Producers intervene over reality TV star's disturbing behaviour

Producers on the US version of Survivor, which is currently airing on 9Go in Australia, have had to intervene after a number of female contestants accused a fellow star of touching them inappropriately.

It’s the first time in the reality TV show’s long-running history that producers have become involved while the cameras were rolling, according to Survivor Reddit, with one member of the team reassuring contestant Kellee that they would step in after she broke down.

“It’s super upsetting, because you can’t do anything about it,” a teary Kellee said in a piece to camera about fellow contestant Dan, who has been accused of unwanted touching.

“There are always consequences for standing up. This happens in work settings, in schools… This isn’t just one person, it’s a f***ing pattern. It’s a pattern.

“It takes five people to be like, man, the way I’m feeling about this is actually real. It’s not in my head. I’m not overreacting to it. He’s literally done these things to five different women in this game.”

Producers intervene

Speaking from behind the camera, a producer then said, “You know, if there are issues to the point where things need to happen, come to me and I will make sure that stops.”

It was then explained that the crew had stepped in and spoken to each of the contestants individually and as a group, as well as with Dan.

“They were cautioned about personal boundaries and reminded that producers are available to them at all times,” texted played on the screen read.

“Based on the outcome of those discussions, the game continued. In addition, producers met privately with Dan, at which time he was issued a warning for his behaviour. Producers continue to monitor the situation.”

Shocking twist

In a twist that many viewers have found just as disturbing, two female contestants, Missy and Elizabeth, used the accusations against Dan as part of the game.

They confided to another star, Janet, that Dan’s behavior had made them uncomfortable, but later revealed they only did so to manipulate the elimination vote at Tribal Council.

In fact, when confronted by Janet after the vote, they said they were perfectly comfortable with Dan, sparking widespread anger from fans.

At the Tribal Council, Dan proclaimed his innocence but apologised nonetheless.

“True, untrue, it doesn’t matter what I feel,” Dan said. “It doesn’t matter whether I’m aware of it. It doesn’t matter whether I ever sensed it. It doesn’t matter whether I knew it happened or didn’t happen. If someone feels it, it’s their truth. I couldn’t be more sorry.”

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