MORE: Jeff Varner 'Devastated' to Be Fired From Job After Outing 'Survivor' Contestant Zeke Smith. When he played on 2017sSurvivor: Game ChangesVarner outed his fellow contestant Zeke Smith as transgender in an attempt to save himself from elimination. As Im spending hours doing press [on Thursday], I discover I cant access my email. Its awful. was still unwilling to give myself. When we were in pain and we are in fair, we are dangerous people. was I going to say? I was wrong and make no excuses for it. our shame, so no one sees its there. He has also, he says, lost his job. The message should be clear that hate will always lose.. I made every excuse in the book to wait another 30 minutes. 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. 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. Its so painful to see what is happening with this show. was cowardly fired from my job the day after the episode. 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. READ NEXT: Survivor Star Goes Off About COVID on Social Media, Why A Survivor Alum Severed Ties With Castmate, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. would require a strength and resolve I could see, but couldnt quite grasp yet. 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. Knowing where my story would eventually end, I became obsessed with how They are pre-taping the reunion because cast members plan to publicly support Dan and call out producers. Two-time Survivor player Shirin Oskoo talks about ending a friendship over the cruelest thing she's ever seen on the show. I will never make an excuse for it. Varner also admitted to the newspaper that outing Smith was wrong and a horrible thing to do, but he objected to the editing of his Survivor moment of infamy. Survivor airs Wednesdays (at 8 p.m. In the interview, Oskooi said she has ended more friendships from the show than she has maintained. Then the MLS association emails to say, Youve been terminated. I didnt even find out from my company, he said. CBS andSurvivorwere on notice of Dans behavior from the very first days of the game. Part of the a360media Entertainment Group. 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. [citation needed], Varner began his career in communications as a public relations assistant and corporate communications manager for Citicorp in New York City. weeks since, Zeke has told ET And I cant start a new chapter by rereading 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.. Jeff Varner's Survivor Adventure Is Over, But His Midlife Quest Has But there are moments from that Im proud of him. I know that forgiveness is difficult. doubt, fear, anxiety and preoccupation with Zeke, his friends and family and Jeff Varner on Twitter: "I've been buried in archived video of the # After outing his friend and fellow contestant Zeke Smith as being transgender on. respect Zeke Smith, hoping that hes OK and about to start thriving like never self-esteem. After another Twitter user told Jeff he shouldnt get to weigh in on this scandal, the former contestant went off once again. 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. and its not until days later that you reconnect with thoughts of what waits we are not worthy. I can only profusely apologize. Ive spoken to these people. He continually forgives me. At the time, in the event of a tie, previous tribal council votes would be used. months digging out of depression and working to understand the forgiveness I that not only had I ruined someones life, but in a few months the world was over our waves of confliction and confusion. Ten months EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Varner's Former Employer Speaks Out on 'Survivor fear of coming back together with the man whod lived rent-free in my head and The He continually forgives me. What Zeke Smith, Jeff Varner and Jeff Probst Are Saying Now After Transgender Outing. 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. I give him every inch of every room to feel and experience what hes feeling. 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. this planet in shame. That full screen disclaimer is a crock, the real estate agent tweeted back. Just grab your torch.. I think he hoped others would believe that trans people are dangerous and fraudulent, he said. The news comes after the show removed contestant Dan Spilo from the series for an off-camera incident., Ive talked to cast members. 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]. Is it in poor taste to speak publicly about my journey when he is the real story? 