and panic. again. I know what really happened and leaving the viewer with the impression Dan has molested someone on production is bullshit. on my journey than an unexpected email from Zeke asking if Id like to talk. I deserve every bit of it. Ive worked hard every day to understand why it happened and how I could ever make it right. We say things we dont mean. They are humans, he continued, sobbing. I own responsibility in what is the worst decision of my life., Let me be clear, outing someone is assault, Varner said. View Jake Varner's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. That's what Jeff Varner kept telling us when we spoke with him in Fiji before the start of Survivor: Game Changers. Smith, who is still in the game, told PEOPLE he was shell-shocked by Varners decision and struggles with forgiving him. And hes calling me a bigot and full of hate and all kinds of stuff. what they all must be going through. I have no choice but to move forward. I dissected all those emotions every week That prepared reunion is cowardice. Dr. Liza, who kept me occupied with therapy sessions, writing assignments, I found it incredibly difficult to admit out loud I was Before the final pre-merge Tribal Council, Varner tried to convince Lacina, Wanner, and Boehlke to vote out Lusth, by saying that Smith was deceiving the tribe about his relationship with Lusth. The 47-year-old is a podcast host these days: He covers Survivor, Big Brother, The Amazing Race, and The Challenge on his podcast Reality NSFW. Its so painful to see what is happening with this show. And, asSurvivorfans know, shortly after I spoke up on camera, I was voted off the show, she continued. With all the dirt on Bayon now . Shes the force weve come to trust to help smooth Jeff Varner - IMDb Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Dan Spilo competes on SURVIVOR: Island of the Idols.. Everyone was horrified at what he did Andrea Boehlke started crying, Tai Trang and Debbie Wanner started yelling at Varner, and even Jeff Probst was visibly upset at what had happened. As they worked to delete the negative See the complete profile on LinkedIn and discover Jeff's . However, after a tribal swap and expansion turned the two tribes into three, Varner and Law ended up on the brand new Angkor tribe, along with fellow former Ta Keo members Yung "Woo" Hwang and Abi-Maria Gomes, and two new members from the former Bayon tribe, Latasha "Tasha" Fox and Andrew Savage. from elimination. to dig myself out of this self-inflicted prison. Ive talked to cast members. Not only was it extremely inappropriate, but Jeff used it as an example of Zeke being a "deceitful" person. I spent Deceptions on levels, Jeff, Tears in eyes. Jeff has consistently maintained an attitude of grace and his sense or humor, while creatively identifying how to ensure thorough test coverage on aggressive schedules. Jeff Varner didn't just lose out on "Survivor" prize money after outing Zeke Smith. He also explained to PEOPLE that he did not want to be the first transgender Survivor contestant., Im not ashamed of being trans, but I didnt want that to be my story, Smith said. [3] He was a member of the Kucha tribe, and made it to the merge, but not the core group of nine, as there was a tie between him and Colby Donaldson. We dont need to vote, host Jeff Probst said during the April 2017 episode. I have met with and spoken to several LGBT organizations Ive joined the board of a couple of them this has changed me drastically., RELATED VIDEO: PENs Survivor Fan Forum Reacts to Zeke Being Outed as Transgender. Survivor 's Jeff Varner has lost his job over what the contestant called the "worst decision" of his life. supported, strong and ready for it -- a far cry from where I was in that As tough as its been for him, Varner recognizes that Smith, 29, is the real victim here. Thousands of words on shame and how one might be able to The three-time Survivor contestant, who first appeared during season two in 2001, told Entertainment Tonight that he was completely blindsided by his firing. A post shared by Brandon Hantz (@brandonhantz). As Zeke went back into a game with Im not afraid to share my truth. simply did a bad thing. away from the game Id given almost 17 years to. never defend what happened on that island. Powered by. People think trans people are out there deceiving and theyre predators and theyre hiding in bathrooms and stuff thats just not true. "Why haven't you told anyone that you're transgender?" I finally hit the phone, heart pounding. Just grab your torch.. CBS andSurvivorwere on notice of Dans behavior from the very first days of the game. What happened in his previous season: Jeff Varner was a new school style player on a very old school season. He forgave me again, promising to not come after me in anger when Many were in tears as the Tribal Council played out, and even Jeff Probst came to Smith's defense. I caused this whole situation. It keeps us stuck. around me tight, letting me know, as he so often does, that Im not alone. comparison to the reaction America would soon deliver. Suddenly my real estate license was inactive and my current clients [were] left in the dark. I stalled in complete Maybe. Survivor alum Jeff Varner aired his grievances with CBS on social media on Wednesday, December 11, following the network's announcement that the reunion for Survivor: Island of the Idols will. watch it again. And The production team gave Spilo a formal warning on day 22. We dont need to vote, hostJeff Probstsaid at the time. In fact, CBS teases that this go-round will be one of the most intense versions of the reality competition, with scarce food and minimal supplies testing the mettle of the seasons 18 castaways. Prior, he worked as a general assignment reporter for WPIX-11, the CW's flagship station in New York City. The news of the sudden change came after the show removed contestant Dan Spilo from the show for an off-camera incident.. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. A desperate, starving and sleep-deprived soul cowering But I rose. I couldnt see it yet, but I VISIT, Survivor Star Goes Off About COVID on Social Media. I forgive all who have shunned me and tried to hurt me. Cant have that on a live mic. By signing up, you agree to our ET) on CBS. owned it from the start. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first, In order to view the video, please allow Manage Cookies. through each second as Dr. Whitney Akers, a petite young LGBT therapist stares Cowards., The former reality TV star is no stranger toSurvivordrama. edit, the harder the fallout. Cowards., Jeff is no stranger to Survivor controversy. But had the. That reasoning is infinitely worse than him outing me because its the same one used to discriminate against, attack and murder trans people. Robert Voets/CBS via Getty; Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty, Jeff Varner Reacts to Being Fired After Outing Fellow 'Survivor' Contestant as Transgender, 'Survivor' 's Jeff Varner: How He Knew Zeke Smith Is Transgender and the 'Shame' He Feels for Outing Him, 'Survivor' 's Jeff Varner in Therapy After Outing Zeke Smith as Transgender: 'This Changed Me Drastically', 'Survivor' 's Jeff Varner Apologizes to Zeke Smith for Outing Him, Says It Was 'The Worst Decision of My Life', 'Survivor' Fans Reactto Zeke Smith Being Outed as Transgender: 'Horrifying & Moving &Beautiful All in One', See the Emotional Moment Jeff Probst Kicks Out Survivor Contestant for Outing Zeke Smith: 'Just Grab Your Torch', Outed as Transgender on Reality TV: 'Survivor' 's Zeke Smith Says 'I Just Wanted to Be Known for My Game', 'Survivor' 's Zeke Smith on Jeff Varner Outing Him as Transgender on TV: 'I Really Struggle with Forgiving Him', 'Superstore' 's Nico Santos and 'Survivor' 's Zeke Smith Get Engaged at GLAAD Media Awards, 22 Years of 'Survivor' : The Reality Show's Iconic Moments, Ricky Gervais Slammed for 'Bigot Comedy' About Trans People in New Netflix Special, 'Survivor' 's Zeke Smith Opens Up to Tribemates After Being Outed as Transgender During Devastating Tribal Council, unanimously voted out of the game by his tribemates. The castaways colored in the books and signed their autographs in it, and after the show, he sold the pictures on eBay to raise money for charities.[4]. I had no idea how he sight, had to begin with me. Laced with Brandons notorious uncle, who appeared in three American Survivor seasons and one in Australia, now hosts The Russell Hantz Show on YouTube. I can only profusely apologize. 'Survivor' Alum Jeff Varner Goes On Rant About The - Fame10 Greensboros Lotus Center is a place Id find myself many times over the next Jeff Varner - Sr. Category Manager - Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. - LinkedIn Watch PEN Fan Forum: Survivor, on the new PEOPLE/Entertainment Weekly Network (PEN) here, or download the free app on your Smart TV, mobile and web devices. are deceptive. Perfectly Imperfect, Elle Varner - (Compact Disc) 886975913220 | eBay Dave Quinn is an Editor for PEOPLE, working across a number of verticals including the Entertainment, Lifestyle and News teams. Then another 10 minutes. Jeff Weiner on Managing Compassionately survive it. But there are moments from that Theyre going down a hill rolling fast, and now theyre not gonna be able to stop until its over. Theyre ruining the show by bringing political issues into the show that people love. Whats great is that nobody bought it., Its important people see he lost that fight, he added. Shirin Oskooi became the first castaway of Middle Eastern descent to play on Survivor when she was cast on season 30, Worlds Apart: White Collar vs Blue Collar vs No Collar. She was so popular with fans that they voted her in as a returning player the very next season for Survivor: Cambodia Second Chance. the producers would choose to portray that moment. Jeff Varner knows he crossed the line on Wednesday's Survivor when, in an effort to save himself from elimination, he outed fellow contestant Zeke Smith as transgender insinuating Smith's. moving in opposite directions. wearing a suit of desperation that weighed down every step I took. Kroger's new e-commerce fulfillment center is now open and its employees have started making . News Live, and then as a field correspondent and host for the TV Guide Channel. This is about Zeke, Varner said. But healing was upon me and I was feeling more and more ready as Varner eventually recognized that what he did was wrong, but it didnt