The drama of Yellowstone may have ended on screen, but behind the scenes, tensions are still running high! The latest shocker? Cole Hauser, known for playing Rip Wheeler, took legal action against Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan—over coffee!

In 2023, a legal dispute erupted when Taylor’s BOS Ranch filed a lawsuit against Cole’s coffee company, Free Rein, alleging trademark infringement. The issue? Their logos looked too similar, leading to claims that Cole was benefiting from Yellowstone’s cowboy brand. While a coffee dispute may sound trivial, when millions are at stake, branding battles become serious business.

But this wasn’t the first sign of friction between the two. In 2022, Cole revealed that he and Taylor had a literal fistfight during their second-ever meeting. Known for his rough-and-tumble attitude, Cole brushed it off as a bonding moment, saying fights were just another way to move past conflicts. However, many fans suspect a deeper power struggle between the two. 

The tension even played out in Yellowstone’s final season. Rip’s role was significantly reduced, while Taylor’s character, Travis, took center stage. Some even believe Taylor was trying to overshadow Cole’s character altogether. Adding fuel to the fire, a strip poker scene between Travis and Beth only intensified speculation that Taylor was sidelining Rip in his own story.

Despite all this, the lawsuit was quietly dismissed in early 2024, suggesting the two reached a private settlement. While their friendship may be complicated, one thing is clear—both men are fiercely protective of their brands, and neither backs down easily. With Cole set to return as Rip in future Yellowstone projects, it seems their working relationship will continue, despite the legal and personal clashes.