'Survivor: Island of the Idols' Season 39 Reunion: Jeff Probst admits Kellee was right about Dan, says her voice should have been enough
'Survivor: Island of the Idols' season 39 aired with its finale and reunion episode on Wednesday, December 18, night. While Tommy took home the win, the series finally addressed the one issue that has been swirling on the internet for the past few weeks - the alleged sexual harassment charges brought against Dan Spilo during his time on the island.
One of the contestants, Kellee Kim, who was eliminated shortly after she opened up about him inappropriately touching her also got to voice her objections and opinion on the situation months after it took place. After Jeff Probst announced the winner and the recipients of Sia's contribution, he called Kellee to the stage and addressed the issue. Kellee was the one contestant who was the most vocal about Dan's inappropriate touches. Sitting down for a one-on-one Jeff finally addressed the situation sharing that she was right all along.
Opening up Kellee shared, "I think one of the things that has been the hardest was the fact that Dan remained in the game even after I spoke up. And the reason why is not necessarily the injustice, it’s because I felt that I spoke up, and I was not being supported or believed.” Adding to that she shared, “To not be supported or believed is really the hardest thing."
Choked, Kelle said, “I hope that this season of survivor isn’t just defined by inappropriate behavior or sexual harassment. I hope that it’s defined by change. I feel like I can be really proud that I spoke up and I asked for these changes … I have to fundamentally believe at the end of the day that individuals and institutions are capable of change.”
Dan was the first-ever contestant in this series to be removed from the show and sent home. After Kellee's complaints were not taken that seriously, but with Dan just being left off with a warning, he once again inappropriately touched a crew member's leg. After this incident Dan was sent home immediately.
Addressing what happened after Kellee complained about Dan's behavior Jeff shared that he immediately got on call with the producers on location and the executives back in the US. They decided to issue a warning to Dan directly and not to remove him from the game right away. But during the reunion, Jeff shared that it was a mistake.
Adding to that he also revealed that in the new and forthcoming season there will be a new rule and better orientation. The statement said, that there will be "another on-site professional to provide a confidential means of reporting any concern. And a third-party expert in the field to review, evolve or add to these new policies and procedures going forward."
Probst also said, “Your voice should have been enough. And it will be next time.”