I'm more physically fit, less emotional, and smarter. 333. Wife: Not Available: Sibling: Not Available: Children: Not Available : . Season 42 of Survivor will air in March of 2022. Editing connected dots that weren't connected in reality in that moment, and I get why they did that and had to do that. In the latest episode of Survivor: Game Changers, Jeff Varner outed fellow castaway Zeke Smith as transgender. At Tribal Council, a desperate Jeff outedZeke as atransgender man, and tried to insinuate that Zeke's hiding this aspect of his life showed an ability to be deceitful. Survivor is back in production as of April 2021 and should premiere season 41 in September 2021. Jeff Varner is an internet project manager, having most recently worked as Director of People and Process for a Manhattan start-up company. (Choking up.) A post shared by Richard Hatch (@hatch_rich). I'm not angry at that. Just grab your torch.. I know what happened that got him removed and Im telling you, 100% horse st. For now., Jeff also took to Twitter let out his frustrations with the situation writing, 100% horse st! At the time, in the event of a tie, previous tribal council votes would be used. Twitter. It's what's happening / Twitter Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Ugh. How have you changed since the last time you played? It took me a minute. None of that's there. I hurt him. As a superfan, playing in two seasons was a dream come true. That's the hardest part for me to swallow today. He said lots of things and did different things, and I had inklings, and I suspected it very early on for various reasons. EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Varner Tearfully Admits He's Been in Therapy Since Varner: No. No matter who they are or where they are. 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. I hurt those who love him. According to Us Weekly, Richard was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for failing to pay taxes in 2006. Email: Suddenly my real estate license was inactive and my current clients [were] left in the dark. No matter how good of a game you're playing, drawing the wrong buff can change everything. The others are. But if my competition doesn't, their loss. You don't really get it. Zeke Smith on Forgiving Jeff Varner After 'Survivor' Outing: 'I Didn't "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. Cant have that on a live mic. You see us buddy-buddy, and that we're partners, but it wasn't the reality. 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. Probst didnt even have them go off and vote in secret. [8] After their tribe lost again on Day 11, Varner was eliminated in a unanimous vote, placing 17th in the overall competition. It's absolutely horrible. }(document, 'script', 'wibbitz-static-embed')); FormerSurvivorplayer Jeff Varner aired his grievances with CBS on social media on Wednesday after the network announced that the reunion show forSurvivor: Island of the Idolswill be pre-taped for the first time in the series history. "[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. I cant believe that I did that.. Don Lemon Has "No Regrets" After CNN Firing: "I Am a Survivor" - The He has an estimated net worth of $5 Million. The Survivor Game Changers season is officially upon us, and every week, Parade's Josh Wigler will bring you interviews with the castaways as they're voted off the island. As best as circumstances allow, I'll manage a swap better. 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.. Russell was working to deceive people. The next day, Jeff began making his moves against Ozzy, recruiting both Sarah and Zeke. js.src = '//cdn4.wibbitz.com/static.js'; Jeffrey Keith Varner (born April 16, 1966)[1] is a former American real estate agent and television personality, a news anchor and reporter, a former entertainment reporter, and a contestant on three seasons of the CBS reality television series, Survivor: The Australian Outback, Survivor: Cambodia, and Survivor: Game Changers. May 1, 2022. I just pray and hope for his safety. Jeffrey Keith "Jeff" Varner is a contestant from Survivor: The Australian Outback, Survivor: Cambodia, and Survivor: Game Changers. Wigler: Did you ever bring any of this up with Zeke privately, before Tribal Council? I'm just devastated over that. There is deception going on right here, and you guys are the victims of it, he said. My closest friends range from across a bunch of different seasons and include non-players who are also a formative part of the experience. The tribe took a verbal vote and Varner was unanimously sent packing. 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 . ET. I couldn't even think about me and my life for months after it was over with. Richard isnt the only Survivor alum who feels this way. The most-recent scandal in Survivor, which resulted in the reunion format change, started when season 39 contestant Kellee Kim first told Dan, 48, that his touching made her uncomfortable during the first day of the competition. 