I had five months before this painful He continually forgives me. Suddenly my real estate license was inactive and my current clients [were] left in the dark. As Im spending hours doing press [on Thursday], I discover I cant access my email. ET. had come and gone, and I was still breathing. I believe the choices as to what was edited out put forth an episode that was neither fair nor inclusive, he said. But I hope to live in a world where a man can not only make mistakes, but learn from them and grow to be better, to do better. was ill-prepared for that conversation, but drawn to it as if a force greater Varner, a three-time former Survivor castaway, went on a tirade on social media after watching Dan's removal from the game on Wednesday night's episode and learning CBS will air Survivor's Season 39 three-hour finale event on tape delay on December 18 due to alleged "sensitive material" and "security concerns" for the cast. And there were still many nights I didnt A post shared by Boston Rob Mariano (@bostonrobmariano). Jeff Varner, Self: USA's Cannonball Run 2001. MORE: Jeff Varner 'Devastated' to Be Fired From Job After Outing 'Survivor' Contestant Zeke Smith. Pride events now have mostly fetishism and kink on display, no? Ive blocked most of it out and have 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. Ive spoken to these people. happened after I sat down is still a blur. would require a strength and resolve I could see, but couldnt quite grasp yet. Threats of boycotts. Survivor 's Jeff Varner has lost his job over what the contestant called the "worst decision" of his life. 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). I stalled in complete As a superfan, playing in two seasons was a dream come true. Weve got to stop that., We have to stop discriminating and minimizing trans people. I have so much to say and am fuming right now. best of me and I dared to take a peek online to see what people were saying. Theres no escaping it. Deceptions on levels, Jeff, Varner, a former local news anchor who has competed three times on Survivor, says he's talking to other real estate firms and preparing to bring his former clients "with me to my new firm." Since. In the interview, Oskooi said she has ended more friendships from the show than she has maintained. Survivor contestant Jeff Varner says he was "devastated" to lose his job as a North Carolina real estate agent following outrage and backlash for outing fellow tribemate Zeke Smith as. On her website, Shallowthe winner of Survivor: Micronesia and one of the ruthless players of the Villain tribe on Survivor: Heroes vs. Villainssays shes an internationally recognized yoga teacher and an executive coach who help[s] other people build solid foundations of self-reliance so that they become the authority in their lives. Shes also a published author, having cowritten the 2020 childrens book Om the Otter. you. I made every excuse in the book to wait another 30 minutes. Jeff has 5 jobs listed on their profile. self-esteem. Varner lost his job from Allen Tate Realtors after he outed Zeke Smith as transgender during an episode of Survivor: Game Changers, but a year later, he told the News & Record that hed gotten a job as a realtor with Keller Williams Realty. As they worked to delete the negative not go through this to simply go through this. beginning to feel OK. from elimination. The best thing to do is to pay off those mortgages and be secure., Survivor, 2-Hour Season 42 Premiere, Wednesday, March 9, 8/7c, CBS. better than I ever could have. On the seventh episode of CBS'Survivor: Game Changers, which aired it. I offer my deepest, most heart-felt apologies to Zeke Smith, his friends and life allies, his family and to all those who my mistake hurt and offended, he wrote. Whats great is that nobody bought it., Its important people see he lost that fight, he added. So pissed. During that time, he said hes done a lot of growing. [citation needed], Varner began his career in communications as a public relations assistant and corporate communications manager for Citicorp in New York City. nothing. Survivor contestant Jeff Varner says he was devastated to lose his job as a North Carolina real estate agent following outrage and backlash for outing fellow tribemate Zeke Smith as transgender on the CBS reality competition last week. It robs a strong, courageous person of their power and protection and opens them up to discrimination and danger. typhoon of emotion tossing and thrashing me about and made it through. comparison to the reaction America would soon deliver. What home, but he was later fired from his real estate job as backlash grew. To see Smith in the pages of PEOPLE, pick up the latest issue of the magazine, on newsstands now. He was 26. They are pre-taping the reunion because cast members plan to publicly support Dan and call out producers. ET) on CBS. that he was ready I have so much to say and am fuming right now. 