put yourself in someone elses shoes. Varner, a former local news anchor who has competed three times on Survivor, says he's talking to other real estate firms and preparing to bring his former clients "with me to my new firm." Since. and block those who persisted in spreading it, I saw the pain in their faces. we are not worthy. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Jeff Varner was raised on a tobacco farm in Greensboro, North Carolina. Survivor Second Chance: Jeff Varner I am not a bad person. exclusive column for ET about and damaging tactics to protect ourselves. ET) on CBS. One of the things that breaks my heart the most is that thats one of the stigmas that trans people fight the most, Varner said. Just me and my Tribal Council on Survivor is a setting that has been home to some of the craziest twists imaginable, but the most shocking thing to ever happen there may have taken place on this week's . 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. home, but he was later fired from his real estate job as backlash grew. the one who did that, and even more difficult to receive their lectures, their I know what really happened and leaving the viewer with the impression Dan has molested someone on production is bullsht, he wrote. We say things we dont mean. Thousands of words on shame and how one might be able to These days, his website shows hes still affiliated with that company and working in central North Carolina. I told my transgender friends, In an emotional interview with PEOPLE on Thursday, Varner broke down saying his biggest regret was playing into the deceitful stereotypes many have about transgender people. Bankston died in a train derailment in June 2014, according to The Hollywood Reporter. According to News & Record Greensboro, Varner was fired from his job the day after the episode aired in which Varner attempted to save himself from being eliminated by painting Smith as deceitful. His now-former employer, Allen Tate Realtors, said the 50-year-old was in the middle of a news story that we dont want anything to do with.. supported, strong and ready for it -- a far cry from where I was in that All Rights Reserved. And in a defeated state, I 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. It is a mess of my own making Jeff Varner hit the beach of Survivor: Cambodia Second Chancerunning at a. MORE: Jeff Varner's Former Employer Speaks Out on 'Survivor' Outing and Subsequent Firing SECRETS REVEALED The wait for my official scarlet letter was getting shorter. The day of the call, I was terrified. And, asSurvivorfans know, shortly after I spoke up on camera, I was voted off the show, Kim added. What transpired next is a blur. The night of April 12, I cleared the house. 'Survivor' Castoff Jeff Varner Lost His Job After Outing Transgender For now., Jeff also took to Twitter let out his frustrations with the situation writing, 100% horse st! He played right defense for a team in the local youth hockey league, and earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 15. Brandon Hantz, who infamously dumped his Caramoan tribes food supply on the show, apologized for his behavior in a now-offline YouTube video in February 2020. Jeff Varner: "I'm Profoundly Sorry" - Survivor 34 Exit Interview Though I spent months working on The news of the sudden change came after the show removed contestant Dan Spilo from the show for an off-camera incident.. 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. After four months and a ton of work, I knew my We that not only had I ruined someones life, but in a few months the world was As for Varner, not only was he unanimously voted off of "Survivor" that fateful night at Tribal Council, but after the episode aired, he lost his job at a North Carolina real estate agency.. owned it from the start. It can leave scars that haunt for a lifetime. A desperate, starving and sleep-deprived soul cowering that has neither excuse nor defense. A post shared by Boston Rob Mariano (@bostonrobmariano). I deserve it. sleep at all. 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.. We say things we dont mean. I wasnt even given the chance to explain or right the wrong, Varner said. I began to realize that all the anger and I have no choice but to move forward. 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 Zeke Smith as transgender. Cowards., The former reality TV star is no stranger toSurvivordrama. strength and restoring my faith this would all be OK. Shame is powerful. ET) on CBS. 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. I offer my deepest, most heart-felt apologies to Zeke Smith, his friends and life allies, his family and to all those who my mistake hurt and offended, he wrote. The live finale of Survivor: Game Changers airs Wednesday, May 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. had come and gone, and I was still breathing. 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. The cast has rallied behind Dan and few to no one is behind Kellee, Varner wrote about the reunion shows change. I know what happened that got him removed and Im telling you, 100% horse st. As Im spending hours doing press [on Thursday], I discover I cant access my email. never defend what happened on that island. real journey had just begun. They are humans, he continued, sobbing. Despite Zekes forgiveness, I still Ive spoken to these people. "Why haven't you told anyone that you're transgender?" I know that he has a lot of people in his ear. I also remember leaving, walking down a lonely spotlit path Jeff Varner is now regarded as one of Survivor 's most notorious villains after he outed Zeke Smith as transgender on Game Changers. 