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. The cast is not happy. He was given a formal warning from production at day 22. Drawing the Angkor buff. I forgive him for that. At Tribal Council, Jeff sided with Abi-Maria, Andrew, and Tasha in sending Peih-Gee home. Richard Hatch Says Jeff Probst Is Ruining Survivor, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Multiple Survivor alums, including Russell Hantz and Parvati Shallow, also spoke out in opposition. However, everyone elseincluding host Jeff Probstquickly and emphatically rebuked Jeff for this tactic. Varner obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. I know you're not that person. Jeff Varner Bio, Age, Gay, Survivor, Real Estate, Zeke, Australian Wigler: And where do you want to start with that? However, his loyalty to the group did not last as he saw how hard Shirin Oskooi and Spencer Bledsoe were playing, so he worked on turning the tribe against them. 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. Jeff went on to say that he didnt feel comfortable having Richard on the show, given his background. It's just horrible. With Abi-Maria, Andrew, and Tasha still in control, the vote was narrowed down to Jeff and Woo, who argued that Jeff should be voted out because of his deteriorating physical condition and his poor challenge performance. I give him every bit of space to fire off and act toward me however he must. Tonight, on CBSSurvivor, Dan Spilo was kicked off the show for, once again, inappropriate touching. 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. When Kim learned about his removal from the show, she shared a statement on Twitter. He is a member of the Society of Human Resources. That prepared reunion is cowardice. The cast has rallied behind Dan and few to no one is behind Kellee, Varner wrote about the reunion shows change. Even if I end up in the minority after a swap, I'll make sure there is someone else with me who is more of a target. How will you play differently this time? Robert Voets/CBS 'Survivor' host Jeff Probst. Jeff Varner - Wiki, Bio, Age, Wife, Net Worth - ItsBiography I wasnt even given the chance to explain or right the wrong, Varner said. They hadn't seen his season. Theyre not going to allow them near a live mic. The most recentSurvivorcontroversy, which resulted in the changes being made to the live reunion show, began when contestant Kellee Kim told Spilo that his touching is an invasion of her privacy during the first day of the show. Many viewers felt the recent changes made the game too complicated and confusing. Awful, he told Sean and Evan. They love Dan. Kimmi Kappenberg accidentally gave away the vote he had against him during the Episode Two Reward Challenge, according to the special commentary section of the Survivor: Australia DVD. He is 56 years old as of 16 April 2022. Hometown: Greensboro, NC[2], Age: 50 All of that is edited out. The message should be clear that hate will always lose.. Being chosen by America, by far! What just happened onSurvivortonight is 100% bull st. 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. Not directly. An extensive genealogical search discovered that Varner and Edward R. Murrow are related by marriage on Murrow's mother's side of the tree. 'Survivor' Returns: Where Are These 9 Former Villains Now? - TV Insider Nobody has the right to out anybody.. Varner eventually recognized that what he did was wrong, but it didnt really matter at that point. I realize it. These are wonderful people who are not only trying to live their authentic lives, but thrive. Hometown: High Point, NC We dont need to vote, said Probst. That reasoning is infinitely worse than him outing me because its the same one used to discriminate against, attack and murder trans people. 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Upon learning of his removal, she shared her thoughts on Twitter. I have so much to say and am fuming right now. If you dont remember, it happened at the final pre-merge Tribal Council. 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. Zeke Smith and Jeff Varner Reunite at 'Survivor' Reunion Show -- See It's just been so difficult. I just played this game, so the excitement of being back is more tempered by a focus to not get too carried away. Jeff told Us Weekly in January 2020 that these incidents impacted his decision to not cast Richard on Winners at War., Given his history on our show, it did not seem appropriate, he told the publication. 