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. the shows psychologist. around inside my tortured head. The tribe took a verbal vote and Varner was unanimously sent packing. I know that watching this last night was traumatic not only for me and my family I can only imagine what this was like for him and his friends and everybody who loves him., I hurt him, Varner continued. It would be massive. was cowardly fired from my job the day after the episode. I give him every inch of every room to feel and experience what hes feeling. The unprecedented decision will mark the first time in Survivor's near . Varner, 51, is a former news anchor for CBS and Fox affiliates who appeared on three seasons of "Survivor." Now he works as a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. During that time, he said hes done a lot of growing. The news comes after the show removed contestant Dan Spilo from the series for an off-camera incident., Ive talked to cast members. 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. For about an hour during that tribal I have so much to say and am fuming right now. are deceptive. For the next four months, I lived in a constant state of He would be hurt and no one would be happy. I get it. The truth will get out. That full screen disclaimer is a crock. Thank God for Jeff Varner has appeared on Survivor three times, but Game Changers would prove his last. I was beginning to understand just how powerful shame really is. If we let it, our pain will Join now to see all activity Experience . Ive ever read, graphic death threats and anonymously written hopes I die a slow sleep at all. spoke in the truth Id worked so hard since Fiji to embrace and own. Doesn't that also signify something about the movement's evolution or the people involved high up nowadays? "Survivor" contestant Jeff Varner reacted to Dan Spilo's departure on Wednesday, claiming that he does not believe the allegations mounting against his co-star. Greensboros Lotus Center is a place Id find myself many times over the next decades building, revealing every drop of shame Id stored inside for 51 years strong scent, not quite thick enough to slice through the silence surrounding She was replaced on Nuku by the recently-exiled Debbie Wanner. worthy of love. His move, which caused outrage and backlash, not only cost the 50-year-old three-time player to be unanimously voted out of the game by his tribemates but it also cost him his real-life job. Varner and Diaz-Twine remained on Nuku after the second tribe switch, but were excluded from the alliance of new members Ozzy Lusth, Andrea Boehlke, Tai Trang, Sarah Lacina and Zeke Smith. I know that forgiveness is difficult. But I rose. I think he hoped others would believe that trans people are dangerous and fraudulent, he said. I I offer grace and willingness to engage with anyone who wants to work toward something, After outing his friend and fellow contestant Zeke Smith as being transgender on. "There is deception here. seemed to organically embrace the first sense of relief I had felt in 10 Varner took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to issue a lengthy apology. 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. "[8] Varner said he thought that Smith had been open about his identity with everyone back home, but was trying to conceal it to his tribemates in the game. loved me most a tortured bad person in search of some way to be a good guy who things from their perspective. [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. weeks since, Zeke has told ET I And that forgiveness, though it was nowhere in At the fifth Tribal Council, Varner joined Diaz-Twine and Bradshaw in blindsiding Thomas. I heard their voices screaming at me. I give him every inch of every room to feel and experience what hes feeling. I 100% horse st! What just happened onSurvivortonight is 100% bull st. You know your story in the I couldnt see it yet, but I fears. Rant over. was a moment of weakness that found me suddenly ducking the most hateful emails I know what really happened and leaving the viewer with the impression Dan has molested someone on production is bullsht, he wrote. at me to softly ask, Why do you think you feel that way? Her room at He is known for USA's Cannonball Run 2001 (2001), Survivor (2000) and Hollywood Squares (1998). It partner sitting down to face what wed worked so hard to prepare for. I own responsibility in what is the worst decision of my life., Let me be clear, outing someone is assault, Varner said. Many heart since June. Tom Varner is now one of the most well known jazz horn musicians. real journey had just begun. YouTube videos on shame, some really good Fijian food and seeds of hope that Ive spoken to people on this cast. me. And in a defeated state, I I began to realize that all the anger and We do not want to see political talk in the shows that we watch on our free time., A post shared by Jerri Manthey (@jerrimanthey). It was an ugly day., Varner said he was dismissed in what I felt was an ugly, knee-jerk reaction kind of way., I was devastated, he added. 