In 2012, Jeff became a news anchor for the CBS affiliate WNCT in Greenville, N.C. Jeff is planning to launch a travel company called, Jeff lost his job as a real estate agent in 2017 as a result of the backlash from the controversial statements he made at his elimination, Jeff was the second of three players eliminated at, Jeff received at least one vote at every Tribal Council he attended in, Jeff was the first male contestant to finish in 10th place, and the first male contestant to be on the merged tribe but be eliminated pre-, Jeff has claimed to have stopped eating peanut butter after, It has long been rumored that during the second, Jeff revealed that he had a pre-game alliance with, Jeff is the fourth contestant in series history to play at least twice and be eliminated pre-jury every time. They are pre-taping the reunion because cast members plan to publicly support Dan and call out producers. 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). At the first Tribal Council, he joined the majority in voting out Ciera Eastin. How will you play differently this time? His respect, love and concern for children motivates him to volunteer for organizations and charities that support kids with need. Horrible. He was assigned to the Mana tribe at first. For the evening, all of the other tribemates ignored their alliances to chastise Varner and support Smith. He chose to side with the latter duo to avenge Malcolm, hence blindsiding J.T.. Jeff and Sandra remained on Nuku after the second tribe switch, but were joined by original Nuku members Sarah Lacina, Andrea Boehlke,Zeke Smith, Ozzy Lusth, and Tai Trang, leaving Jeff and Sandra on the bottom. Not at all. The famous catchphrase has been a part of the show since its inception. I was wrong and make no excuses for it. Days after Don . That's the best I can deal with. She doesnt stay in touch with very many people from the show, and she even stopped being friends with someone whom she says did one of the cruelest things ever done to another contestant in the shows now multi-decade history.. What just happened onSurvivortonight is 100% bull st. Email: Website: Biographyscoop.com The news of the sudden change came after the show removed contestant Dan Spilo from the show for an off-camera incident.. He went to Southern Guilford High School, where he was involved in student government and theatre arts, as well as the yearbook editor; he later earned a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ive spoken to these people. What this has done is unleash a conversation that will hopefully be good for all of us and lead us in a great direction. It came in the midst of an already tense Tribal Council, with Varner insisting that he was tryingto expose Zeke's ability to "deceive" the other players,not out somebody on national television. His birth date is April 16. It all went down during the tribal council, when Varner, 50, outed Smith, 29, in an attempt to paint the Brooklyn-based asset manager as deceitful and therefore worthy of being voted out. Powered by. I know that forgiveness is difficult. Jeff Varner Calls Out CBS for Pretaped 'Survivor' Reunion - Us Weekly He belonged to the Kucha tribe and made it to the merge, but not to the core group of nine, due to a tie with Colby Donaldson. It's going to be an awful day. At the same time, none of this is about 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. What, if anything, do you most regret? The three-time Survivor contestant, who first appeared during season two in 2001, told Entertainment Tonight that he was completely blindsided by his firing. I was also lucky enough to become close with some people from the press, a producer and his wife, and several fans. We dont need to vote, host Jeff Probst said during the April 2017 episode. 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. In April 2017, Jeff spoke to Entertainment Weekly about season 34 contestant Jeff Varner outing Zeke Smith as transgender. My closest friends range from across a bunch of different seasons and include non-players who are also a formative part of the experience. While pursuing his degree with UNC, he was Captain of the National Champion Tar Heel Cheer Team (198990). It is so wrong for you to bring that up, said Tai Trang. Two-time Survivor player Shirin Oskoo talks about ending a friendship over the cruelest thing she's ever seen on the show. In the event of a tie at the time, previous tribal council votes would be used. I recklessly revealed something I mistakenly believed everyone already knew. I know that he has a lot of people in his ear. I'll be much more useful at challenges and intend to be more instrumental around camp. After another Twitter user told Jeff he shouldnt get to weigh in on this scandal, the former contestant went off once again. Jeff told me at Tribal: "Varner, I've known you for 20 years. It took me a minute. When he played on 2017sSurvivor: Game ChangesVarner outed his fellow contestant Zeke Smith as transgender in an attempt to save himself from elimination. Many people were in tears during the Tribal Council, and even Jeff Probst defended Smith. I know what happened. At the time, in the event of a tie, previous tribal council votes would be used. Season 42 of Survivor will air in March of 2022. Jeff Varner is an internet project manager, having most recently worked as Director of People and Process for a Manhattan start-up company. When Ta Keo lost again, the alliance split their votes between Shirin and Spencer, and Shirin was voted out. I want to have more fun this time. 