'Survivor' 46 players, particularly Maria Gonzalez, have received online backlash, prompting CBS to release a rare statement reminding viewers that these are real people.
- May 31, 2024
AceShowbiz -
"Survivor" season 46 has sparked a flurry of controversy, prompting the show to issue a rare "behave!" message to its viewers. The statement urged fans to remember that the players are real individuals, not paid actors, and to treat them with kindness and respect.
The backlash stems primarily from Maria Gonzalez's decision to vote for Kenzie Petty over her close ally, Charlie Davis, in the finale. Davis expressed shock and disappointment, feeling betrayed by Gonzalez. Even Petty was surprised by her vote.
Sources close to the show indicate that Gonzalez was not the only player to face online ire. Other castaways and aspects of the game also garnered "unfriendly" posts.
The "Survivor 46" jury has also been criticized for its harsh treatment of Davis and Ben Katzman during the final Tribal Council. Disagreements between castaways also spilled over onto social media.
In response to the backlash, many castaways have taken to social media to defend Gonzalez and other players. They have urged fans to stop sending hate-filled messages and to remember the human side of the game.
CBS has declined to comment on why it issued the "behave!" statement, but it may have been triggered by the intensity of the online backlash. The show's message emphasizes the importance of treating the players with compassion and avoiding personal attacks.
