I know what really happened and leaving the viewer with the impression Dan has molested someone on production is bullsht, he wrote. I hope he can eventually grow to a place where he can comfortably be not only his authentic self, but help others be that. As a result, Varner began to panic and decided to turn on one of his own allies, ultimately voting with the majority to send Law home on Day Nine. Jeff started his third season on the Mana tribe. There he developed and managed the technical and interpersonal aspects of a Human Resources/Operations hybrid system for a staff of 30. The cast is not happy. [1], Name: Jeff Varner Varner was then transferred to Nuku, along with Sandra Diaz-Twine, Malcolm Freberg, Aubry Bracco, and Michaela Bradshaw. Cant have that on a live mic. I'll be much more useful at challenges and intend to be more instrumental around camp. The others are. I need to get my tissues here, because it's horrible. Twitter. It's what's happening / Twitter The tribe took a verbal vote and Varner was unanimously sent packing. READ NEXT: Survivor Star Goes Off About COVID on Social Media, Why A Survivor Alum Severed Ties With Castmate, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Wigler: Did the Tribal you watched last night align with the Tribal you remember? And, asSurvivorfans know, shortly after I spoke up on camera, I was voted off the show, Kim added. Survivor alum Richard Hatch recently shared his opinion on Jeff Probst and Survivor 41 on the Drop Your Buffs podcast. Despite having a numerical advantage after a Tribe Switch tribe, he was outmaneuvered by Andrew Savage and Tasha Fox, due to the infighting within his original Ta Keo contingent, as well as the physical toll the game had taken on him, and was voted out on Day 11. But the bigger consideration was Where is the show now? and Do these 20 winners represent the show today? In that sense, we didnt feel that Rich fit into the equation.. How have you changed since the last time you played? Wife: Not Available: Sibling: Not Available: Children: Not Available : . He is most proud of successfully making the transition from small town living to the much faster pace of a big city. At Mana's second Tribal Council, he joined the majority in voting out Survivor: Cagayan winner Tony Vlachos. 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. There is deception going on right here, and you guys are the victims of it, he said. Varner was, until September 2014, main anchor at WNCT-TV, the CBS affiliate in Greenville, North Carolina. He told hosts Sean Ross and Evan Ross Katz that Jeff is ruining the game. Seeing that Jeff's actions would clearly lead to his elimination, Probst took an open roll call from all of the players, then had Varner eliminated without a formal vote. The cast has rallied behind Dan and few to no one is behind Kellee, Jeff, who competed on three Survivor seasons, wrote in regards to the reunion change. Jeff Varner Bio, Age, Gay, Survivor, Real Estate, Zeke, Australian We have to acknowledge their humanity. EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Varner Tearfully Admits He's Been in Therapy Since I'm not angry at that. Varner: Kind of. (Choking up.) It is so wrong for you to bring that up, said Tai Trang. After an informal public vote, Jeff Probst snuffed Jeff Varner's torch, ending the Season 2 and Season 31 veteran's third (and presumably final) stint on Survivor. It took hours after my press junket to get anyone with the company on the phone to tell me personally, and even longer to calm my clients, all of whom, by the way, are coming with me to my new firm. As much as I was dreading my emotional breakdown I melted down for an hour, and all of that was edited out. And I think stupid bathroom bills and things like that, especially in the state of North Carolina it's not about bathrooms. It's absolutely horrible. Varner was a contestant on Survivor: The Australian Outback, 2001. However, at the Reunion Show, he revealed to have gotten hired by another real estate agency. With the shows therapist, with a local therapist. I'm turning this into a positive. Each week host Jeff Probst will answer a few questions about the most recent episode of Survivor: Game Changers. Hometown: High Point, NC Survivor: Jeff Varner Fired From Job After Outing Zeke Smith - People He stated during his exit interview that no one on Survivor should do what he did. Zeke forgave me that night. YouTube Im the perfect person to weigh in. You see us buddy-buddy, and that we're partners, but it wasn't the reality. [10] During his exit interview, he stated that no one on Survivor should do what he did. Multiple Survivor alums, including Russell Hantz and Parvati Shallow, also spoke out in opposition. Mandi is an experienced writer on various topics with a passion for telling stories with words. Powered by. Varner asked Smith at Tribal Council, Why havent you told anyone youre transgender? Varner stated that he believed Smith had been open about his identity with everyone back home but was trying to keep it hidden from his tribemates in the game. