While there have been several survival reality television shows, Survivor, the American version of the OG international series, has become one of the most popular reality television programs. Still ongoing, the show was famous for its fierce competition, strategic gameplay, and tense social interactions as the mixed and matched group of people tried to fend for themselves in an isolated location.
Given its unique premise, the show has not been free from problems and controversies. One of the largest controversies happened during the 39th season of Survivor: Island of the Idols when Kellee Kim accused fellow castaway Dan Spilo of inappropriate behavior. Here is all you need to know about it.
Survivor: What is the Kellee Kim-Dan Spilo controversy?
In the beginning of CBS’s Survivor: Island of the Idols season 39 (2019), Kellee Kim had a conversation with her fellow contestant Dan Spilo regarding his inappropriate behavior. She expressed her discomfort about his approach and how he touched her, essentially warning him about his actions.
However, things did not improve, and Spilo continued touching her inappropriately. Even other female contestants came forward, citing similar experiences. Despite her warnings, Spilo remained in the game. Eventually, production stepped in on Day 22, and Spilo was issued an official warning.
Well, just 14 days later, Spilo became the first person to be pulled from the game and was let go due to an undisclosed incident not involving any contestant. Even though some contestants accepted they had exaggerated their claims, Dan was later removed. During the premiere of episode 13, a title card was shown on screen, which read (via Entertainment Weekly),
Dan was removed from the game after a report of another incident, which happened off-camera and did not involve a player.
Even today, the details of the incident have not been revealed. Afterwards, Kellee Kim issued a statement via her X account, stating how she felt sorry that such behavior was allowed to continue despite having spoken up since Day 1. However, she was grateful that her speaking up made a difference and that CBS and other organizations will make appropriate arrangements to not have a repeat of such a situation.
What changes did CBS make to Survivor following the Kellee Kim-Dan Spilo controversy?
Following Kellee Kim’s complaint against Dan Spilo, CBS and the Survivor production were accused of downplaying the seriousness of her allegations. Even though she had spoken since the first days of Spilo’s problematic conduct, action wasn’t taken until days had passed, even though moments from the show recorded instances where Kim felt uncomfortable with Spilo’s actions.
Following Spilo’s expulsion, in a statement (via Entertainment Weekly), CBS revealed that it had recognized that some serious changes were needed and apologized. From the 40th season onward, CBS revealed that it included guidelines about reporting issues relating to personal space and inappropriate behavior.
Moreover, there was to be an onsite contact whose sole purpose was to deal with such concerns, new anti-harassment, unconscious bias and sensitivity training; and a new rule that stated unwelcome physical contact, sexual harassment and impermissible biases are prohibited in the game. The network further remarked that similar policies will be adopted for its other reality TV shows.
Meanwhile, while Spilo apologized publicly to Kim (via PEOPLE), Survivor host Jeff Probst also apologized to her during the season finale. Telling her that she was right to speak up despite the risks, he stated: I want to acknowledge and apologize for your pain. You didn’t ask for it, you didn’t deserve it (via Entertainment Weekly).
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