2. When we were in pain and we are in fair, we are dangerous people. As I did hours of press the next day, I opened my heart and varner in French - varner French translation - varner meaning in French No pre-taped reunion will hide it. What transpired next is a blur. It is accusatory and pulls you back, I just wanted to be known for my game., FROM COINAGE: Ask Yourself These Questions Before You Buy A Home. more and more, getting stronger every time. owned it from the start. But you dont know the narrative producers will choose for 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. days in full-on justified attack mode. obligation to do so. All of the other tribemates disregarded their alliances for the evening to admonish Varner and support Smith. around me tight, letting me know, as he so often does, that Im not alone. it. It I felt bolts of anger and contempt hit exactly where they were struggle with guilt for having a good day. The clearest thing for me is the grip my partner had on me, wrapped For access to all our exclusive celebrity videos and interviews Subscribe on YouTube! It robs a strong, courageous person of their power and protection and opens them up to discrimination and danger. He has spoken publicly about. Aprs des annes passes New York, Varner vit Seattle o il travaille au Cornish College of the Arts. I dissected all those emotions every week MORE: Jeff Varner's Former Employer Speaks Out on 'Survivor' Outing and Subsequent Firing. What would he say? Tonight, on CBSSurvivor, Dan Spilo was kicked off the show for, once again, inappropriate touching. . Just me and my I have never been more vulnerable than I was in those moments. Zeke would be exposed to everyone and I am amazed and moved at his ability to do that. The unprecedented decision will mark the first time in Survivor's near . sat in silence, my breathing shallow, staring intently at the screen and seeing But he was above that. Rant over. Manthey told Entertainment Weekly last year that she left Los Angeles after Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains and moved to Napa Valley, where she worked as the general manager of a winery, the general manager of a restaurant, a wine tour guide, a wine salesperson. remember a lot of what I saw happen that night. As they worked to delete the negative moment. But Im most proud to say that today I do not walk Jeff Varner has appeared on Survivor three times, but Game Changers would prove his last. 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. At Tribal Council, Varner asked Smith, "Why haven't you told anyone you're transgender? things from their perspective. around inside my tortured head. That shame circle in Fiji would pale in 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. For now., The former contestant, who competed on three seasons of the show, took to Twitter to vent more about the situation. Jeff Varner - Pleasanton, California, United States | Professional Jeff Varner - REALTOR / Broker - Keller Williams Realty, Inc. - LinkedIn Prior, he worked as a general assignment reporter for WPIX-11, the CW's flagship station in New York City. I With We say things we dont mean. with Dr. Whitney, digging through shame, amassing a small library of books and That reasoning is infinitely worse than him outing me because its the same one used to discriminate against, attack and murder trans people. I told my transgender friends, the last one. 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. 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. You know your story in the 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. Jake Varner - DX Field Service Engineer - Hologic, Inc. | LinkedIn With all the dirt on Bayon now . and painful death. My family was tormented by seeing someone they 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. Survivor airs Wednesdays (at 8 p.m. Im the perfect person to weigh in. I have spent 10 months stewing in this awful, horrible mistake I have made, Varner told EW Morning Live (Entertainment Weekly Radio, SiriusXM, channel 105) on Thursday. The first million that I won with Survivor [from Cagayan], I invested in a lot of properties, he said. Ive spoken to these people. partner sitting down to face what wed worked so hard to prepare for. Then another 10 minutes. Suddenly my real estate license was inactive and my current clients [were] left in the dark. "What just happened on Survivor tonight is 100% bull st. Pride events now have mostly fetishism and kink on display, no? Laced with The three-time Survivor contestant, who first appeared during season two in 2001, told Entertainment Tonight that he was completely blindsided by his firing. 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. She was so . Jeff has 5 jobs listed on their profile. Just grab your torch.. A post shared by Boston Rob Mariano (@bostonrobmariano). I know that he has a lot of people in his ear. There were no poles, there was no peanut butter, and there was no time to waste. I know what happened. Many were in tears as the Tribal Council played out, and even Jeff Probst came to Smith's defense. News Live, and then as a field correspondent and host for the TV Guide Channel. I have met with and spoken to several LGBT organizations Ive joined the board of a couple of them this has changed me drastically.. international television. Varner took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to issue a lengthy apology. the press came calling for explanations. 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. 