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. This time, it's all business. Varner, along with Diaz-Twine and Bradshaw, blindsided Thomas at the fifth Tribal Council. Though Jeff and Sandra stuck together in voting for Tai, the Nuku alliance succeeded in voting out Sandra, leaving Jeff as the odd man out. 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.. But if my competition doesn't, their loss. "[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. But the most important thing is Zeke forgave me. I forgive him for that. Jeff is the only contestant to be eliminated pre-jury on their first two seasons, and return for a third season. My conscience is in pain. 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. 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 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. A post shared by Richard Hatch (@hatch_rich). [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. These are wonderful people who are not only trying to live their authentic lives, but thrive. Its so painful to see what is happening with this show. EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Varner's Former Employer Speaks Out on 'Survivor 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.. 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. CBS Richard Hatch. I'm not deceiving anybody. Survivor: Jeff Varner Fired From Job After Outing Zeke Smith - People I have met with and spoken to several LGBT organizations Ive joined the board of a couple of them this has changed me drastically.. This is horrible. Survivor: Jeff Probst reacts to Jeff Varner outing Zeke as transgender By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. ET. We shame them. With the entire cast still reeling with emotion, Probst moved onto the next step. The message should be clear that hate will always lose.. The 34th season of "Survivor" premieres Wednesday night on CBS, and Jeff Varner of Greensboro will be among the contestants. VisitGLAAD.org to read their transgender FAQ, tips onhow to be an ally to the transgender community, and more. Cant have that on a live mic. 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. At the fifth Tribal Council, Varner joined Diaz-Twine and Bradshaw in blindsiding Thomas. They had to do what they had to do and it had to be the way it had to be. Hometown: High Point, NC "I'm arguing for my life," he proclaimed. Current Age: 49 Varner describes himself as provocative, energetic, competitive, adventurous, and a free spirit who will try anything twice. 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. Also, my instinctual gameplay. Make your predictions and compete to win prizes and glory predicting all aspects of Hollywood competition. We were in a different time and different culture back then and we would never let him run a challenge naked now. There he developed and managed the technical and interpersonal aspects of a Human Resources/Operations hybrid system for a staff of 30. "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. That full screen disclaimer is a crock, the real estate agent tweeted back. I have been through, I dont know how much therapy. The production team gave Spilo a formal warning on day 22. Jeff Varner was fired from his real estate job this week, due to the public backlash generated when he outed fellow castaway Zeke Smith on last Wednesday's Survivor: Game Changers. Smith blinked in silence as the rest of the cast exchanged shocked stares. This interview just has to be about Zeke. How have you changed since the last time you played? Both Varner and Diaz-Twine voted for Trang at Tribal Council, but the rest of the tribe voted against Diaz-Twine, sending her out of the game for the first time in her Survivor career. Jeff Varner Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family And, asSurvivorfans know, shortly after I spoke up on camera, I was voted off the show, she continued. Now, his former . Many fans praised Jeff for his commitment to inclusivity, but Richard isnt convinced the gesture was sincere. He has worked as an entertainment reporter for KCBS in Los Angeles then E! Entertainment Weeklyreported the decision was made due to the sensitive subject matter and security concerns. With the shows therapist, with a local therapist. He is most proud of successfully making the transition from small town living to the much faster pace of a big city. About to climb the walls, Varner posted to Facebook after the shows episode aired. When Kim learned about his removal from the show, she shared a statement on Twitter. That reasoning is infinitely worse than him outing me because its the same one used to discriminate against, attack and murder trans people. When Russell showed up in Samoa, when he