Jonny Fairplay Cracks Tiki Torch Over Wrestlers ... At Tennessee Strip Club

TIKI TORCH'D

Jonny Fairplay has gone from one reality TV world to another -- now, the guy's doing wrestling gigs, except you won't see him in WWE ... try a strip club.

The ex-"Survivor" star made a public appearance last week in Johnston City, TN -- where he got hired to show face (and muscle) at a place called Mouse's Ear ...  where exotic dancers are normally onstage, only here ... it was amateur 'Wrestlemania.'

Indeed, you can get a sense of what Jonny and co. were up to in these videos we obtained. He's very much playing the heel in front of the crowd, while the two "wrestlers" opposite of him -- Bam Bam Bundy and Lucky Larson -- are talking trash ... wondering how he's making dough these days post-"Survivor."

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JF didn't take that too kindly, as it turns out ... 'cause he ended up hitting both of them in the back with the strip club equivalent of a folding chair -- namely, a freaking TIKI Torch!

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It's pretty goofy, and obviously, no one was hurt ... but this is something we might start to see Jonny do more regularly. Funny enough, he actually has dabbled in the wrestling world for years now (even pre-"Survivor") ... and is a huge fan of the sport.

Unclear what promotion Jonny might be with in this instance. Maybe something like WWTT?

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson 'Survivor' Superfan Commencement Address That Show is Something to Live By!!!

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson works in a building that is kind of an island to itself, but unlike her favorite show, no one gets voted off.

The newest Justice shared her jam during a commencement address to graduating law students at American University in D.C.

She confessed she's a "Survivor superfan," using the long-running show to deliver her message. Justice Jackson talked about the goal of setting priorities and using resources, however scant, to chart your path.

Jackson told the crowd, "I watch it with my husband and my daughters even now, which I will admit it's not easy to do with the demands of my day job. But you have to set priorities, people, and that's exactly the first lesson that I have for you today."

The Justice has watched since Season 2, and had another good takeaway ... "Season after season, the players who tend to do really well are those who appear to come in with the understanding that this game is about existing both in community and conflict."

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Sounds like the Supreme Court to us!

Two-Time 'Survivor' Contestant Keith Nale Dead At 62 ... After Bout With Cancer

Keith Nale, a two-time contestant on the "Survivor" TV series, has died after a bout with cancer.

His wife, Dana, tells TMZ ... Keith passed away Tuesday in his home in Keithville, Louisiana after he discovered that he had the disease in January. Dana said it was unclear what type of cancer he had.

His presence will definitely be missed. Keith was beloved by his fellow contestants from the "Survivor" franchise, whose producers isolate a group of strangers on an island where they compete in endurance challenges to avoid elimination through voting until one person is left victorious.

Keith and his son, Wes, appeared on 2014's "Survivor: San Juan del Sur," where Keith reached the final four competition before getting the boot. The following year, Keith returned to an alternate version of the show — Survivor: Cambodia — where he nearly made it to the finals again, but he got voted off.

Some of Keith's fellow contestants paid homage to him on social media.

Jeremy Collins, who won "Survivor: Cambodia" in 2015, tweeted his condolences to Keith's family, noting that he and Keith were both firefighters by trade.

Ex-contestant Kelley Wentworth recalled that Keith had the "purest heart" and a good sense of humor when everyone really needed some laughs.

ET was first to report his death.

Keith was 62.

RIP

'Survivor: Nicaragua' Dan Lembo Dead at 75 From Rare Brain Disease

"Survivor: Nicaragua" contestant Dan Lembo has died from a rare brain disease ... TMZ has learned.

Emily Lembo, Dan's daughter-in-law tells TMZ Dan died Sept 3 from an incurable brain disorder called progressive supranuclear palsy. We're told he battled the disease for 6 years, and over time, it took a huge toll on his memory, speech and motor skills.

Emily says Dan died peacefully at his home in New York, where he was surrounded by loved ones.

'Survivor' fans will remember Dan from season 21, which filmed in 2010. Dan made it all the way to the final five and was voted out on Day 37. Dan was a successful businessman and wore expensive alligator shoes during the competition.

