: How to Find Opportunity in Distress—in Real Estate, Business, and Life, HGTV star Tarek El Moussa shares shocking tales from his troubled youth. Known for his openness about overcoming addiction, beating cancer, and navigating a highly publicized divorce from his co-star Christina Hall on Flip or Flop, El Moussa takes readers on a deeply personal journey in his latest work.
Growing up in a rough neighborhood, El Moussa's life was far from ordinary. In an exclusive excerpt shared by PEOPLE, he reveals a harrowing incident from his teenage years that involved a gang fight, resulting in his arrest and being charged with attempted murder. Spending a brief period in a juvenile detention center, El Moussa acknowledges that these dark experiences played a significant role in shaping the person he would become.
In his book, which serves as part self-help guide and part memoir, El Moussa emphasizes that the environment we grow up in can have a profound impact on our lives. 'We're all a product of our environment, and I grew up in that environment,' he explains. 'In order to thrive in that environment, you have to do certain things.'
The shocking gang fight shared in the book, as El Moussa reveals, was just one of many similar incidents he experienced. From shootings to knife fights, he lived a life filled with violence and danger. Yet, over two decades later, he recognizes how lucky he was to escape that environment and transform his life.
El Moussa's decision to candidly share his troubled past is motivated by a desire to inspire others. 'That's why I shared what I shared,' he explains. 'To show that you can literally be a gang banger right now, robbing people, and you can flip your life. Anybody can change. They just have to want to.'
Recalling the moment of his arrest, El Moussa vividly remembers his fear and uncertainty about the charges he was facing. The altercation became a turning point in his life, triggering a deep introspection. While trouble still found him to some extent afterward, he began to seriously contemplate the choices he was making.
Throughout his childhood, both of El Moussa's parents were acutely aware of the dangerous alternatives lurking in their neighborhood. Growing up in an area heavily influenced by gangs, he observed friends being drawn into their dangerous world and the devastating consequences that followed. Determined to forge a different path, he made a conscious decision to redirect his life. However, survival was his initial priority.
One fateful day during his sophomore year of high school, El Moussa found himself in the midst of a violent clash between rival groups. Fists and baseball bats flew, chaos ensued, and he found himself being struck brutally by a bat, leading to him retaliating in self-defense. When the situation took an even more dangerous turn with older brothers of the rival group storming towards him with crowbars, the police arrived just in time, saving his life.
Arrested and charged with multiple serious offenses, El Moussa spent a terrifying night in juvenile detention, completely uncertain about his future. Thankfully, diligent legal work and a careful examination of the circumstances led to the charges being dropped, and he was able to return home.
Shortly after this terrifying experience, El Moussa was diagnosed with ADHD, and his doctor prescribed Dexedrine, a medication to help manage impulsivity. This marked a significant turning point in his life, enabling him to focus on his studies and climb from a C average to nearly straight A's by the time he graduated. However, finding the right dosage proved challenging, and El Moussa grappled with the side effects that accompanied the medication.
Despite the tumultuous journey he has encountered, El Moussa made a solemn promise to himself never to find himself in such a dire situation again. While he admits he never sought out fights and only engaged in them to protect others, his experience in juvenile detention compelled him to redirect his instincts towards fights that truly mattered, ones that would not jeopardize his life.
In Flip Your Life, Tarek El Moussa delivers a candid and inspiring account of his troubled youth, providing a raw look into his transformation from a troubled teenager to a successful HGTV star. His aim is to offer hope to others who may be facing dark times, demonstrating that change is possible for anyone who has the will to embrace it.
As readers dive into Flip Your Life, they will undoubtedly be captivated by the incredible journey of resilience, determination, and personal growth undertaken by Tarek El Moussa. It serves as a reminder that our past does not define us and that even the most challenging circumstances can lead to newfound opportunities.
