The unwanted touching controversy that hit Survivor: Island of the Idols earlier this season came to an ugly end this week.
As you’ll recall, the popular reality show dealt with a previous inappropriate physical contact incident involving contestant Dan Spilo in an episode about a month ago. The fallout from that on-air controversy was significant, and among other things, Spilo was put on warning not to be involved in anything like that again. Well… fast forward a few episodes, and here we are.
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At the end of Wednesday night’s brand new show, show host Jeff Probst came to the tribe’s camp to inform the remaining contestants that Spilo (pictured during an earlier elimination, above) had officially been removed from the game. He did not elaborate on why the reality TV contestant was abruptly pulled out, but a message appeared on screen as the shot faded to black, offering a little bit more (cryptic) information:
“Dan was removed from the game after a report of another incident, which happened off-camera and did not involve a player.”
Uh-oh…
So, What Happened?!
As it turns out, according to People, the incident in question apparently involved a member of the show’s off-screen production team. Multiple production sources confirmed after an immunity challenge filmed for the episode, Spilo — a Hollywood agent and film producer in his real life — and other contestants were getting back into a boat to head back to their camp.
At one point, while trying to get into the vessel, Spilo alleged touched a female crew member’s leg. Multiple sources say the controversial man insisted the contact was accidental and came about simply because he lost his balance while trying to get into the boat. And while the incident itself was not caught on camera, there were several witnesses to it — including, apparently, another contestant — and the show’s producers quickly interviewed witnesses to determine the next steps.
Ultimately, after consulting the show’s legal team, producers were convinced the contact was NOT accidental, as Spilo had argued. They decided to remove him from the show for good, reportedly citing his earlier alleged pattern of behavior and warning thereafter as one of the factors in their decision.
For what it’s worth, sources also say the agent “vehemently disagreed” with the decision to remove him from the game. He’s reportedly maintained his innocence since then, though he has yet to speak publicly about this most recent incident.
A Pattern Of Behavior?
Somebody who is speaking publicly is Kellee Kim, the already-eliminated contestant who dealt with Spilo’s unwanted touching earlier in season 39. As you’ll recall, Kim (pictured in the insert, above) was the one who initially reported his behavior several episodes ago, leading to the reprimand for the Hollywood agent and a black eye for the show.
Kim, who was eliminated soon after her allegations came out, took to social media on Wednesday night to speak out about this second instance of inappropriate conduct. Posting to both Instagram and Twitter, the former season 39 contestant wrote how Dan’s dismissal from the show over this second accusation had “validated the concerns that I raised from the beginning of this season,” while adding, “I wish that no one else had to be subjected to this type of behavior.”
Here’s her full statement from her official Instagram page:
Very well put!
Interestingly, in his own post-episode interview with Entertainment Weekly, Probst declined to give more details or say much more about Spilo’s removal, choosing to simply state:
“The question is a fair and reasonable one [about what happened that led to Spilo’s removal.] 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.”
Obviously, the show must have some legal concerns here over what (not) to reveal regarding the controversial talent agent’s ultimate dismissal. Still…
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This whole story is fascinating and very unfortunate, and really pretty gross. Remember, Spilo openly apologized after the Kellee incident, and appeared to be completely in agreement with his warning and reprimand… and then he allegedly goes and does something like this again, so soon after? What gives, dude?!
What do U think about this whole Survivor controversy, Perezcious readers?! Not exactly the headlines the show was hoping for… but it’s got EVERYBODY talking! Add your voice to that mix and sound OFF with your comments about the whole situation in our comment section (below)…
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