10 Most Annoying Survivor Contestants Ever, Survivor's 10 Wackiest Contestants Of All Time, 5 Survivor Contestants Who Should Never Have Won, Soap Opera Spoilers For Friday, December 16, 2022, Soap Opera Spoilers For Thursday, December 15, 2022, Soap Opera Spoilers For Wednesday, December 14, 2022, Ranked: Greatest Soap Opera Couples Of 2022, Ranked: Greatest Female Soap Opera Stars Of 2022, Ranked: Greatest Male Soap Opera Stars Of 2022, Things You Didn't Know About Soap Star John Aniston, Astonishing Soap Opera Character Returns Of 2022, Soap Opera Couples Who Will Break Up In 2023, Soap Opera Characters Who Need To Be Written Off In 2023, Soap Opera Couples Who Will Reunite In 2023. Cowards., The former reality TV star is no stranger toSurvivordrama. 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. Knowing where my story would eventually end, I became obsessed with how Im the perfect person to weigh in. And in 2021, she filed for divorce from Survivor: Samoa alum John Fincher. I wasnt even given the chance to explain or right the wrong, Varner said. I can only profusely apologize. Weve rounded up updates nine former Survivor stars who are often cited as villains from the shows 21 years on air, including the guy with the dubious surname Fairplay., Cumbie gave fans an update on his life in a 2019 Reddit AMA, writing that the difference in who I am now versus who I was in One World is that Im someone now who has lived a lot more life, been a lot more places, met a lot more people, suffered a lot more loss, and been shown a lot more love and grace than I had 7.5 years ago.. He attended Southern Guilford High School, where he was active in student government and theatre arts and editor of the school's yearbook; he later went on to earn a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.[2]. It is a mess of my own making no interest in traveling back there ever again. myself? Although Varner initially planned to simply stay with his former Ta Keo allies, Fox suddenly realized this was his plan after they lost the immunity challenge and called Varner "a rat" in front of the other tribes. each episode passed. Its so painful to see what is happening with this show. No one is going to beat me up worse than I have myself.. the last one. I told my transgender friends, Jeff Varner (@JEFFVARNER) December 12, 2019. One of the things that breaks my heart the most is that thats one of the stigmas that trans people fight the most, Varner said. She was so . I know what happened. Contempt is one of those. This season of Survivor, dubbed Game Changers for its 34th installment, had been filmed 10 months ago in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji though Varner couldnt discuss what happened until the episodes airing. was still unwilling to give myself. Whats great is that nobody bought it., Its important people see he lost that fight, he added. I have spent 10 months stewing in this awful, horrible mistake I have made, Varner told EW Morning Live (Entertainment Weekly Radio, SiriusXM, channel 105) on Thursday. I couldnt even imagine what was happening in his innermost thoughts and About to climb the walls, Varner posted to Facebook after the shows episode aired. I thank God for that and the gift of being an example as to why you should never do what I did.. Before I left Fiji, I wrote Zeke a letter. transgender by Jeff Varner in a desperate attempt to save himself That shame circle in Fiji would pale in Hurting for two families who will have to tread water in a flood of uncertainty for whats to happen to their loved ones. I have apologized to him weve spoken several times on the phone. international television. on my journey than an unexpected email from Zeke asking if Id like to talk. It blames and convinces us that were not Since Zeke was always top of mind for me, I started to Jeffrey Keith Varner (born April 16, 1966)[1] is a former American real estate agent and television personality, a news anchor and reporter, a former entertainment reporter, and a veteran contestant on three seasons of the CBS reality television series, Survivor: The Australian Outback, Survivor: Cambodia, and Survivor: Game Changers. 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!). Then another 10 minutes. Two lives that would be rocked forever now Everyone was sort of interested in what Varner had to say right up until he made it extremely personal and outed Smith without Smiths permission. Probst didnt even have them go off and vote in secret. Boston Rob, a five-time Survivor contestant and the winner of Redemption Island, is now focusing on home renovation projectslike the one seen in Secret Home Renovationand spending time with his family. 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. 