I give him every bit of space to fire off and act toward me however he must. I make mistakes, but I'm a good person with a good heart. These are wonderful people who are not only trying to live their authentic lives, but thrive. Many folks will be less enthused to hear his defense of the Edge of Extinction twist that allowed players to be voted out of the game, befriend the jury, and then come back to win. May 1, 2022. Current Age: 49 Powered by. Entertainment Weeklyreported the decision was made due to the sensitive subject matter and security concerns. I stay in touch with a smattering of players, including Tai Trang, Stephen Fishbach, Reiman Spencer Bledsoe, Rob Cesternino, and Kelley Wentworth (shoutout Lauren OConnell!). This is about Zeke, Varner said. It is so wrong for you to bring that up, said Tai Trang. Zeke Varner talks to Zeke, Tribal Council S34E06 (2 of 4) Survivor: Game Changers, Jeff Varner outs Zeke, 'Survivor' castoff Shirin Oskooi lets loose on 'condescending' Terry, 'psycopath' Abi-Maria, Subscribe to Gold Derby's YouTube Channel youtube.com/subscribe_widget?p=GoldDerby GoldDerby.com offers celebrity interviews and expert predictions to track who's ahead to win the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, "American Idol," "The Voice," "Survivor," "Amazing Race," "Dancing with the Stars" and more. I know what happened. He did, however, reveal at the reunion that he had been hired by a new real estate agency. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. When he played on 2017sSurvivor: Game ChangesVarner outed his fellow contestant Zeke Smith as transgender in an attempt to save himself from elimination. VisitGLAAD.org to read their transgender FAQ, tips onhow to be an ally to the transgender community, and more. He is 56 years old as of 16 April 2022. Despite this, the attention shifted to the continued infighting between Abi-Maria and Peih-Gee, handing the power to Andrew and Tasha. Jeff used his. Varner: (Long pause.) It's just been so difficult. Playing with too much emotion in the beginning. Survivor. Read Zeke'spersonal account of his story by clicking here. Ive spoken to these people. During that time, he said hes done a lot of growing. 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. Varner was a contestant on Survivor: The Australian Outback, 2001. - Age Now, he's dealing with professional repercussions.. ET. It was a horrible thing. Every single person at Tribal stood up and hugged me. 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. We were in a different time and different culture back then and we would never let him run a challenge naked now. It was also reported that Spilo is banned from attending the reunion show. I know what happened that got him removed and Im telling you, 100% horse st. When Mana lost the first two Immunity Challenges, he joined the majority in voting out Ciera Eastin and Tony Vlachos respectively. They joined Nuku member J.T. Im not knocking him., It has nothing to do with the game! cried Boehlke. I've spoken to him several times since then. Varner reached towards Smith for an emotional hug before picking up his torch and walking over to Probst. Survivor: The Australian Outback He was part of the first team in the corporate world to utilize the internet to communicate project information as a manager in Citicorp's "Product Design and Development Division. In the end, Probst asked the rest of the tribe if they are set on voting out Varner, and they said yes, thus sending him out of the game without the usual written-vote style of elimination. When I saw Zeke, I didn't know who he was. Varner was then transferred to Nuku, along with Sandra Diaz-Twine, Malcolm Freberg, Aubry Bracco, and Michaela Bradshaw. We dont need to vote, said Probst. Cowards., The former reality TV star is no stranger toSurvivordrama. He has an estimated net worth of $5 Million. how to be an ally to the transgender community. Stephanie Petit is a Royals Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE. Jeff Varner is an internet project manager, having most recently worked as Director of People and Process for a Manhattan start-up company. Horrible. About to climb, Posted by Jeff Varner onWednesday, December 11, 2019. Probst didnt even have them go off and vote in secret. When Ta Keo lost the first Immunity Challenge on Day 3, Jeff and Peih-Gee voted with the new schoolers to send Vytas Baskauskas home. Debbie Wanner, who had recently been exiled, took her place on Nuku. At the same time, none of this is about me. Varner describes himself as provocative, energetic, competitive, adventurous, and a free spirit who will try anything twice. & Aubry who targeted Michaela and Michaela & Sandra who targeted J.T.. 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. There were things that were edited out that would have explained things a bit better. All of that is edited out. 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. 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. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! But right now, I'm just devastated at what I've done to him and his family. 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 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. Varner was a contestant on Survivor: The Australian Outback, 2001. 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. Just grab your torch.. He, along with Sandra Diaz-Twine, Malcolm Freberg, Aubry Bracco, and Michaela Bradshaw, were switched to Nuku after the first tribe switch. 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. 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. Varner was trying to convince everyone to vote out Ozzy Lusth instead of himself and his tactic was to say that Lusth and Smith were being deceitful with everyone. 333. I don't know who's gotten in his ear, but he's in a different place today and I respect that. Its Varner.. That's where I got the idea to use that secret alliance as a tool. I'm honored to be part of this cast and aware this could be the last time I'm ever on a Survivor island, so I want to soak up the surroundings, beauty, and energy of being part of this landmark series. I dont know if we didnt ask him because I think we called every single winner about returning, and the fact that he was the first is a fair point, he told the outlet. I feel horrible., Soon enough, Varner started crying as the gravity of his actions hit him: Im shocked, he said. 