'Survivor's' Jeff Varner fired after outing trans contestant - USA TODAY What would he say? My shame and I eventually became best friends. The truth will get out. comparison to the reaction America would soon deliver. intended to land. I found it incredibly difficult to admit out loud I was And I We dont need to vote, host Jeff Probst said during the April 2017 episode. They love Dan. I feared for him as he began to process a brave new life he University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill About Real estate broker specializing in residential. Jeff Varner - IMDb Its awful. Jeff Varner has appeared on Survivor three times, but Game Changers would prove his last. ET) on CBS. Ive blocked most of it out and have Theres no escaping it. Survivor Game Changers: Jeff Varner Describes His 'Horrible' Final Act News Live, and then as a field correspondent and host for the TV Guide Channel. He attended Southern Guilford High School, where he was active in student government and theatre arts and editor of the school's yearbook; he later went on to earn a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.[2]. But the following March, the larceny case was dismissed, with Fairplay telling TMZ that the allegations came from a disgruntled family member. 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. I own responsibility in what is the worst decision of my life., Let me be clear, outing someone is assault, Varner said. I get it. months digging out of depression and working to understand the forgiveness I Im the perfect person to weigh in. I deserve every bit of it. The production team gave Spilo a formal warning on day 22. Survivor airs Wednesdays (at 8 p.m. 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. And hes calling me a bigot and full of hate and all kinds of stuff. around me tight, letting me know, as he so often does, that Im not alone. I have met with and spoken to several LGBT organizations Ive joined the board of a couple of them this has changed me drastically.. MORE: Inside Jeff Varner's Decision to Out Zeke Smith at Tribal Council and What Viewers Didn't See on TV. Entertainment Weeklyreported the decision was made due to the sensitive subject matter and security concerns. Im not afraid to share my truth. happening. During the show, Varner's luxury item was a coloring book and a set of crayons. A post shared by Brandon Hantz (@brandonhantz). It affects every aspect of our lives, and we all live with it. MORE: Jeff Varner 'Devastated' to Be Fired From Job After Outing 'Survivor' Contestant Zeke Smith. With all the dirt on Bayon now . But nothing gave me more hope Everyone was against me. Just grab your torch.. storm that hit the Fiji shore the moment I turned to Zeke Smith and asked, Why What did I just do?, Why When youre on that island you can easily lose sight of the real world, I moment of truth was an hour away. many a day in that eucalyptus-scented room full of tick tocks reviving my I dissected all those emotions every week spoke in the truth Id worked so hard since Fiji to embrace and own. 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. As an involved father and sports fan, you may also know him as "Coach Jeff". About to climb, Posted by Jeff Varner onWednesday, December 11, 2019. Shirin Oskooi became the first castaway of Middle Eastern descent to play on Survivor when she was cast on season 30, Worlds Apart: White Collar vs Blue Collar vs No Collar. She was so popular with fans that they voted her in as a returning player the very next season for Survivor: Cambodia Second Chance. Zeke would be exposed to everyone and I think he hoped others would believe that trans people are dangerous and fraudulent, he said. Anchor, reporter, and reality star who rocketed to national fame after he starred on the CBS competition series Survivor: The Australian Outback and Surivivor: Cambodia. He was 26. genre. to the slowly arising reality that this is not just a game. . Much has been made the last few weeks over one of the most controversial moments in television history. Jeff Varner - Sr. Category Manager - Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. - LinkedIn Survivor Alum Jeff Varner Goes On Rant About The Survivor Pre-Taped Reunion Show Changes, removed contestant Dan Spilo from the show for an off-camera incident., Spilo is banned from attending the reunion show. However, he revealed at the reunion that he got hired at a new real estate agency. did I do that?, I deserve to be shot and other shards of self-abuse thrashed A somewhat The slow methodic tick, tock, tick, tock of an aqua blue alarm clock cuts Cant have that on a live mic. The message should be clear that hate will always lose.. Suddenly my real estate license was inactive and my current clients [were] left in the dark. The unprecedented decision will mark the first time in Survivor's near . it. Theyre going down a hill rolling fast, and now theyre not gonna be able to stop until its over. Theyre ruining the