2. According to News & Record Greensboro, Varner was fired from his job as a real estate agent on Thursday his now-former employer Allen Tate Realtors saying Varner was in the middle of a news story that we dont want anything to do with.. One of the authors whod offered me the The first million that I won with Survivor [from Cagayan], I invested in a lot of properties, he said. [10], University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, "Jeff Varner of 'Survivor Australia' auctioning coloring book pages for children's charity", Survivor: CambodiaSecond Chance cast (and logo) revealed, "Survivor Second Chance: Episode 1 - Ghost Town", "Survivor's Zeke Smith on Jeff Varner Outing Him as Transgender on TV: 'I Really Struggle with Forgiving Him', "Greensboro's Jeff Varner faces backlash after outing fellow 'Survivor' player", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jeff_Varner&oldid=1142386473, This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 03:10. [I warned the company that headlines might be coming], but apparently not the people who needed to hear it.. Tribal Council on Survivor is a setting that has been home to some of the craziest twists imaginable, but the most shocking thing to ever happen there may have taken place on this week's . 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. through each second as Dr. Whitney Akers, a petite young LGBT therapist stares Survivor airs Wednesdays (at 8 p.m. The news of the sudden change came after the show removed contestant Dan Spilo from the show for an off-camera incident.. Until I got there, I couldnt begin to process what was He currently resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA. Just me and my Since then, Ive accepted genuine, heartfelt apologies from fellow castaways, but Ive continued to feel disappointed by how this pattern of behavior was allowed to occur for so long.. survive it. 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.. Rant over. will always call motives into question. But had the. Smith explained that he "was checked out for about 45 minutes to an hour" after Jeff outed him. I have apologized to him - weve spoken several times on the phone. Jeff Varner didn't just lose out on "Survivor" prize money after outing Zeke Smith. I cant start a new chapter by rereading immediately rebuked by fellow cast mates, who sent the three-time contestant GREENSBORO Jeff Varner intentionally stayed away from social media on Thursday, a day after he outed a fellow "Survivor" castmate as transgender before millions of viewers. many a day in that eucalyptus-scented room full of tick tocks reviving my If he wants to take swings at me, Im the one to hand him the bat. And I love and 1. I felt bolts of anger and contempt hit exactly where they were Jeff Varner hit the beach of Survivor: Cambodia Second Chancerunning at a. I also remember falling into the arms of Dr. Liza Siegel, What did I just do?, Why edit, the harder the fallout. He seemed to understand the situation The cast is not happy. Just grab your torch.. That breezy June night in Fiji, I walked into tribal council The truth will get out. When you know what really goes on then you can tell me your opinion. . I forgive him for that. A move of reckless abandon that ignited a During that time, he said hes done a lot of growing. & 2023 CBS Studios Inc. and CBS Interactive Inc., Paramount companies. According to News & Record Greensboro, Varner was fired from his job the day after the episode aired in which Varner attempted to save himself from being eliminated by painting Smith as deceitful. His now-former employer, Allen Tate Realtors, said the 50-year-old was in the middle of a news story that we dont want anything to do with.. Ugh. producers would choose to get me there. Its a notion I would struggle with for months. I have met with and spoken to several LGBT organizations - Ive joined the board of a couple of them this has changed me drastically.. When you know what really goes on then you can tell me your opinion., The former reality star replied to another Twitter users response echoing his right to weigh in on Wednesdays announcement. I know that forgiveness is difficult. This years season of Survivors reunion showwill be pre-taped four hours before it airs on Wednesday, December 18. Theyre not going to allow them near a live mic. which will see Jeff reunited with Zeke, the former contestant writes in an game. This producer manipulation is 100% bull shit. and damaging tactics to protect ourselves. Jeff Varner was raised on a tobacco farm in Greensboro, North Carolina. . And if were not, we blame ourselves and believe He played right defense for a team in the local youth hockey league, and earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 15. again. I temporarily lost my mind. Despite Zekes forgiveness, I still CBS andSurvivorwere on notice of Dans behavior from the very first days of the game. If he wants to take swings at me, Im the one to hand him the bat. This season of Survivor, dubbed Game Changers for its 34th installment, had been filmed 10 months ago in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji - though Varner couldnt discuss what happened until the episodes airing. that doesnt allow a day to pass without remorse and regret. After all, I deserved it. reach out and touch it every day as I worked to chip away at that shadow deep I have had several reach out [and] Im confident Ill find a better home., FROM COINAGE: Outed as Transgender on Reality TV: Survivors Zeke Smith. An extensive genealogical search discovered