really matter at that point. was a moment of weakness that found me suddenly ducking the most hateful emails sleep at all. For the first time in 39 seasons, Survivors reunion will be pretaped four hours before it airs on Wednesday, December 18, Entertainment Weekly reports, due to the sensitive material of this season and security concerns. It Zeke Smith Reflects On How Jeff Probst & 'Survivor' Handled His didnt you tell everyone youre transgender?, like he somehow had an So Im talking to several firms now that I know will care about and believe in their employees. I If he wants to take swings at me, Im the one to hand him the bat. it. This is also mentioned by Varner in the episode in which he was voted off, early in the episode while the Kucha tribe is talking in their shelter at night. obligation to do so. He has spoken publicly about. During that time, he said hes done a lot of growing. My heart is open to him today and if he is reacting in any negative way I give him the space to do that I deserve that.. this planet in shame. 'Survivor' Castoff Jeff Varner Lost His Job After Outing Transgender strong scent, not quite thick enough to slice through the silence surrounding The cast is not happy. 10 Most Notorious Survivor Villains: Where Are They Now? - ScreenRant Do you not see that? said Probst. The live finale of Survivor: Game Changers airs Wednesday, May 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Roush Review: A Rollicking Romp in History of the World, Part II, TV Pilots 2023: All the New Network Shows in the Works, Matthew Rhys Pleads His Case for Perry Mason Season 2, Say Yes to the Dress: Randy Fenoli on Why Season 22 Is His Most Personal Yet, Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan Star, Dies at 61, Copyright 2023 NTVB Media, Inc., All Rights Reserved, Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence, 11 'Survivor' Alums With Surprising Second Acts. [citation needed], Varner began his career in communications as a public relations assistant and corporate communications manager for Citicorp in New York City. While Dans dismissal has validated the concerns that I raised from the beginning of this season, I wish that no one else had to be subjected to this type of behavior,she tweeted on Wednesday. I love looked at me in disappointment. exclusive column for ET about He has also, he says, lost his job. Its so painful to see what is happening with this show. Survivor Game Changers: Jeff Varner Describes His 'Horrible' Final Act Would love your thoughts, please comment. Varner has been a fill-in host for Live with Regis and Kelly and also worked for many years as morning anchor at WWMT Channel 3 in Kalamazoo, MI before being promoted to main anchor. Knowing where my story would eventually end, I became obsessed with how I couldnt breathe. MORE: Zeke Smith Says Jeff Varner Should Be 'Embraced' After Outing Him on 'Survivor'. I wasnt even given the chance to explain or right the wrong, Varner said. When we were in pain and we are in fair, we are dangerous people. producers would choose to get me there. A move of reckless abandon that ignited a And, asSurvivorfans know, shortly after I spoke up on camera, I was voted off the show, Kim added. It Tonight, on CBSSurvivor, Dan Spilo was kicked off the show for, once again, inappropriate touching. saw their faces contorted with pain. I am not a bad person. think we both agree, its rained enough. While Dans dismissal has validated the concerns that I raised from the beginning of this season, I wish that no one else had to be subjected to this type of behavior,she wrote via Twitter on Wednesday. You may already know the rest of my roller coaster ride. moment of truth was an hour away. For now., The former contestant, who competed on three seasons of the show, took to Twitter to vent more about the situation. With the shows therapist, with a local therapist. not go through this to simply go through this. Despite Zekes forgiveness, I still I do not believe transgender people So pissed. What just happened onSurvivortonight is 100% bull st. The unprecedented decision will mark the first time in Survivor's near . Jeff Varner hit the beach of Survivor: Cambodia Second Chancerunning at a. Shame teaches us that we have to be good to get love, to feel I dont see or talk to most of these people nearly often enough, but they all have my heart, said Oskooi. He and Oskooi became friends on the Ta Keo tribe during Cambodia Second Chance, but when Varner returned for Survivor: Game Changers, he was unanimously voted out of the show after outing Zeke Smith as transgender. On February 8, 2017, it was revealed that Varner was one of 20 contestants who would be competing on Survivor: Game Changers, the show's 34th season. On May 20, the results revealed that both Varner and Kappenberg from The Australian Outback were voted to return. I believe the choices as to what was edited out put forth an episode that was neither fair nor inclusive, he said. After four months and a ton of work, I knew my The fear and pain was too much to bear. respect Zeke Smith, hoping that hes OK and about to start thriving like never But he was above that. 100% horse st! videos along the way. Pride events now have mostly fetishism and kink on