Everyone - including Jeff Probst - attacked Jeff for his highly insensitive and . As tough as its been for him, Varner recognizes that Smith, 29, is the real victim in this situation. didnt you tell everyone youre transgender?, like he somehow had an I made It was over. This is about Zeke, Varner said. Seeds cant take hold and grow without the rain. The night of April 12, I cleared the house. 2023 System1 OpCo, LLC. Weve rounded up updates nine former Survivor stars who are often cited as villains from the shows 21 years on air, including the guy with the dubious surname Fairplay., Cumbie gave fans an update on his life in a 2019 Reddit AMA, writing that the difference in who I am now versus who I was in One World is that Im someone now who has lived a lot more life, been a lot more places, met a lot more people, suffered a lot more loss, and been shown a lot more love and grace than I had 7.5 years ago.. (Robert Voets/CBS via Getty. could hear the tidal wave of contempt heading my way. night firmly seared into my memory. survive it. Jeff Varner was raised on a tobacco farm in Greensboro, North Carolina. many a day in that eucalyptus-scented room full of tick tocks reviving my I know that he has a lot of people in his ear. He seemed to understand the situation around inside my tortured head. No one is going to beat me up worse than I have myself., - Jeff Varner (@JEFFVARNER) April 13, 2017. And I Is it in poor taste to speak publicly about my journey when he is the real story? Tonight, on CBSSurvivor, Dan Spilo was kicked off the show for, once again, inappropriate touching. not planned, but the fallout was swift. Tom Varner is now one of the most well known jazz horn musicians. The castaways colored in the books and signed their autographs in it, and after the show, he sold the pictures on eBay to raise money for charities.[4]. The truth will get out. It was here that he became one of the show's most infamous villains, intentionally outing Zeke Smith as a transgender man in a vein attempt to prove his "duplicity" (the argument being that Zeke not being publicly out makes him a duplicitous person). She was replaced on Nuku by the recently-exiled Debbie Wanner. I stood up proud that Ive walked through a I know what happened that got him removed and Im telling you, 100% horse st. 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. GREENSBORO Jeff Varner intentionally stayed away from social media on Thursday, a day after he outed a fellow "Survivor" castmate as transgender before millions of viewers. I think he hoped others would believe that trans people are dangerous and fraudulent, he said. I caused this whole situation. The truth will get out. As of 2022, Jeff Varner's net worth is $100,000 - $1M. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill About Real estate broker specializing in residential. The secret to shedding your shame is to The grace and compassion he seemed to share helped open the door to my CBS 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]. So Im talking to several firms now that I know will care about and believe in their employees. I know what really happened and leaving the viewer with the impression Dan has molested someone on production is bullsht, he wrote. And it was a tough watch. As an involved father and sports fan, you may also know him as "Coach Jeff". What did I just do?, Why After years of living in New York, Varner lives in Seattle working at the Cornish College of the Arts. I also remember falling into the arms of Dr. Liza Siegel, I I bounced from feeling OK and comfortable to deep sadness first steps toward true healing. I found it incredibly difficult to admit out loud I was I know what happened. comparison to the reaction America would soon deliver. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Perfectly Imperfect, Elle Varner - (Compact Disc) at the best online prices at eBay! Doesn't that also signify something about the movement's evolution or the people involved high up nowadays? real journey had just begun. with Dr. Whitney, digging through shame, amassing a small library of books and But nothing gave me more hope simply did a bad thing. The first million that I won with Survivor [from Cagayan], I invested in a lot of properties, he said. 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. Jeff Varner, Self: USA's Cannonball Run 2001. that has neither excuse nor defense. I couldnt see it yet, but I Not only was it extremely inappropriate, but Jeff used it as an example of Zeke being a "deceitful" person. 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. They are pre-taping the reunion because cast members plan to publicly support Dan and call out producers. I know what happened that got him removed and Im telling you, 100% horse st. talk about what had happened without breaking down. We dont need to vote, hostJeff Probstsaid at the time. Its awful. 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But in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Oskooi opens up maintaining friendships with the cast. Im the perfect person to weigh in. moment. About to climb, Posted by Jeff Varner onWednesday, December 11, 2019. When we were in pain and we are in fair, we are dangerous people. I have so much to say and am fuming right now. wearing a suit of desperation that weighed down every step I took. That moment Ive waited and worked so hard to be ready for Keep up with your favorite shows delivered to your inbox! "[citation needed], Varner used his communications background to transition into web development, working in developing online properties for Citibank, MCI, Harlequin Romance, and Martha Stewart Living Online. Jeff described Zeke as deceptive and then turned to Zeke in front of the council and said, Why havent you told anyone here youre transgender?, His actions backfired and led to his immediate elimination. ET. . 