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Survivor: The Australian Outback 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. When Nuku lost immunity again, Jeff tried to convince Zeke again to get rid of Ozzy, but Zeke was conflicted due to his strategy of keeping larger targets in the game as shields. Jeff used his. He continually forgives me. [6] It was revealed that Varner had been part of a pre-game alliance prior to the start of filming, with three other players: Terry Deitz and Shane Powers of Survivor: Panama, and Kelly Wiglesworth of Survivor: Borneo. This resulted in a deadlock between Jeff and Colby Donaldson at Tribal Council, which saw Jeff eliminated when the tiebreaker took into account previous votes. Then came the gender ideology cult, hijacking decades of progress, crafting narratives that erase us, misleading confused kids, grooming them 2 join in. This producer manipulation is 100% bull st. His perfect day includes a trip to the mountains with someone special for a day of hiking and nature (including a swim at a breathtaking waterfall). All of the other tribemates disregarded their alliances for the evening to admonish Varner and support Smith. Sue was so shaken by the incident that she left the show. That didn't make the editing. Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Varner currently lives in Manhattan, New York. CBS andSurvivorwere on notice of Dans behavior from the very first days of the game. As best as circumstances allow, I'll manage a swap better. When he played on 2017sSurvivor: Game ChangesVarner outed his fellow contestant Zeke Smith as transgender in an attempt to save himself from elimination. Horrible. Ive spoken to these people. Although Jeff was an old school player, he wanted to prove he could succeed in new school Survivor. On February 8, 2017, it was revealed that Varner would be one of 20 contestants on Survivor: Game Changers, the shows 34th season. Survivor: Watch the Emotional Moment Jeff Probst Kicks Out Jeff Varner He later appeared on Survivor: All-Stars, which aired in 2004. 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His real name Jeffrey Keith Varner. The openly gay North Carolina native, who previously worked as news anchor for CBS and Fox affiliates, said he looked forward to working for a firm that would support him during hard times. Zeke Smith Talks About His "Work in Progress" Relationship With Survivor Co-Star Jeff Varner Recently voted-off contestant shared his thoughts after being outed as transgender during Tribal Council CBS andSurvivorwere on notice of Dans behavior from the very first days of the game. I don't know who's gotten in his ear, but he's in a different place today and I respect that. On May 20, the results revealed that both Varner and Kappenberg from The Australian Outback were voted to return. There he developed and managed the technical and interpersonal aspects of a Human Resources/Operations hybrid system for a staff of 30. (Choking up.) Even if I end up in the minority after a swap, I'll make sure there is someone else with me who is more of a target. Prior employment includes work as a website producer, graphic designer and marketing manager for various companies. Twitter: @BiographyScoop Just grab your torch.. Upon learning of his removal, she shared her thoughts on Twitter. js.src = '//cdn4.wibbitz.com/static.js'; Jeff found himself on the new Angkor tribe with Abi-Maria, Peih-Gee, and Woo Hwang, which held the majority over original Bayon members Andrew Savage and Tasha Fox. I opened him up to discrimination and to danger and to crime. In the real estate world, buyers and sellers want to know theyre signing up with a company that wont dump them or turn their backs on them in time of trial. I was wrong and make no excuses for it. They joined original Nuku member James "J. T." Thomas, Jr., winner of Survivor: Tocantins. [8] After their tribe lost again on Day 11, Varner was eliminated in a unanimous vote, placing 17th in the overall competition. I'm more physically fit, less emotional, and smarter. Season 2: Australia, Finished 10th out of 16 & Non-Jury At Tribal Council, Jeff sided with Abi-Maria, Andrew, and Tasha in sending Peih-Gee home. That full screen disclaimer is a crock. It was an awful thing to do. I recklessly revealed something I mistakenly believed everyone already knew. All of that is edited out. I'm not deceiving anybody. Suddenly my real estate license was inactive and my current clients [were] left in the dark. 