did what he did in his season he was horrible, evil, hateful, everybody hated him just a mean nasty person and he turns right around and goes to Heroes vs Villains. Going too hard, too soon. Ive spoken to people on this cast. The cast is not happy. Thats so dirty, Jeff., Im not using that as anything negative! insisted Varner. A thorough genealogical investigation revealed that Varner and Edward R. Murrow are related by marriage on Murrows mothers side of the family tree. Cowards., Jeff is no stranger to Survivor controversy. Jeff Varner Bio, Age, Gay, Survivor, Real Estate, Zeke, Australian What didyou do to get here? This producer manipulation is 100% bull st. No pre-taped reunion will hide it. Just grab your torch.. . I'm trying to argue people: "That's not what I'm talking about!" He likes all kinds of music, especially that which motivates. For access to all our exclusive celebrity videos and interviews Subscribe on YouTube! It was the Survivor moment fans will never forget -- and one that Zeke Smith and Jeff Varner rehashed on Wednesday's three-hour finale. These are dignified people. But right now, I'm just devastated at what I've done to him and his family. 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. The day finishes with a jog, a shower, a bottle of Merlot, a ruthless game of backgammon, and great sex. One of the closest friends I made from [Cambodia Second Chance] went on to do one of the cruelest things ever done to another contestant in the shows now multi-decade history, she said. We say things we dont mean. He also revealed that he has been working on a book called "Surviving Shame". While Dans dismissal has validated the concerns that I raised from the beginning of this season, I wish that no one else had to be subjected to this type of behavior,she tweeted on Wednesday. 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. And I am so sorry, Zeke. We dont need to vote, hostJeff Probstsaid at the time. Varner also mentions this in the episode where he was voted off, early in the episode while the Kucha tribe is talking in their shelter at night. Varner: (Long pause.) It's the opposite of what we should be doing. Jeff Probst considered a Survivor idea where players won a celebrity as That's the hardest part for me to swallow today. [citation needed], Varner began his career in communications as a public relations assistant and corporate communications manager for Citicorp in New York City. However, everyone elseincluding host Jeff Probstquickly and emphatically rebuked Jeff for this tactic. TheSurvivor: Island of the Idolsfinale and reunion will air on CBS on Wednesday, December 18, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Instagram: biographyscoop. The castaways colored in the books and signed their autographs in them, and he sold the pictures on eBay after the show to raise money for charities. 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. Survivor's Shirin Oskooi on Jeff Varner's Cruel Outing of Zeke Smith #sexnotgender. Varner, the tribe has spoken, said Probst, putting out the flame. (Choking up.) 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. Knowing that he was on the chopping block, Varner started by pointing out that a secret alliance was forming between two contestants: Smith and Ozzy Lusth. There's so much you don't see. My ability to control a volatile group of people and be the determining factor as to who went home on the first two boots. He was born in 1966 in Greensboro, North Carolina, United States. js.src = '//cdn4.wibbitz.com/static.js'; I'm going to be emotional. Threats of boycotts. We dont need to vote, said Probst. Im the perfect person to weigh in. Many were in tears as the Tribal Council played out, and even Jeff Probst came to Smith's defense. He stated during his exit interview that no one on Survivor should do what he did. An extensive genealogical search discovered that Varner and Edward R. Murrow are related by marriage on Murrow's mother's side of the tree. They joined original Nuku member James "J. T." Thomas, Jr., winner of Survivor: Tocantins. ET) on CBS. The cast is not happy. Just grab your torch.. The message should be clear that hate will always lose.. Jeff Varner - Wikipedia Ive talked to cast members. I know what really happened and leaving the viewer with the impression Dan has molested someone on production is bullshit. Varner was a contestant on Survivor: The Australian Outback, 2001. CBS andSurvivorwere on notice of Dans behavior from the very first days of the game. He told hosts Sean Ross and Evan Ross Katz that Jeff is ruining the game. I need to get my tissues here, because it's horrible. #Survivor.. Jeff Varner: Surviving the year after 'Survivor' bombshell And I was wrong. Just grab your torch.. Varner: Zeke's a wonderful human. I plan to align myself with the big threats. Tonight, on CBSSurvivor, Dan Spilo was kicked off the show for, once again, inappropriate touching. Jeffrey Keith "Jeff" Varner is a contestant from Survivor: The Australian Outback, Survivor: Cambodia, and Survivor: Game Changers. Jeff is the only contestant to be eliminated pre-jury three times. Being chosen by America, by far! 