For the first time after 39 seasons, Survivor: Island of the Idols' reunion special will not be live. Due to the controversial and sensitive material that was broadcast throughout the season, CBS decided that, for security purposes, the reunion will be filmed four hours before the show officially airs. News broke that contestant Dan Spilo was officially exiting the game after Kellee Kim and other female castaways spoke out to producers that they felt uncomfortable by Spilo’s inappropriate touching.
Throughout the season, several women made comments to Spilo on camera, where they expressed how his mannerisms made them uncomfortable and asked him to stop. Producers got involved and had a talk with Spilo’s off camera and issued him a formal warning. From what viewers saw, it seemed that the game was moving forward - until the most recent episode aired Wednesday, December 11, where host Jeff Probst, announced Dan had been removed from the game and will not be a member of the jury. Not many details was shared, other than the onscreen title card, which said, “Dan was removed from the game after a report of another incident, which happened off-camera and did not involve a player.”
According to Us Weekly, Dan Spilo’s “was not happy” about the decision, but afterwards calmed down and was “very respectful as he departed.” Probst has yet to share any more details of what happened off camera and will remain quite “out of respect for privacy and confidentiality.” After Spilo’s inappropriate behavior, he was informed by producers that he will not be welcome at the live show. It is still unclear how many of this season's contestants will be appearing on the live show as well, since sources say that some have had second thoughts on whether or not to attend.
In earlier episodes, when contestant Kellee Kim expressed concerns about Spilo violating her personal space, the show had an on camera discussion between all cast members. During tribal council, Spilo apologized, saying, “I work in an industry in which the #MeToo movement was formed and allowed, thank God, to blossom and become powerful and strong. My personal feeling is if anyone ever felt for a second uncomfortable about anything I’ve ever done, I’m horrified about that and I’m terribly sorry.” Spilo remained on the show with a warning after the discussion, but was officially removed days later after this additional report was made.
The reunion show is usually a lighthearted affair where cast members come together and reminisce about major moments from the seasons. At previous reunions, the winner of the season is officially announced after a live reading of jury votes, and is presented the million dollar check. After CBS announced the reunion would be pre-taped, Spilo’s has yet to make any comment. Since this format has not appeared on any other season, fans seemed disappointed by the change. However, for the safety and security of all contestants, producers, and executives, this ultimately was a thoughtful decision made by CBS after much consideration for everyone involved.
More: Survivor: Island of the Idols Cast Guide
The Survivor: Island of the Idols finale and reunion airs on CBS Wednesday, December 18, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
Source: Us Weekly