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. We shame them. So pissed. There were things that were edited out that would have explained things a bit better. Editing doesn't help me in that arena, and that's unfortunate. It heightened my inspection of him. At Tribal Council, a desperate Jeff outedZeke as atransgender man, and tried to insinuate that Zeke's hiding this aspect of his life showed an ability to be deceitful. Robert Voets/CBS 'Survivor' host Jeff Probst. Being chosen by America, by far! Ultimately, Abi-Maria put aside her grudge against Woo, and she, Andrew, and Tasha opted to keep the tribe strong and vote out Jeff 4-1. May 1, 2022. Mike Reiss Bio, Age, Wife, Net Worth, Book, The Simpsons, Queer Duck, Brooke Smith Bio, Age, Husband, Children, Family, Net Worth, Height, Movies, Law & Order. Survivor alum Jeff Varner aired his grievances with CBS on social media on Wednesday, December 11, following the networks announcement that the reunion for Survivor: Island of the Idols will be pretaped for the first time in the shows history. However, this backfired when it was revealed that Smith had never publicly revealed his gender identity. Survivors host Probst toldEntertainment Weeklythat he could not comment about Spilos removal or any details out of respect for privacy and confidentiality. The host did share that Spilo was not happy about the decision, but latercalmed down and was actually very respectful about it. Theres no question whos going home tonight, he said, briefly checking with each tribemate that they felt the same. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 'Survivor' Contestant Zeke Smith Outed as Transgender by Fellow Castaway Jeff Varner This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. I plan to try and control my emotions more. Jeff Varner 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. I give him every bit of space to fire off and act toward me however he must. d.getElementsByTagName('body')[0].appendChild(js); By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Jeff Probst considered a Survivor idea where players won a celebrity as However, a second Tribe Switch relegated him to the bottom with Sandra, and after her departure, Jeff scrambled to stay alive, but took it too far by revealing sensitive information about Zeke Smith at Tribal Council. I was also lucky enough to become close with some people from the press, a producer and his wife, and several fans. Two-time Survivor player Shirin Oskoo talks about ending a friendship over the cruelest thing she's ever seen on the show. Survivor: Jeff Probst reacts to Jeff Varner outing Zeke as transgender He held that chair until he left the station in April 2011. I cant believe that I did that.. We push them back into a closet. At Tribal Council, both Varner and Diaz-Twine voted for Trang, but the rest voted against Diaz-Twine, thus sending her out of the game for the first time in her Survivor career. It was the Survivor moment fans will never forget -- and one that Zeke Smith and Jeff Varner rehashed on Wednesday's three-hour finale. News Live, and then as a field correspondent and host for the TV Guide Channel. "[9] 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. We dont need to vote, said Probst. Richard appeared on season 1 of Survivor, where he was crowned the shows first winner. Editing doesn't show any of that. No pre-taped reunion will hide it. When you know what really goes on then you can tell me your opinion. Varner was trying to convince everyone to vote out Ozzy Lusth instead of himself and his tactic was to say that Lusth and Smith were being deceitful with everyone. As I'm explaining to people in Tribal about that, Zeke pops up and says there are no deceptions. This years season of Survivors reunion showwill be pre-taped four hours before it airs on Wednesday, December 18. She was replaced on Nuku by the recently-exiled Debbie Wanner. Nobody has the right to out anybody.. VisitGLAAD.org to read their transgender FAQ, tips onhow to be an ally to the transgender community, and more. Jeff Varner Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family He is a member of the Society of Human Resources. Put a Ring On It! When asked by a cohost if we will see Edge of Extinction again, Probst responds, "Yes, absolutely. Jeff Varner is a former American real estate agent and television personality who has worked as a news anchor and reporter, an entertainment reporter, and a contestant on three seasons of the CBS reality television series Survivor: The Australian Outback, Survivor: Cambodia, and Survivor: Game Changers. Tonight, on CBSSurvivor, Dan Spilo was kicked off the show for, once again, inappropriate touching. Varner, the tribe has spoken, said Probst, putting out the flame. Season 41 caused a lot of controversy among longtime viewers who criticized the new changes made to the game. Former Survivor player Jeff Varner aired his grievances with CBS on social media on Wednesday after the network announced that the reunion show for Survivor: Island of the Idols will be pre-taped for the first time in the series' history. I hurt him. [7] Early in the game, Varner was seen as a crucial player in the season: He and Peih-Gee Law from Survivor: China were the swing votes who ultimately decided the elimination of Vytas Baskauskas on Day Three, and Varner himself organized the elimination of Shirin Oskooi on Day Six. 