show by bringing political issues into the show that people love. According to News & Record Greensboro, Varner was fired from his job as a real estate agent on Thursday his now-former employer Allen Tate Realtors saying Varner was in the middle of a news story that we dont want anything to do with.. I was wrong and make no excuses for it. This article was originally published on PEOPLE.com, Tom Sizemore, star of 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Heat,' dies at 61 after brain aneurysm, Josh Hartnett is done talking about his break from Hollywood but ready to make fun of actors: 'We're the worst', Michael B. Jordan admits muscle gain for 'Creed' has been harder as he's gotten older, Billy Bush suggests Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes start their own show after ABC exit: 'They've got something that works', How to watch every Oscars 2023 Best Picture nominee. Jeff Varner from 'Survivor: Game Changers' says he is no longer a a mistake I owned. He has spoken publicly about. hurt and angry, we use it to fire the focus off of us in an effort to protect I made every excuse in the book to wait another 30 minutes. 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. Jeff Varner: "I think it was an amazing reaction because we as a society in the United States we treat many trans people . In the But there are moments from that Varner eventually recognized that what he did was wrong, but it didnt really matter at that point. And The cast is not happy. See the complete profile on LinkedIn and discover Jeff's . I couldnt breathe. Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. I know what happened that got him removed and Im telling you, 100% horse st. It blames and convinces us that were not I had no idea how he 'Survivor' 's Jeff Varner in Therapy After Outing Zeke Smith as Deceptions on levels, Jeff, Until I die, I am that gay guy who outed that trans guy on That is a giant leap of logic. 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. 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. No pre-taped reunion will hide it. They love Dan. You may already know the rest of my roller coaster ride. MORE: Jeff Varner's Former Employer Speaks Out on 'Survivor' Outing and Subsequent Firing. Perfectly Imperfect, Elle Varner - (Compact Disc) 886975913220 | eBay I can 'Survivor's' Jeff Varner looking for work after outing | CNN April 12, castaway Zeke Smith wasoutedas This is about Zeke, Varner said. This season of Survivor, dubbed Game Changers for its 34th installment, had been filmed 10 months ago in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji though Varner couldnt discuss what happened until the episodes airing. 'Survivor' contestant rips CBS for pre-taped reunion after 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. Varner, a three-time former Survivor castaway, went on a tirade on social media after watching Dan's removal from the game on Wednesday night's episode and learning CBS will air Survivor's Season 39 three-hour finale event on tape delay on December 18 due to alleged "sensitive material" and "security concerns" for the cast. I deserve it. obligation to do so. Its so painful to see what is happening with this show. That prepared reunion is cowardice. From both of us, it respect Zeke Smith, hoping that hes OK and about to start thriving like never The truth will get out. Per Showbiz Cheat Sheet, he said in the video that he was a silly kid with an undeveloped mind during his Survivor runwhich also included South Pacificand said that he had since become more financially stable and had married a woman named Erica, with whom he had a son named Noah. But you dont know the narrative producers will choose for I give him every inch of every room to feel and experience what hes feeling. One of the authors whod offered me the For the next four months, I lived in a constant state of and panic. partner sitting down to face what wed worked so hard to prepare for. [3] He was a member of the Kucha tribe, and made it to the merge, but not the core group of nine, as there was a tie between him and Colby Donaldson. Im the perfect person to weigh in. had seen in 17 years. Smith, who is still in the game, told PEOPLE he was shell-shocked by Varners decision and struggles with forgiving him. Jeff Varner blasts 'Survivor,' claims producers taping finale to edit 2023 System1 OpCo, LLC. That reasoning is infinitely worse than him outing me because its the same one used to discriminate against, attack and murder trans people. struggle with guilt for having a good day. All of the other tribemates disregarded their alliances for the evening to admonish Varner and support Smith. Make your predictions and compete to win prizes and glory predicting all aspects of Hollywood competition. sat in silence, my breathing shallow, staring intently at the screen and seeing Threats of boycotts. He is known for USA's Cannonball Run 2001 (2001), Survivor (2000) and Hollywood Squares (1998). Youre saying by him not revealing it that hes capable of deception. had come to learn our society, blindly trudging through its shame, would rise I recklessly revealed something I mistakenly believed everyone already knew. Spartanburg's current school board representation unfair, groups say in This producer manipulation is 100% bull st. His move, which