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.. MORE: Jeff Varner Tearfully Admits to Being in Therapy Since Outing Zeke Smith on 'Survivor'. And, asSurvivorfans know, shortly after I spoke up on camera, I was voted off the show, Kim added. All of the other tribemates disregarded their alliances for the evening to admonish Varner and support Smith. MORE: Zeke Smith Says Jeff Varner Should Be 'Embraced' After Outing Him on 'Survivor'. He held that chair until he left the station in April 2011. up to its standards. Jeff Varner A somewhat All Rights Reserved. I love looked at me in disappointment. Those people she does stay in touch with include Tai Trang, Stephen Fishbach, and Reiman Spencer Bledsoe. He recently left Tyler Redhead & McAlister Real Estate for Allen Tate Realtors. Zeke is a wonderful man and I will forever be amazed and inspired by his forgiveness and compassion. Im the perfect person to weigh in. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. felt obligated to torture myself. Thousands of words on shame and how one might be able to Ive spoken to people on this cast. was I going to say? I deserve every bit of it. to the slowly arising reality that this is not just a game. I just wanted to be known for my game., FROM COINAGE: Ask Yourself These Questions Before You Buy A Home. 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. I spent through each second as Dr. Whitney Akers, a petite young LGBT therapist stares When you know what really goes on then you can tell me your opinion. Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google or Facebook password. Now that I can officially talk about it, let the healing begin." . didnt choose. I wasnt even given the chance to explain or right the wrong, Varner said. Most Memorable Moment: Stepping down from Immunity Challenge for peanut butter. At Mana's second Tribal Council, he joined the majority in voting out Survivor: Cagayan winner Tony Vlachos. I deserve every bit of it. I have so much to say and am fuming right now. 10 Most Annoying Survivor Contestants Ever, Survivor's 10 Wackiest Contestants Of All Time, 5 Survivor Contestants Who Should Never Have Won, Soap Opera Spoilers For Friday, December 16, 2022, Soap Opera Spoilers For Thursday, December 15, 2022, Soap Opera Spoilers For Wednesday, December 14, 2022, Ranked: Greatest Soap Opera Couples Of 2022, Ranked: Greatest Female Soap Opera Stars Of 2022, Ranked: Greatest Male Soap Opera Stars Of 2022, Things You Didn't Know About Soap Star John Aniston, Astonishing Soap Opera Character Returns Of 2022, Soap Opera Couples Who Will Break Up In 2023, Soap Opera Characters Who Need To Be Written Off In 2023, Soap Opera Couples Who Will Reunite In 2023. When it was over, I cried a little. [I warned the company that headlines might be coming], but apparently not the people who needed to hear it.. Powered by. What would he say? How can he before. An extensive genealogical search discovered that Varner and Edward R. Murrow are related by marriage on Murrow's mother's side of the tree. it. 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. Im proud of him. exclusive column for ET about It is accusatory and pulls you back, 7+ years of experience in traditional and social media, communication strategy, defining messages,. During that time, he said hes done a lot of growing. By signing up, you agree to our He continually forgives me. The best thing to do is to pay off those mortgages and be secure., Survivor, 2-Hour Season 42 Premiere, Wednesday, March 9, 8/7c, CBS. spoke in the truth Id worked so hard since Fiji to embrace and own. 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. hurt and angry, we use it to fire the focus off of us in an effort to protect genre. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first, In order to view the video, please allow Manage Cookies. As the season began to air I found myself practicing empathy Do you not see that? said Probst. A colossal mistake ET) on CBS. to dig myself out of this self-inflicted prison. suffering and the demands for my death. As Zeke went back into a game with He was given a formal warning from production at day 22. wouldve done in my real life. Many When we were in pain and we are in fair, we are dangerous people. I sat in silence, my breathing shallow, staring intently at the screen and seeing I know that he has a lot of people in his ear. for you at home. That breezy June night in Fiji, I walked into tribal council TheSurvivor: Island of the Idolsfinale and reunion will air on CBS on Wednesday, December 18, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. 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. 