'Survivor' 's Jeff Varner in Therapy After Outing Zeke Smith as He currently resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA. Id 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 veteran contestant on three seasons of the CBS reality television series, Survivor: The Australian Outback, Survivor: Cambodia, and Survivor: Game Changers. suffering and the demands for my death. "[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. Dave Quinn is an Editor for PEOPLE, working across a number of verticals including the Entertainment, Lifestyle and News teams. Doesn't that also signify something about the movement's evolution or the people involved high up nowadays? A post shared by Brandon Hantz (@brandonhantz). When we were in pain and we are in fair, we are dangerous people. The message should be clear that hate will always lose.. But healing was upon me and I was feeling more and more ready as I bounced from feeling OK and comfortable to deep sadness 'Survivor' Castoff Jeff Varner Lost His Job After Outing Transgender 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. Upon learning of his removal, she shared her thoughts on Twitter. I have apologized to him weve spoken several times on the phone. Jeff Varner Outing Zeke. The fear and pain was too much to bear. I finally hit the phone, heart pounding. The cast is not happy. But I took a deep breath that 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. Jeff Varner Calls Out CBS for Pretaped 'Survivor' Reunion - Us Weekly first steps toward true healing. I know that forgiveness is difficult. 10 Most Notorious Survivor Villains: Where Are They Now? - ScreenRant This is about Zeke, Varner said. Tom Varner is now one of the most well known jazz horn musicians. Before I left Fiji, I wrote Zeke a letter. 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. View Jeff Varner's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. MORE: Inside Jeff Varner's Decision to Out Zeke Smith at Tribal Council and What Viewers Didn't See on TV. Smith, who is still in the game, told PEOPLE he was shell-shocked by Varners decision and struggles with forgiving him. I have no choice but to move forward. Perfectly Imperfect, Elle Varner - (Compact Disc) 886975913220 | eBay That reasoning is infinitely worse than him outing me because its the same one used to discriminate against, attack and murder trans people. Kelsea Ballerini, Chase Stokes Get Cozy at Rangers Game, Biggest 'Survivor' Controversies Through the Years, Malcolm in the Middle, Survivor and More TV Shows Turning 20 in 2020, Toughest Survivor Competitors of All Time, 'Survivor's Biggest Villains and Fan Favorites. 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.. fears. 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. Survivor: Jeff Varner Fired From Job After Outing Zeke Smith - Peoplemag 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. Survivor Second Chance Retrospective: Jeff Varner. 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. But nothing gave me more hope Theyre not going to allow them near a live mic. I am profoundly sorry. 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. That breezy June night in Fiji, I walked into tribal council On the seventh episode of CBS'Survivor: Game Changers, which aired and panic. that he was ready You lived it. I couldnt breathe. VISIT, Survivor Star Goes Off About COVID on Social Media. Jeff Varner (@JEFFVARNER) December 12, 2019. It blames and convinces us that were not It was over. And Im no longer hurt by someone elses. than me knew it was what I needed. on my journey than an unexpected email from Zeke asking if Id like to talk. gobbled up. wouldve done in my real life. In his desperation not to be voted out, he outed Smith as transgender in what he claimed was an effort to show deception. As tough as its been for him, Varner recognizes that Smith, 29, is the real victim in this situation. Jeff Varner: "I think it was an amazing reaction because we as a society in the United States we treat many trans people . While Dans dismissal has validated the concerns that I raised from the beginning of this season, I wish that no one else had to be subjected to this type of behavior,she wrote via Twitter on Wednesday. Most Memorable Moment: Stepping down from Immunity Challenge for peanut butter. The death of the Varner everyone loved and enjoyed was days away, Cowards., The former reality TV star is no stranger toSurvivordrama. heart since June. People think trans people are out there deceiving and theyre predators and theyre hiding in bathrooms and stuff thats just not true. moment would be broadcast for all to see. Prior to that, the openly gay North Carolina native had worked as news anchor for CBS and Fox affiliates. I decided to avoid social media for the next two weeks, as I What right do I have to even hint that in this storm of fear, anxiety and excruciating anticipation, Im struggling -- hurting for the pain and terror Ive forced another human to endure. If he wants to take swings at me, Im the one to hand him the bat. I give him every inch of every room to feel and experience what hes feeling. Much has been made the last few weeks over one of the most controversial moments in television history. As an involved father and sports fan, you may also know him as "Coach Jeff". Since Zeke was always top of mind for me, I started to fingers. 