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). Previously played on: Website: Biographyscoop.com What I did that night was horrible. "I feel I need to throw everything at the wall.". I got forgiveness and compassion from everybody. T. Thomas, Jr., the Survivor: Tocantins winner. Instagram: biographyscoop. Jeff Varner: Surviving the year after 'Survivor' bombshell The cast is not happy. 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. [1], Name: Jeff Varner Im not knocking him., It has nothing to do with the game! cried Boehlke. 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. I made a mistake. Editing doesn't show any of that. A thorough genealogical investigation revealed that Varner and Edward R. Murrow are related by marriage on Murrows mothers side of the family tree. 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 didn't even hear it come out of my mouth. 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. I was wrong and make no excuses for it. Advertisements How old is Jeff Varner? Its so painful to see what is happening with this show. Varner's actions were immediately condemned by his fellow contestants, culminating in Varner's tearful admission of shame and guilt, Zeke's calm explanation of his own journey, and a parting hug between them. Going too hard, too soon. Jeff Varner Reacts to Being Fired After Outing Castmate - People It was also reported that Spilo is banned from attending the reunion show. But because Tribal was edited down so small, you don't see that. When Nuku lost, Jeff was confident that Tai was going home. & Aubry who targeted Michaela and Michaela & Sandra who targeted J.T.. Jeff Probst considered a Survivor idea where players won a celebrity as [4] 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. At the first Tribal Council, he joined the majority in voting out Ciera Eastin. I deserve it. Survivor fans have been in uproar since watching Jeff Varner out Zeke Smith as transgender on Wednesday nights episode and if you missed the shocking moment, you can watch the entire situation unfold from start to finish. Jeff used his. They joined original Nuku member James "J. T." Thomas, Jr., winner of Survivor: Tocantins. Jeff has not responded to Richards claim. Despite this, the attention shifted to the continued infighting between Abi-Maria and Peih-Gee, handing the power to Andrew and Tasha. Smith finally spoke up, quietly admitting that in the two seasons hes played the game, hes never told anyone that he is transgender. I own responsibility in what is the worst decision of my life.. On February 8, 2017, it was revealed that Varner would be one of 20 contestants on Survivor: Game Changers, the shows 34th season. I love him. Hes just ruining the showHis gimmicks and his ego are destroying it. Survivor airs Wednesdays (at 8 p.m. I deserve it. He was a weekend anchor and reporter at FOX 8 WGHP in High Point, North Carolina. So pissed. Despite having a numerical advantage after a Tribe Switch tribe, he was outmaneuvered by Andrew Savage and Tasha Fox, due to the infighting within his original Ta Keo contingent, as well as the physical toll the game had taken on him, and was voted out on Day 11. 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. Additionally, he studied martial arts, receiving a black belt in Tae Kwon Do when he was 15 years old. So pissed. As much as I was dreading my emotional breakdown I melted down for an hour, and all of that was edited out. Cant have that on a live mic. I hope he can eventually grow to a place where he can comfortably be not only his authentic self, but help others be that. Every single person at Tribal stood up and hugged me. ", He used that background to transition into web development, working in developing web properties for Citibank, MCI, Harlequin Romance, and Martha Stewart Living Online. After Tribal Council, Jeff planned on trying to convince everyone to get rid of Ozzy for being a physical threat come the merge. Jeff Varner (@JEFFVARNER) December 12, 2019. These are dignified people. 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. On Day 7, a Tribe Switch occurred that split the tribes from two to three. Survivor. Jeff Probst spoke to Us Weekly in January 2020 about Richards absence. [10] During his exit interview, he stated that no one on Survivor should do what he did. 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. He likes all kinds of music, especially that which motivates. I know what happened that got him removed and Im telling you, 100% horse st. 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. 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. Editing doesn't help me in that arena, and that's unfortunate. I deserve every bit of it. He, along with Sandra Diaz-Twine, Malcolm Freberg, Aubry Bracco, and Michaela Bradshaw, were switched to Nuku after the first tribe switch. Jeff Varner (Jeffrey Keith Varner) was born on 16 April, 1966 in Greensboro, North Carolina, United States. 