Exploring 5 Major Scandals from Survivor: A Deep Dive

Survivor is an original reality TV competition series from CBS that is set to launch its 47th season on September 18, 2024, airing on both CBS and Paramount+. Since its debut in 2000, the show has captivated audiences for nearly two decades. Contestants are placed in a remote location where they must navigate both physical and mental challenges.

To avoid elimination, contestants participate in various tasks, with the ultimate goal of being the last one standing to claim a prize of $1 million and the title of sole survivor.

The announcement for season 47 was made in May 2024, followed by a reveal of the cast on September 4, 2024. This season will be filmed in the picturesque setting of Fiji and will once again feature the beloved host Jeff Probst, who has been with the show since the beginning.

Throughout its impressive run, Survivor has not only entertained but has also encountered some significant controversies in the world of reality television. Below are some of the most notable scandals that have left a mark on viewers over the years.

5 Controversial Moments from Survivor Through the Years

1) Jeff Probst and Julie Berry’s 19-Year Age Difference

Julie Berry, a participant in Survivor‘s ninth season, sparked headlines due to her relationship with show host Jeff Probst, who is 19 years her senior. Their relationship became public during the 2004 reunion of Survivor: Vanuatu, but ended four years later in 2008, largely attributed to the challenges of a long-distance relationship.

In a 2012 interview on Rob Cesternino’s podcast, Berry revealed that her romance with Probst impacted her career, preventing her return to the show after gaining insight into its behind-the-scenes workings.

2) Alec Merlino’s NDA Violation

Alec Merlino faced consequences after violating his Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to the airing of Survivor: David vs. Goliath, resulting in his exclusion from the reunion show and forfeiture of his appearance fee. Despite this setback, he expressed respect for CBS and the show in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in November 2018:

“The thing is, with social media, I feel things can be misconstrued, but I have nothing but the utmost respect for CBS, for Survivor, for Jeff. I went out there, and I had the experience of a lifetime.”

3) Nick Wilson’s Legislative Controversy

“Survivor: David Vs. Goliath” Finale (Image via Getty)

Following his victory in Survivor: David vs. Goliath, Nick Wilson ventured into politics and was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2022. He stirred controversy in 2024 by proposing a bill related to the legalization of sex between first cousins. However, he clarified that the issue arose from an editing mistake and subsequently withdrew the bill, as stated on his Facebook:

“During the drafting process, there was an inadvertent change, which struck ‘first cousins’ from the list of relationships included under the incest statute, and I failed to add it back in.”

4) Richard Hatch’s Legal Troubles

Richard Hatch, a standout from the show’s inaugural season in 2000, was embroiled in controversy following accusations of domestic assault against his then-partner, Glenn Boyanowski, in 2001. Although he received a probation sentence that same year, it was overturned in 2002. Hatch later made headlines for tax evasion charges, which he faced multiple times beginning in 2005.

5) Stacey Stillman’s Lawsuit Against Mark Burnett

Stacey Stillman, a contestant from the very first season of Survivor, took legal action against the show’s creator, Mark Burnett, claiming that her eviction and the outcome of the show were staged. In her lawsuit, she alleged that her fellow tribe members, Dirk Been and Sean Kenniff, were unduly influenced to vote her off the show.

CBS refuted Stillman’s allegations, stating:

“We heard about Stacey Stillman’s allegations several months ago. They had no merit then, they have no merit now that she has packaged them into a frivolous and groundless lawsuit.”

Mark your calendars for the premiere of Survivor season 47, which will kick off with a two-hour episode on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 8 PM ET/PT on CBS.

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