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!). What are you most proud of from the last time? With the entire cast still reeling with emotion, Probst moved onto the next step. I'm doing great stuff in the future, and I hope you'll give me time in the future to talk about it. & Aubry who targeted Michaela and Michaela & Sandra who targeted J.T.. He is an avid rollerblader, spending many afternoons skating through Manhattan's busy streets. It was revealed that Jeff was fired from his job as a real estate agent after the episode where he outed Zeke aired because of all the controversy. That prepared reunion is cowardice. The others are. Jeff is the only contestant to be eliminated pre-jury three times. Additionally, he studied martial arts, receiving a black belt in Tae Kwon Do when he was 15 years old. Varner, meanwhile, took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to issue a lengthy apology. I wasnt even given the chance to explain or right the wrong, Varner said. Many folks will be less enthused to hear his defense of the Edge of Extinction twist that allowed players to be voted out of the game, befriend the jury, and then come back to win. Because Keith Famie and Tina Wesson knew this, and Tina had no votes against her before while Keith had several of them (mostly from Jerri Manthey and her allies), Keith's request to Tina when they had both lasted for hours in the Immunity challenge and were the last two players standing (phrased as "I need this") led to Tina ending her run so that Keith was safe, and giving Kucha no one to vote for who had more votes than Varner: Jeff had two but knew only of one, while Colby had zero. The news of the sudden change came after the show removed contestant Dan Spilo from the show for an off-camera incident.. Survivor Game Changers: Jeff Varner Describes His 'Horrible - Parade Many viewers felt the recent changes made the game too complicated and confusing. Jeff Varner - Wikipedia 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. Season 42 of Survivor will air in March of 2022. 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., Probst, however, told EW that he could not speak about the player removal or disclose any additional details out of respect for privacy and confidentiality. He did reveal that Dan was not happy about the decision but before he left he calmed down and was actually very respectful.. Youre saying there is no line: If Im desperate enough, I will do or say anything. , Its a game for $1 million, and I clearly have made the wrong choice tonight, responded Varner. He doesnt understand the game., Richard didnt stop there. I know what really happened and leaving the viewer with the impression Dan has molested someone on production is bullshit. Ive spoken to people on this cast. Zeke Smith and Jeff Varner Reunite at 'Survivor' Reunion Show -- See These are wonderful people who are not only trying to live their authentic lives, but thrive. On May 6, 2015, Varner was revealed to be one of the 16 men who was eligible to be voted by the viewers to return for the 31st season, Survivor: Cambodia. Do you not see that? said Probst. I want to tell you about that in the future. It's a hard thing for me to live with. Days after Don . Hes just ruining the showHis gimmicks and his ego are destroying it. Im the perfect person to weigh in. So pissed. I didn't even hear it come out of my mouth. He was born in 1966 in Greensboro, North Carolina, United States. In the latest episode of Survivor: Game Changers, Jeff Varner outed fellow castaway Zeke Smith as transgender. It's just horrible. Jeff Probst spoke to Us Weekly in January 2020 about Richards absence. Thats personal you didnt have to do that! said Andrea Boehlke, starting to tear up. Angkor's continued living in squalor continued to take its toll on the tribe, resulting in a complete collapse at the Day 11 Immunity Challenge. However, after a tribal swap and expansion turned the two tribes into three, Varner and Law ended up on the brand new Angkor tribe, along with fellow former Ta Keo members Yung "Woo" Hwang and Abi-Maria Gomes, and two new members from the former Bayon tribe, Latasha "Tasha" Fox and Andrew Savage. Eric Dane Bio, Age, Wife, Height, Net Worth, Family, Parents, Movies. At the fifth Tribal Council, Varner joined Diaz-Twine and Bradshaw in blindsiding Thomas. In the Drop Your Buffs interview, Richard didnt hold back his disdain for Jeff, telling Sean and Evan, Jeff Probst is horrendous as a human being. This is also mentioned by Varner in the episode in which he was voted off, early in the episode while the Kucha tribe is talking in their shelter at night. RELATED VIDEO: PENs Survivor Fan Forum Reacts to Zeke Being Outed as Transgender. However, everyone elseincluding host Jeff Probstquickly and emphatically rebuked Jeff for this tactic. The cast is not happy. Click here to make sure you don't miss a single story, and click here to revisit our massive preseason coverage. Jeff was chosen from a pool of 32 candidates to be one of the 20 castaways to compete on the second chance season, Survivor: Cambodia. When we do that, we stigmatize them. Jeff Varner Reacts to Being Fired After Outing Castmate - People When we're laying on the beach talking, he was lying to me about what they were doing. I have met with and spoken to several LGBT organizations Ive joined the board of a couple of them this has changed me drastically..