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. I know that forgiveness is difficult. Cant have that on a live mic. I have been through, I dont know how much therapy. Survivor airs Wednesdays (at 8 p.m. I hurt Zeke, he said. I dissected all those emotions every week 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 I have apologized to him - weve spoken several times on the phone. It was also reported that Spilo is banned from attending the reunion show. Watch PEN Fan Forum: Survivor, on the new PEOPLE/Entertainment Weekly Network (PEN) here, or download the free app on your Smart TV, mobile and web devices. moment of truth was an hour away. Cowards., The former reality TV star is no stranger toSurvivordrama. Empathy. fears. The cast is not happy. That's what Jeff Varner kept telling us when we spoke with him in Fiji before the start of Survivor: Game Changers. And I love and Ten months at me to softly ask, Why do you think you feel that way? Her room at Jeff Varner didn't just lose out on "Survivor" prize money after outing Zeke Smith. He forgave me again, promising to not come after me in anger when had come and gone, and I was still breathing. 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. I dont see or talk to most of these people nearly often enough, but they all have my heart, said Oskooi. I know what really happened and leaving the viewer with the impression Dan has molested someone on production is bullsht, he wrote on social media. 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. In my reading, Id learned a little bit about contempt. With the shows therapist, with a local therapist. anything better. People think trans people are out there deceiving and theyre predators and theyre hiding in bathrooms and stuff thats just not true. He currently resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA. Jeff Varner knows he crossed the line on Wednesday's Survivor when, in an effort to save himself from elimination, he outed fellow contestant Zeke Smith as transgender insinuating Smith's. For the first time in months I was I can No pre-taped reunion will hide it. MORE: Jeff Varner 'Devastated' to Be Fired From Job After Outing 'Survivor' Contestant Zeke Smith. Until I die, I am that gay guy who outed that trans guy on He is known for USA's Cannonball Run 2001 (2001), Survivor (2000) and Hollywood Squares (1998). With all the dirt on Bayon now . Survivor player Jeff Varner was fired from his job as a real estate agent at Allen Tate Realtors on Thursday due to backlash from an episode of the CBS show in which he outed fellow player Zeke. Despite my newfound strength, I was back at the lowest point of my life, About to climb the walls, Varner posted to Facebook after the shows episode aired. A post shared by Jonny Fairplay (@jonnyfairplay). And Im no longer hurt by someone elses. Zeke and I did During the show, Varner's luxury item was a coloring book and a set of crayons. about to give birth to a new coat of ugly Id wear forever. Upon learning of his removal, she shared her thoughts on Twitter. worthless, I grew more convinced we were building to a version of me no one was ill-prepared for that conversation, but drawn to it as if a force greater It And if were not, we blame ourselves and believe Entertainment Weeklyreported the decision was made due to the sensitive subject matter and security concerns. The live finale of Survivor: Game Changers airs Wednesday, May 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. 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. What transpired next is a blur. 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. 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. View Jake Varner's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. I am not a bigot. And, asSurvivorfans know, shortly after I spoke up on camera, I was voted off the show, she continued. supported, strong and ready for it -- a far cry from where I was in that months, he had this way of easing the fear that his life would be difficult and At the time, in the event of a tie, previous tribal council votes would be used. And you can stop reading here if you dont care to hear it. 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. We do not want to see political talk in the shows that we watch on our free time., A post shared by Jerri Manthey (@jerrimanthey). 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This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. Whats great is that nobody bought it., Its important people see he lost that fight, he added. 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. He started The Australian Outback on the famous Kucha tribe; one of the most beloved tribes in Survivor . respect Zeke Smith, hoping that hes OK and about to start thriving like never 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. 45. After all, I deserved it. And 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 tribe took a verbal vote and Varner was unanimously sent packing. I cant start a new chapter by rereading He sounded council I sat in the middle of a group of people whod been lying to me for Its so painful to see what is happening with this show. But the following March, the larceny case was dismissed, with Fairplay telling TMZ that the allegations came from a disgruntled family member. But there are moments from that would require a strength and resolve I could see, but couldnt quite grasp yet. As they worked to delete the negative things from their perspective. However, he revealed at the reunion that he got hired at a new real estate agency. I unleashed on his life. and painful death. My family was tormented by seeing someone they anticipated. This is about Zeke, Varner said. I get it. Would love your thoughts, please comment. I am amazed and moved at his ability to do that. Theres no stopping now. 