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. Richard Hatch Says Jeff Probst Is Ruining 'Survivor' - Heavy.com It was the Survivor moment fans will never forget -- and one that Zeke Smith and Jeff Varner rehashed on Wednesday's three-hour finale. Season 2 Jeff found himself on the new Angkor tribe with Abi-Maria, Peih-Gee, and Woo Hwang, which held the majority over original Bayon members Andrew Savage and Tasha Fox. This time, it's all business. how to be an ally to the transgender community. I hate that that's what's coming out of this, because that's not what I meant. About to climb the walls, Varner posted to Facebook after the shows episode aired. This is about Zeke, Varner said. Then came the gender ideology cult, hijacking decades of progress, crafting narratives that erase us, misleading confused kids, grooming them 2 join in. I'll combine my Outback and Cambodia styleshard gameplay with a more subtle approach. Currently, he is researching burn trauma organizations for kids with the hope of making a difference. There was a hidden alliance. 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., Probst, however, told EW that he could not speak about the player removal or disclose any additional details out of respect for privacy and confidentiality. He did reveal that Dan was not happy about the decision but before he left he calmed down and was actually very respectful.. When we're in pain, when we're in fear, we're a dangerous people, and we often do and say the wrong things. And I think stupid bathroom bills and things like that, especially in the state of North Carolina it's not about bathrooms. Prior employment includes work as a website producer, graphic designer and marketing manager for various companies. Rant over. 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. While pursuing his degree with UNC, he was Captain of the National Champion Tar Heel Cheer Team (198990). 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. "Survivor" alum Richard Hatch recently shared his opinion on Jeff Probst and "Survivor 41" on the "Drop Your Buffs" podcast. I'm going to be emotional. Deception on levels, Jeff, that these guys dont even understand theres more., Host Jeff Probst asked Varner to explain himself, at which point Varner turned to Smith in front of the entire group and demanded: Why havent you told anyone youre transgender?. Tonight, on CBSSurvivor, Dan Spilo was kicked off the show for, once again, inappropriate touching. d.getElementsByTagName('body')[0].appendChild(js); That is a giant leap of logic. 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). There are no excuses for what I did. And I was wrong. 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. And hes calling me a bigot and full of hate and all kinds of stuff. I have so much to say and am fuming right 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.. Read Zeke'spersonal account of his story by clicking here. After a long discussion, Jeff apologized, expressing shame and remorse for what he had done. 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. What didyou do to get here? He was originally placed on the Ta Keo tribe, which quickly split between old school and new school players, with Jeff and Peih-Gee Law finding themselves in the middle. 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. However, when Tai accidentally told him Sandra was the target, Jeff became suspicious. I know what happened. Theres no question whos going home tonight, he said, briefly checking with each tribemate that they felt the same. 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. I'm good to people. Earlier employment included stints as a waiter, bartender and traveling salesperson. Thats so dirty, Jeff., Im not using that as anything negative! insisted Varner. Threats of boycotts. . Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. His respect, love and concern for children motivates him to volunteer for organizations and charities that support kids with need. As soon as he did that, the Tribal Council came to a screeching halt. 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. In April 2017, Jeff spoke to Entertainment Weekly about season 34 contestant Jeff Varner outing Zeke Smith as transgender. I'm turning this into a positive. But today's not the day for that. That prepared reunion is cowardice. On July 27, 2009 Jeff was selected as one of the top 20 broadcasters nationwide to serve as finalist for co-host for a day on. 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. var js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; I just want to make sure nobody in this world ever does what I did. When you know what really goes on then you can tell me your opinion., Varner then responded to another Twitter users response repeating his right to weigh in on the news.