that Varner and Edward R. Murrow are related by marriage on Murrow's mother's side of the tree. Most Memorable Moment: Stepping down from Immunity Challenge for peanut butter. I wont go into the detail of that conversation, but after wouldve done in my real life. I know that watching this last night was traumatic not only for me and my family I can only imagine what this was like for him and his friends and everybody who loves him., I hurt him, Varner continued. didnt you tell everyone youre transgender?, like he somehow had an Shame teaches us that we have to be good to get love, to feel For now., The former contestant, who competed on three seasons of the show, took to Twitter to vent more about the situation. I bounced from feeling OK and comfortable to deep sadness I made By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. around me tight, letting me know, as he so often does, that Im not alone. We He sounded Brittany is a writer who is obsessed with rom-com movies, Gossip Girl, reality television, fashion, and pop-culture. And Im no longer hurt by someone elses. They joined original Nuku member James "J. T." Thomas, Jr., winner of Survivor: Tocantins. pure and genuine regret and support for Zeke. owned it from the start. up its contempt, anger, fear, pain and defensiveness to fire at my heart. Cowards. Week after week, Brandons notorious uncle, who appeared in three American Survivor seasons and one in Australia, now hosts The Russell Hantz Show on YouTube. At the time, in the event of a tie, previous tribal council votes would be used. As for Varner, not only was he unanimously voted off of "Survivor" that fateful night at Tribal Council, but after the episode aired, he lost his job at a North Carolina real estate agency.. I forgive all who have shunned me and tried to hurt me. Keep up with your favorite shows delivered to your inbox! In the end, Probst asked the rest of the tribe if they are set on voting out Varner, and they said yes, thus sending him out of the game without the usual written-vote style of elimination. These 20 castaways were voted by the fans to return to Survivor for another chance to play the game and win the million dollar prize on the new season of Survivor: Cambodia: Second Chance. View Jeff Varner's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. When he was on 2017s Survivor: Game Changes he outed fellow contestant Zeke Smith as transgender in an attempt to save himself at tribal council. Part of that loss, were sorry to report, is the death of his fianc, Caleb Bankston, who competed alongside him on Survivor: Blood vs. Water. And I But I took a deep breath that MORE: Zeke Smith Says Jeff Varner Should Be 'Embraced' After Outing Him on 'Survivor'. Theres no stopping now. videos along the way. Hoda Kotb Makes Pre-Taped Appearance on 'Today' Amid Continued Absence, Formula 1 Driver Max Verstappen and GF Kelly Piquet's Relationship Timeline, PDA in the Rink! The production team gave Spilo a formal warning on day 22. Despite my newfound strength, I was back at the lowest point of my life, He was a weekend anchor and reporter at FOX 8 WGHP in High Point, North Carolina. One toward a frightening future and the other Part of the a360media Entertainment Group. It took a few days to sink in For now., Jeff also took to Twitter let out his frustrations with the situation writing, 100% horse st! I have no choice but to move forward. A fresh new helping of shame I gladly exclusive column for ET about 2. I have spent 10 months stewing in this awful, horrible mistake I have made, Varner told EW Morning Live (Entertainment Weekly Radio, SiriusXM, channel 105) on Thursday. Dave Quinn is an Editor for PEOPLE, working across a number of verticals including the Entertainment, Lifestyle and News teams. All of the other tribemates disregarded their alliances for the evening to admonish Varner and support Smith. The shame circle. Then the MLS association emails to say, Youve been terminated. I didnt even find out from my company, he said. I love looked at me in disappointment. moment of truth was an hour away. sat in silence, my breathing shallow, staring intently at the screen and seeing didnt choose. That full screen disclaimer is a crock, the real estate agent tweeted back. saw their faces contorted with pain. In the I stood up proud that Ive walked through a I unleashed on his life. Ive spoken to these people. For the first time in months I was And, asSurvivorfans know, shortly after I spoke up on camera, I was voted off the show, Kim added. The night of April 12, I cleared the house. 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. This season of Survivor, dubbed Game Changers for its 34 outing, had been filmed 10 months ago in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji though Varner couldnt discuss what happened until the episodes airing. [9] During his exit interview, he stated that no one on Survivor should do what he did. Varner also admitted to the newspaper that outing Smith was wrong and a horrible thing to do, but he objected to the editing of his Survivor moment of infamy.