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. Everybody has their own personal journey. None of that's there. Varner, meanwhile, took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to issue a lengthy apology. The Survivor: Island of the Idols finale and reunion airs on CBS Wednesday, December 18, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. 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. He's continued to forgive me. If he wants to take swings at me, I'm the one who will hand him the bat. Zeke led the original Nuku alliance into claiming that they were against Tai in order to keep Jeff and Sandra from scrambling, allowing them to take the latter out. ET) on CBS. Jeff countered by citing that he had already proven his loyalty to the tribe, while Woo had not. However, Angkor was sent to live in hardship, being forced to live in a new camp without the any of the supplies that the two original tribes acquired during the marooning. Varner and Diaz-Twine stayed on Nuku after the second tribe switch, but were left out of the alliance formed by newcomers Ozzy Lusth, Andrea Boehlke, Tai Trang, Sarah Lacina, and Zeke Smith. On February 8, 2017, it was revealed that Varner was one of 20 contestants who would be competing on Survivor: Game Changers, the show's 34th season. Every single person at Tribal stood up and hugged me. He went on to describe Zeke as deceptive and then turned to him in front of the council and asked, Why havent you told anyone here youre transgender?, His tactic backfired and led to his removal immediately. 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. It's very difficult to live with. I just played this game, so the excitement of being back is more tempered by a focus to not get too carried away. Eric Dane Bio, Age, Wife, Height, Net Worth, Family, Parents, Movies. 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. Alas, he was voted out one cycle short of the merge, thus missing out on the jury for a third consecutive time. Its so painful to see what is happening with this show. A Twitter user responded to Varners tweet saying he shouldnt get to weigh in on the controversy, and Varner went off once again about the scandal. He was initially placed on the Mana tribe. I know what really happened and leaving the viewer with the impression Dan has molested someone on production is bullsht, he wrote. At the first Tribal Council, he voted with the majority to remove Ciera Eastin. Tribal Council S34E06 (1 of 4) Survivor: Game Changers, Jeff Varner outs Zeke, Please support me by installing my Puzzles from Survivor app: apps.apple.com/us/app/puzzle-cluster/id1460284314 Alliance Tracker for Survivor app: apps.apple.com/us/app/alliance-tracker-for-survivor/id1486051580 #Survivor #SuvivorSuperFan #SurvivorGeek Twitter: twitter.com/rrTenz survivor.fandom.com/wiki/What_Happened_on_Exile,_Stays_on_Exile Day 18 I don't want to lose Ozzy, because the way I've set it up is to have bigger threats out there than myself. For the first time in 39 seasons, Survivors reunion will be pretaped four hours before it airs on Wednesday, December 18, Entertainment Weekly reports, due to the sensitive material of this season and security concerns. He was part of the first team in the corporate world to utilize the internet to communicate project information in Citicorp's "Product Design and Development Division. It was revealed on the Survivor: Australia DVD, in the special commentary section, that it was Kimmi Kappenberg that inadvertently gave away the vote he had against him during the Episode Two Reward Challenge. I own responsibility in what is the worst decision of my life.. During the show, Varner's luxury item was a coloring book and a set of crayons. Survivor. No one is going to beat me up worse than I have myself.. Nobody has the right to out anybody.. - Age After the two-time player was outed as transgender by fellow tribe member Jeff Varner during tribal council on Wednesday's episode of Game Changers, he gave his first on-camera interview on . Im ready to go, said Varner tearfully. But because Tribal was edited down so small, you don't see that. While Oskooi doesnt specify what she is referring to, it is most likely what castaway Jeff Varner did on the third time he played the game. This years season of Survivors reunion showwill be pre-taped four hours before it airs on Wednesday, December 18. 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. It's just been so difficult. I hate that I'm a tool some of them will use. I couldn't even think about me and my life for months after it was over with. Jeff used his. However, when Tai accidentally told him Sandra was the target, Jeff became suspicious. Everyone was horrified at what he did Andrea Boehlke started crying, Tai Trang and Debbie Wanner started yelling at Varner, and even Jeff Probst was visibly upset at what had happened. Wigler: Did you ever bring any of this up with Zeke privately, before Tribal Council? I have so much to say and am fuming right now. That is a giant leap of logic. 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. 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