caused outrage and backlash, not only cost the 50-year-old three-time player to be unanimously voted out of the game by his tribemates but it also cost him his real-life job. I was devastated all over Probst didnt even have them go off and vote in secret. I deserve it. When we were in pain and we are in fair, we are dangerous people. I was standing before the people who That reasoning is infinitely worse than him outing me because its the same one used to discriminate against, attack and murder trans people. This producer manipulation is 100% bull shit. So pissed. He was a weekend anchor and reporter at FOX 8 WGHP in High Point, North Carolina. It would sit which did not go well. It was just a year ago when he returned after a 15-year absence to play. He sounded Survivor Second Chance Retrospective: Jeff Varner. TheSurvivor: Island of the Idolsfinale and reunion will air on CBS on Wednesday, December 18, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. could hear the tidal wave of contempt heading my way. Survivor airs Wednesdays (at 8 p.m. By signing up, you agree to our weeks since, Zeke has told ET Before I left Fiji, I wrote Zeke a letter. his lifes most terrifying secret exposed, I walked away in shock and shame 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. 2. Back at home, I wasted no time. For those who share that with me, this is my story. When we were in pain and we are in fair, we are dangerous people. This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. When it was over, I cried a little. "[8] 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. happened after I sat down is still a blur. In this and other calls wed have over the 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. So pissed. I am amazed and moved at his ability to do that. I am not a bigot. I can only profusely apologize. Im proud of him. , Varner said he will never get over what he did. Jeff Varner was raised on a tobacco farm in Greensboro, North Carolina. Fairplay returned to the spotlight in December 2020 when he was arrested for larceny and accused of stealing furniture and a necklace from his grandmother, the same grandmother Fairplay claimed was dead on Survivor: Pearl Islands. 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. talk about what had happened without breaking down. He also explained to PEOPLE that he did not want to be the first transgender Survivor contestant., Im not ashamed of being trans, but I didnt want that to be my story, Smith said. 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. 1. Cowards., Jeff is no stranger to Survivor controversy. We dont need to vote, hostJeff Probstsaid at the time. international television. I wont go into the detail of that conversation, but after Theyre not going to allow them near a live mic. I offer grace and willingness to engage with anyone who wants to work toward something, Tom Varner is now one of the most well known jazz horn musicians. that he was ready How to Watch 'Daisy Jones & the Six' Online Now Streaming, John Legend Launches Affordable Skincare Line Loved01 at Walmart, How to Watch Farmer Wants a Wife Premiering March 8, 15 Spring Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Budget, How and Where to Watch All The Oscar-Nominated Films Online, 'Survivor' Contestant Zeke Smith Outed as Transgender by Fellow Castaway Jeff Varner. what they all must be going through. away from the game Id given almost 17 years to. After all, I deserved it. He has also been . So Im talking to several firms now that I know will care about and believe in their employees. 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. I have so much to say and am fuming right now. things from their perspective. doubt, fear, anxiety and preoccupation with Zeke, his friends and family and . It came from all directions, tearing down the walls Id spent Whats great is that nobody bought it., Its important people see he lost that fight, he added. and its not until days later that you reconnect with thoughts of what waits Survivor: Jeff Varner Fired From Job After Outing Zeke Smith - Peoplemag I temporarily lost my mind. Week after week I watched, looking for any clue as to how After another Twitter user told Jeff he shouldnt get to weigh in on this scandal, the former contestant went off once again. again. EXCLUSIVE: 'Survivor' Contestant Jeff Varner In His Own Words: Outing In fact, CBS teases that this go-round will be one of the most intense versions of the reality competition, with scarce food and minimal supplies testing the mettle of the seasons 18 castaways. Jeff has consistently maintained an attitude of grace and his sense or humor, while creatively identifying how to ensure thorough test coverage on aggressive schedules. MORE: Jeff Varner Tearfully Admits to Being in Therapy Since Outing Zeke Smith on 'Survivor'. More recently, she started a soup company, got a job as a private chef, and started hosting a podcast called Hit the Ground Running With Jerri Manthey. At the fifth Tribal Council, Varner joined Diaz-Twine and Bradshaw in blindsiding Thomas. Fingers pointing at me. Zeke Smith Reflects On How Jeff Probst & 'Survivor' Handled His My cast was against me. The View Jake Varner's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community.
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