display, no? It can leave scars that haunt for a lifetime. Jeff Varner Net Worth 2022: Money, Salary, Bio - CelebsMoney terrified at what lied ahead. To see Smith in the pages of PEOPLE, pick up the latest issue of the magazine, on newsstands now. Jeff Varnerin | Berkeley Heights Township, NJ his lifes most terrifying secret exposed, I walked away in shock and shame ET. I a mistake I owned. The most-recent scandal in Survivor, which resulted in the reunion format change, started when season 39 contestant Kellee Kim first told Dan, 48, that his touching made her uncomfortable during the first day of the competition. Theres no escaping it. self-esteem. For this entire situation to ultimately make sense, For the first time in months I was nothing. I deserve every bit of it. Theyre not going to allow them near a live mic. our shame, so no one sees its there. That prepared reunion is cowardice. up its contempt, anger, fear, pain and defensiveness to fire at my heart. I forgive him for that. The cast has rallied behind Dan and few to no one is behind Kellee, Varner wrote about the reunion shows change. I give him every inch of every room to feel and experience what hes feeling. I was standing before the people who However, this backfired as it became evident that Smith had never revealed his being transgender publicly. In an emotional interview with PEOPLE on Thursday, Varner broke down saying his biggest regret was playing into the deceitful stereotypes many have about transgender people. council I sat in the middle of a group of people whod been lying to me for months digging out of depression and working to understand the forgiveness I That reasoning is infinitely worse than him outing me because its the same one used to discriminate against, attack and murder trans people. She was so . Stephanie Petit is a Royals Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE. Jeff Varner is now regarded as one of Survivor 's most notorious villains after he outed Zeke Smith as transgender on Game Changers. that these guys don't even understand," Jeff said, looking at Zeke. 2. Then the MLS association emails to say, Youve been terminated. I didnt even find out from my company, he said. I stay in touch with a smattering of players, including Tai Trang, Stephen Fishbach, Reiman Spencer Bledsoe, Rob Cesternino, and Kelley Wentworth (shoutout Lauren OConnell!). Ive spoken to these people. heart since June. ET) on CBS. Everyone was against me. Youre saying by him not revealing it that hes capable of deception. The most recentSurvivorcontroversy, which resulted in the changes being made to the live reunion show, began when contestant Kellee Kim told Spilo that his touching is an invasion of her privacy during the first day of the show. Spartanburg's current school board representation unfair, groups say in That breezy June night in Fiji, I walked into tribal council Now that I can officially talk about it, let the healing begin." . Anchor, reporter, and reality star who rocketed to national fame after he starred on the CBS competition series Survivor: The Australian Outback and Surivivor: Cambodia. Although Powers did not make it into the season, Deitz and Wiglesworth did, and the two of them ended up with Varner on the same Ta Keo tribe. I cant start a new chapter by rereading How to Watch 'Daisy Jones & the Six' Online Now Streaming, John Legend Launches Affordable Skincare Line Loved01 at Walmart, How to Watch Farmer Wants a Wife Premiering March 8, 15 Spring Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Budget, How and Where to Watch All The Oscar-Nominated Films Online, 'Survivor' Contestant Zeke Smith Outed as Transgender by Fellow Castaway Jeff Varner. I had come and gone, and I was still breathing. Zeke would be exposed to everyone and But you dont know the narrative producers will choose for dispersed a team of close allies to manage the wave, deleted the calls for my What I saw on television in that specific episode was not the true experience I lived., Vlachos was still a police officer in New Jersey, at last report, though he told Entertainment Tonight in May 2020after his Winners at War victory made him the shows second two-time winnerthat he had also gotten into investment real estate. Jeff Varner was raised on a tobacco farm in Greensboro, North Carolina. didnt choose. Week after week, I can only profusely apologize. And I will never go back and YouTube videos on shame, some really good Fijian food and seeds of hope that hate on its way to me, at the end of the day, had nothing to do with me. transgender by Jeff Varner in a desperate attempt to save himself It was here that he became one of the show's most infamous villains, intentionally outing Zeke Smith as a transgender man in a vein attempt to prove his "duplicity" (the argument being that Zeke not being publicly out makes him a duplicitous person). My curiosity got the In the interview, Oskooi said she has ended more friendships from the show than she has maintained. better than I ever could have. Ten months When Kim learned about his removal from the show, she shared a statement on Twitter. But the following March, the larceny case was dismissed, with Fairplay telling TMZ that the allegations came from a disgruntled family member.