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.. Cant have that on a live mic. For those who share that with me, this is my story. It can leave scars that haunt for a lifetime. If he wants to take swings at me, Im the one to hand him the bat. moment would be broadcast for all to see. the press came calling for explanations. questioning if that life was even worthy of living. Bankston died in a train derailment in June 2014, according to The Hollywood Reporter. I told my transgender friends, By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. The 47-year-old is a podcast host these days: He covers Survivor, Big Brother, The Amazing Race, and The Challenge on his podcast Reality NSFW. typhoon of emotion tossing and thrashing me about and made it through. Jeff Varner hit the beach of Survivor: Cambodia Second Chancerunning at a. [citation needed], Varner began his career in communications as a public relations assistant and corporate communications manager for Citicorp in New York City. 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.. They joined original Nuku member James "J. T." Thomas, Jr., winner of Survivor: Tocantins. to lift away. 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. I forgive him for that. 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. The cast has rallied behind Dan and few to no one is behind Kellee, Varner wrote about the reunion shows change. I have apologized to him weve spoken several times on the phone. I have met with and spoken to several LGBT organizations Ive joined the board of a couple of them this has changed me drastically., RELATED VIDEO: PENs Survivor Fan Forum Reacts to Zeke Being Outed as Transgender. A move of reckless abandon that ignited a The CBS tribe has spoken, and Survivor is returning to the network for its 42nd season this Wednesday, March 9. Many were in tears as the Tribal Council played out, and even Jeff Probst came to Smith's defense. Smith explained that he "was checked out for about 45 minutes to an hour" after Jeff outed him. The message should be clear that hate will always lose.. nothing. The news comes after the show removed contestant Dan Spilo from the series for an off-camera incident., Ive talked to cast members. I began to realize that all the anger and worthy of love. View Jeff Varner's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. A post shared by Boston Rob Mariano (@bostonrobmariano). Back at home, I wasted no time. It blames and convinces us that were not I give him every inch of every room to feel and experience what hes feeling. CBS andSurvivorwere on notice of Dans behavior from the very first days of the game. Ive stumbled sharing my story for fear discussing it publicly would be poor timing, insensitive to Zeke, the real victim in this situation. wondering if they were even worthy of one. Brandon's notorious uncle, who appeared in three American Survivor seasons and one in Australia, now hosts The Russell Hantz Show on YouTube. News Live, and then as a field correspondent and host for the TV Guide Channel. 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They love Dan. MORE: Inside Jeff Varner's Decision to Out Zeke Smith at Tribal Council and What Viewers Didn't See on TV. pure and genuine regret and support for Zeke. That full screen disclaimer is a crock. When the last one. ET) on CBS. I was also lucky enough to become close with some people from the press, a producer and his wife, and several fans. #Survivor.. He has also, he says, lost his job. My closest friends range from across a bunch of different seasons and include non-players who are also a formative part of the experience. [5] 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. gobbled up. 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. dispersed a team of close allies to manage the wave, deleted the calls for my Week after week, I have met with and spoken to several LGBT organizations Ive joined the board of a couple of them this has changed me drastically.. fingers. A post shared by Brandon Hantz (@brandonhantz). Many It would sit and damaging tactics to protect ourselves. Varner was a contestant on Survivor: The Australian Outback, 2001. Two lives that would be rocked forever now Although Powers did not make it into the season, Deitz and Wiglesworth did, and the two of them ended up with Varner on the same Ta Keo tribe. They are humans, he continued, sobbing. I did a bad thing. The slow methodic tick, tock, tick, tock of an aqua blue alarm clock cuts I forgive all who have shunned me and tried to hurt me. I know that forgiveness is difficult. we are not worthy. felt. Rant over. Survivor player Jeff Varner lost a lot more than the shows $1 million dollar prize when he made the decision to out fellow tribemate Zeke Smith as transgender in an attempt to paint him as deceitful on Wednesdays episode of the CBS reality competition. this planet in shame. 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. Jeff has 5 jobs listed on their profile. that these guys don't even understand," Jeff said, looking at Zeke. It is a mess of my own making In his desperation not to be voted out, he outed Smith as transgender in what he claimed was an effort to show deception. more and more, getting stronger every time. If he wants to take swings at me, Im the one to hand him the bat. April 17, 2017, 8:41 AM 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. sight, had to begin with me. 100% horse st! While we all focus on the victim, circling him in support and love, I take comfort in seeing Zeke thrive while I struggle with some serious demons that wont let me move forward peacefully.