RI’s Beisel Stepped in #MeToo Controversy on ‘Survivor’ and Issues Apology
Friday, November 15, 2019
Rhode Island’s 3-time U.S. Olympian Elizabeth Beisel has released a statement after being at the center of a controversy on Thursday night’s episode of the CBS reality television show Survivor.
The controversy centered around Beisel not only not believing another woman on the show who claimed that a male contestant had inappropriate contact with her, but then Beisel leading the effort to vote the accuser off the show.
Later she issued this apology.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTTo my family of Survivor viewers, past players, family and friends.
If you are reading this, I’m assuming you have watched the most recent episode of Survivor and are looking for answers. After watching the episode, my eyes were opened to a completely different truth, and I received an abundance of information that I was entirely unaware of while playing the game. I had no idea the severity of the situation. As a player, I am limited to my own experiences and knowing what I know now, my decisions would have been very different.
To Kellee. I was sick to my stomach watching the episode and seeing how much pain you were in. I wholeheartedly apologize to you for using your accusations against Dan for gameplay. In no world is that acceptable, and I take full responsibility for my actions, and lack thereof.
To Janet. I deeply regret ever taking advantage of you in the game this way. Watching the episode, it was clear your sole intention was to protect us women, and I am distraught by the way I handled this situation. I am extremely sorry.
To women everywhere. Sexual harassment and sexual assault are extremely serious, life altering topics that I do not take lightly. They have no business being used as tactics to further one’s own agenda, whether it be in real life or in the game of Survivor. I am beyond disappointed with my behavior and will use this as a life changing, teaching moment. I apologize to any woman who felt triggered and disrespected by my actions. I regret the way I acted, and I am so incredibly sorry.
To Dan and men everywhere. Your reputation is never meant to be someone else’s stepping stone. It is not a topic to joke about or to be used as a tactical ploy, and for that, I apologize.
After watching the episode, I am deeply ashamed with my actions and I apologize – they do not reflect my character and who I am in my day to day life. My heart goes out to all involved. Survivor has been a life changing experience and I have learned so much. I hope this moment does not define me, but instead will help inform who I am as a person going forward.
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