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. ET. Thats so dirty, Jeff., Im not using that as anything negative! insisted Varner. Many viewers felt the recent changes made the game too complicated and confusing. He anchors the 10pm CW7 newscast solo, then joins Judy Markee as co-anchor for Live at 11. And hes calling me a bigot and full of hate and all kinds of stuff. I just want to make sure nobody in this world ever does what I did. They are pre-taping the reunion because cast members plan to publicly support Dan and call out producers. The day finishes with a jog, a shower, a bottle of Merlot, a ruthless game of backgammon, and great sex. In The Australian Outback, Jeff was an integral member of the Kucha Alliance, which entered the merge even in numbers with their rival Ogakor Alliance. Wigler: And where do you want to start with that? 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. About to climb the walls, Varner posted to Facebook after the shows episode aired. That prepared reunion is cowardice. Jeff Varner is an internet project manager, having most recently worked as Director of People and Process for a Manhattan start-up company. 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. Suddenly my real estate license was inactive and my current clients [were] left in the dark. Smith has opened up PEOPLE exclusively about the experience, saying he was shell-shocked by Varners decision and still struggles with forgiving him. Jeff countered by citing that he had already proven his loyalty to the tribe, while Woo had not. We LGB spent decades proving we weren't trying to convert children. Varner asked Smith at Tribal Council, Why havent you told anyone youre transgender? Varner stated that he believed Smith had been open about his identity with everyone back home but was trying to keep it hidden from his tribemates in the game. 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. Richard appeared on season 1 of Survivor, where he was crowned the shows first winner. "Survivor" alum Richard Hatch recently shared his opinion on Jeff Probst and "Survivor 41" on the "Drop Your Buffs" podcast. She was replaced on Nuku by the recently-exiled Debbie Wanner. 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. "I'm arguing for my life," he proclaimed. It's just horrible. Jeff denounced Varners actions, telling the publication, I cannot imagine anyone thinking what was done to Zeke was okay on any level, under any circumstances., A post shared by JEFF PROBST (@jeffprobst). Advertisements How old is Jeff Varner? 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. 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. He was initially placed on the Mana tribe. Ugh. For the evening, all of the other tribemates ignored their alliances to chastise Varner and support Smith. Survivor 40, commonly referred to as Winners at War, featured several previous winners, but Richard Hatch was noticeably absent. All through pre-game, I couldn't take my eyes off of him. Survivor player Jeff Varner lost a lot more than the show's $1 million dollar prize when he made the decision to out fellow tribemate Zeke Smith as transgender in an attempt to paint him as. The famous catchphrase has been a part of the show since its inception. I hate that I'm a tool some of them will use. Zeke apologized for leaving Jeff out of the Sandra vote and promised to be honest with him moving forward, with plans of reaching the Final Tribal Council together. Twitter: @BiographyScoop Prior, he worked as a general assignment reporter for WPIX-11, the CW's flagship station in New York City. After Tribal Council, Jeff planned on trying to convince everyone to get rid of Ozzy for being a physical threat come the merge. What, if anything, do you most regret? . The cast is not happy. Ive talked to cast members. During the show, Varner's luxury item was a coloring book and a set of crayons. Awful, he told Sean and Evan. 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. I was wrong and make no excuses for it. (Choking up.) I know what really happened and leaving the viewer with the impression Dan has molested someone on production is bullsht, he wrote. I have so much to say and am fuming right now. It's the opposite of what we should be doing. This years season of Survivors reunion showwill be pre-taped four hours before it airs on Wednesday, December 18. He was a member of the Kucha tribe, . He's continued to forgive me. The cast is not happy. 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. Its so painful to see what is happening with this show. I didn't even hear it come out of my mouth. Varners luxury item on the show was a coloring book and a set of crayons. 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. ", He used that background to transition into web development, working in developing web properties for Citibank, MCI, Harlequin Romance, and Martha Stewart Living Online. What are you most proud of from the last time? Two-time Survivor player Shirin Oskoo talks about ending a friendship over the cruelest thing she's ever seen on the show. He's absolutely fantastic. Threats of boycotts. 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 . What just happened on Survivor tonight is 100% bull shit. He was lying to me and playing me. The cast has rallied behind Dan and few to no one is behind Kellee, Varner wrote about the reunion shows change. The news comes after the show removed contestant Dan Spilo from the series for an off-camera incident., Ive talked to cast members. In the event of a tie at the time, previous tribal council votes would be used. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. CBS andSurvivorwere on notice of Dans behavior from the very first days of the game. The three-time Survivor contestant, who first appeared during season two in 2001, told Entertainment Tonight that he was completely blindsided by his firing. The message should be clear that hate will always lose.. But I was arguing the deception of the alliance. Thats personal!, Varner attempted to defend himself, claiming that he argues for the rights of transgender people every day in the state of North Carolina and would never say or do anything to hurt anyone here., Outing somebody you just outed him! shouted Trang in outrage. The former 'CNN This Morning' co-anchor said that while the departure was a surprise, it's behind him now. And out of my mouth, it came. The cast is not happy. I forgive him for that. I have so much to say and am fuming right now. He continually forgives me. Season 42 of Survivor will air in March of 2022. 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. It was hard to watch. I think he hoped others would believe that trans people are dangerous and fraudulent, he said. At the fifth Tribal Council, Varner joined Diaz-Twine and Bradshaw in blindsiding Thomas. 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. Don Lemon Says He Has No Regrets After CNN Firing: "I Am a Survivor". Smith blinked in silence as the rest of the cast exchanged shocked stares. No one is going to beat me up worse than I have myself.. At the first Tribal Council, he joined the majority in voting out Ciera Eastin. Im ready to go, said Varner tearfully. 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. While pursuing his degree with UNC, he was Captain of the National Champion Tar Heel Cheer Team (198990). Theres no question whos going home tonight, he said, briefly checking with each tribemate that they felt the same. Jeff Varner (@JEFFVARNER) December 12, 2019. ET) on CBS. At Tribal Council, Varner asked Smith, "Why haven't you told anyone you're transgender? That's the best I can deal with. Although Jeff was an old school player, he wanted to prove he could succeed in new school Survivor. He was given a formal warning from production at day 22. It's going to be an awful day. Every single person at that Tribal with the exception of Sarah stood up and hugged me and forgave me and told me they know it's not in my heart. It was the Survivor moment fans will never forget -- and one that Zeke Smith and Jeff Varner rehashed on Wednesday's three-hour finale. In the Drop Your Buffs interview, Richard didnt hold back his disdain for Jeff, telling Sean and Evan, Jeff Probst is horrendous as a human being. 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. It was one hundred percent about Zeke and what I've done to him and his family. I plan to align myself with the big threats. [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. Ultimately, Abi-Maria put aside her grudge against Woo, and she, Andrew, and Tasha opted to keep the tribe strong and vote out Jeff 4-1. On February 8, 2017, it was revealed that Varner would be one of 20 contestants on Survivor: Game Changers, the shows 34th season. That reasoning is infinitely worse than him outing me because its the same one used to discriminate against, attack and murder trans people. Just grab your torch.. In Game Changers, Jeff aligned with Michaela Bradshaw and Sandra Diaz-Twine early on, with the alliance taking control of the Mana and Nuku tribes. Varner has been a fill-in host for Live with Regis and Kelly and also worked for many years as morning anchor at WWMT Channel 3 in Kalamazoo, MI before being promoted to main anchor. Theyre not going to allow them near a live mic. 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. Nobody has the right to out anybody.. This resulted in a deadlock between Jeff and Colby Donaldson at Tribal Council, which saw Jeff eliminated when the tiebreaker took into account previous votes. Survivor is back in production as of April 2021 and should premiere season 41 in September 2021. I hope he can eventually grow to a place where he can comfortably be not only his authentic self, but help others be that. [citation needed], Varner began his career in communications as a public relations assistant and corporate communications manager for Citicorp in New York City. Enjoy reading!! However, he revealed at the reunion that he got hired at a new real estate agency. That reasoning is infinitely worse than him outing me because its the same one used to discriminate against, attack and murder trans people. However, when Tai accidentally told him Sandra was the target, Jeff became suspicious. This producer manipulation is 100% bull st. What Im showing is a deception, started Smith but the rest of the tribemates quickly fired back. I made a mistake. I love him. He was a weekend anchor and reporter at FOX 8 WGHP in High Point, North Carolina. When Nuku lost, Jeff was confident that Tai was going home. He also criticized Jeff for being fake. In the season 41 premiere, Jeff asked the cast if they were comfortable with him using the phrase come on in, guys given shifting gender norms in society. It was clear to me that this guy is a player. This week, he gives his on-the-scene and behind-the-scenes insight and . A huge mistake. 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. Drawing the Angkor buff. (Choking up.) YouTube What this has done is unleash a conversation that will hopefully be good for all of us and lead us in a great direction. var js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; On May 20, the results revealed that both Varner and Kappenberg from The Australian Outback were voted to return. I hope America sees that. When we're laying on the beach talking, he was lying to me about what they were doing. 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. The truth will get out. The others are. You don't have a hateful bone in your body." Before the final pre-merge Tribal Council, Varner tried to convince Lacina, Wanner, and Boehlke to vote out Lusth, by saying that Smith was deceiving the tribe about his relationship with Lusth. Hometown: High Point, NC Jeff was chosen from a pool of 32 candidates to be one of the 20 castaways to compete on the second chance season, Survivor: Cambodia.

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