Of the unprecedented decision in the show's history, host Jeff Probst explains in an interview, 'Complex social issues were woven into the game in a way we have never seen before.'
- Dec 12, 2019
AceShowbiz - "Survivor: Island of the Idols" made an unprecedented move in the latest episode. For the first time in the show's history, a player was removed from the game at the every end of the episode, which aired on Wednesday, December 11.
Right after tribal council, host Jeff Probst approached the camp to make a big announcement to the remaining players. He told Lauren Beck, Janet Carbin, Dean Kowalski, Noura Salman and Tommy Sheehan that Dan Spilo had been removed from the game.
"I just spoke privately with Dan, and i want to update you guys. A decision has been made, and Dan will not be returning to the game. He won't be coming back to camp, he won't be on the jury, he's gone," Jeff explained.
"Dan was removed from the game after a report of another incident, which happened off-camera and did not involve a player," read a message on screen. Dan previously made headlines after contestant Kellee Kim accused him of inappropriate touching to her fellow tribemates.
When asked about what happened off-camera with Dan, Jeff told Entertainment Weekly, "the question is a fair and reasonable one. I've endeavored to be as forthcoming as possible with you regarding everything that has happened this season. In this situation, out of respect for privacy and confidentiality, I can't say anymore."
Of the unprecedented decision, Jeff explained, "Complex social issues were woven into the game in a way we have never seen before. With our contestants' welfare at the forefront, we have spent a lot of time discussing every layer of the situation with human resources, diversity and inclusion representatives, show therapists, lawyers, publicists, and standards and practices. We all worked diligently throughout the entire process to make the right decisions and portray an accurate depiction of what took place. We have learned a lot and it will inform our process moving forward."
Jeff told that Dan wasn't happy when the producers told him about his removal. "We talked through everything for quite a while, and by the time he got on the boat to leave he had calmed down and was actually very respectful as he departed," said Jeff.
Following the news of Dan's removal, Kellee took to Twitter to share his opinion of the matter. "While I wish many things had gone differently, I'm glad that my decision to speak up made a differecnce. What is most important to me now is how all of us -- CBS, Survivor, other organizations, and all of us as individuals -- decide to learn from this story and commit to take action," she said.
She continued, "Lastly, I am grateful to the many people who have reached out to me over the last few weeks to share their own stories and messages of solidarity. These messages, of feeling supported and believed, have been an incredible gift. Thank you."
Meanwhile, Dan will not serve on the jury for the final tribal councils.