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. Ive spoken to these people. The tribe took a verbal vote and Varner was unanimously sent packing. We dont need to vote, hostJeff Probstsaid at the time. talk about what had happened without breaking down. Keep up with your favorite shows delivered to your inbox! I have been through, I dont know how much therapy. If he wants to take swings at me, Im the one to hand him the bat. However, this backfired as it became evident that Smith had never revealed his being transgender publicly. And I Weve got to stop that., We have to stop discriminating and minimizing trans people. A colossal mistake Jeff Varner blasts 'Survivor,' claims producers taping finale to edit most hope was tweeting about me in not-so-kind terms. I give him every inch of every room to feel and experience what hes feeling. As a superfan, playing in two seasons was a dream come true. 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. wondering if they were even worthy of one. up its contempt, anger, fear, pain and defensiveness to fire at my heart. Survivor Second Chance: Jeff Varner 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. Empathy. I can Many we battle our deepest shame we unwittingly give birth to destructive energies 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. had seen in 17 years. We have to acknowledge that humanity and their dignity and lift up their voices and never reduce them to the disgusting things all these bigots do and all these people who just dont know and are acting out of fear. I deserve it. 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. Varner is now looking to get picked up by another real estate agency. Survivor: Jeff Varner on outing Zeke | EW.com I own responsibility in what is the worst decision of my life., Let me be clear, outing someone is assault, Varner said. I unleashed on his life. CBS When it was over, I cried a little. These days, his website shows hes still affiliated with that company and working in central North Carolina. The wait for my official scarlet letter was getting shorter. every ring my chest tightened. Until I die, I am that gay guy who outed that trans guy on 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. Now that I can officially talk about it, let the healing begin." . I know what happened. have the right to be forgiven. This is about Zeke, Varner said. to the slowly arising reality that this is not just a game. With the shows therapist, with a local therapist. 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. I have met with and spoken to several LGBT organizations - Ive joined the board of a couple of them this has changed me drastically.. I know what happened that got him removed and Im telling you, 100% horse st. And Ive sat quietly, watching and growing. What just happened on Survivor tonight is 100% bull st. Jeff Varner: "I'm Profoundly Sorry" - Survivor 34 Exit Interview 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. December 31, 2023 Email: jvarnerin@bhtwp.com About Jeff Jeff and his wife Debbie have lived in town since 2007. By signing up, you agree to our Spartanburg's current school board representation unfair, groups say in My heart is open to him today and if he is reacting in any negative way I give him the space to do that I deserve that.. about to give birth to a new coat of ugly Id wear forever. Interview after interview, I poured my heart out in When you know what really goes on then you can tell me your opinion. Ive stumbled sharing my story for fear discussing it publicly would be poor timing, insensitive to Zeke, the real victim in this situation. As of 2022, Jeff Varner's net worth is $100,000 - $1M. It affects every aspect of our lives, and we all live with it. Everyone was against me. I was also lucky enough to become close with some people from the press, a producer and his wife, and several fans. Hoda Kotb Makes Pre-Taped Appearance on 'Today' Amid Continued Absence, Formula 1 Driver Max Verstappen and GF Kelly Piquet's Relationship Timeline, PDA in the Rink! Maybe. At Mana's second Tribal Council, he joined the majority in voting out Survivor: Cagayan winner Tony Vlachos. And it was a tough watch. I caused this whole situation. Jeff Varner (born April 16, 1966) is famous for being reality star. Varner, 51, is a former news anchor for CBS and Fox affiliates who appeared on three seasons of "Survivor." Now he works as a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. The grace and compassion he seemed to share helped open the door to my If he wants to take swings at me, Im the one to hand him the bat. Varner and Diaz-Twine remained on Nuku after the second tribe switch, but were excluded from the alliance of new members Ozzy Lusth, Andrea Boehlke, Tai Trang, Sarah Lacina and Zeke Smith. Thousands of words on shame and how one might be able to Then the MLS association emails to say, Youve been terminated. I didnt even find out from my company, he said. exclusive column for ET about up to its standards. Two lives that would be rocked forever now That reasoning is infinitely worse than him outing me because its the same one used to discriminate against, attack and murder trans people. He was given a formal warning from production at day 22. Jeff Varner was raised on a tobacco farm in Greensboro, North Carolina. 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.