Emily says he loved being on the show and getting recognized on the street -- he was very outgoing and will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality.

He was 75.

RIP

'Survivor' Winner Nick Wilson From the Jungle to KY Legislature ... Wins Midterm Election

The tribe has spoken and past "Survivor" winner Nick Wilson is in the house ... Kentucky's House of Representatives, that is!!!

The competition series champ and former public defender took the W in this week's midterm election ... becoming a Kentucky state legislator after announcing last year he would run for the seat.

Nick was running unopposed in his 82nd district, making this one of the easier challenges he's faced in recent years ... and he didn't even have to get dropped in the jungle!

Fans of the show know Nick was voted the winner of the CBS show's 37th season, "David vs. Goliath" -- while many early on saw him as a bit lazy, he quickly proved himself ... making it all the way to the end.

Fun fact: Mike White, the creator of "White Lotus," was also on the "David vs. Goliath" season with Nick.

He returned in 2020 for "Winners at War," pitting him against other champions of the past ... but he didn't take home the gold that time -- instead, he got blindsided and ended up in 7th place.

Someone's got that immunity idol!!!

'Survivor' Contestant Roger Sexton Dead at 76

"Survivor" contestant Roger Sexton has passed away ... after fighting a lengthy battle with dementia.

Family members confirmed that Roger passed away at his daughter and son-in-law's home at the end of October, surrounded by family and caretakers in Walla Walla, Washington.

His obituary states his death follows "a valiant and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia" -- the 2nd most common form of the disease, following Alzheimer's.

Fans of the show remember Roger from the 6th season of the reality competition series -- he was on the Tambaqui tribe, and became a leader for his team fairly quickly.

Roger lasted a total of 21 days out in the Amazon ... eventually getting blindsided by the opposing tribe, which got several members of his own team to turn against him.

Roger was a retired Marine -- he served in the Vietnam war in the '60s. He tragically lost his daughter Heather in 1992 when she died of viral pneumonia.

Roger was 76.

RIP

CBS Rolling Out New 'Survivor'-Ish Show ... With Celebs Battling!!!

CBS is going back to the well that's served them well for years -- pumping out a new reality show that'll have contestants outwit, outplay and outlast one another, but with a celeb twist.

Production sources tell TMZ ... the network is getting set to debut a new series that we're told is very "Survivor"-esque, but the main difference here -- the contestants are all celebs, including a handful of reality stars.

We're told that, like "Survivor," this show will feature similar challenges -- and will have a similar vibe to what viewers have watched since 2000.

Some of the names we're hearing attached ... Colton Underwood, Metta World Peace, Ray Lewis, Jodie Sweetin, 'RHONY’s' Eboni K. Williams and model Paulina Porizkova. There may be others who end up tagging in, but these folks are for sure playing the game.

Our sources tell us all participants had a certain amount of money donated to the charity of their choice. The show has already been filmed, and we're told a lot of it went down in Panama -- so, sounds like it's straight outta the "Survivor" playbook.

The series is expected to premiere in April 2022, and an announcement or teaser from the network should be coming in the near future.

'Survivor' Star Sunday Burquest Dead at 50 ... After Cancer Battle

Sunday Burquest -- a former contestant on "Survivor" -- has died after battling cancer.

The youth pastor's daughter, Kennedy, confirmed her mother's passing on Instagram ... posting a touching tribute that thanked Sunday for teaching her to be a Christian, and for being the best role model possible.

She writes ... "It breaks my heart to know you will never get to see me on my wedding day, or be there when I have my first kid. But I know you’re watching over me." Kennedy went on to say that she's happy her mom will be with Jesus, and that she doesn't have to be in pain anymore, adding ... "I know one day we will meet again. Until then, I’ll spend every minute missing you, and trying to make you proud. Rest easy mom, I’ll see you soon 🤍."

Sunday had previously disclosed that she'd been diagnosed with esophageal and ovarian cancer -- with a new iteration of the disease re-infecting her last summer ... when, at the time, doctors had told her she only had months to live.

Prior to the latest diagnosis, she'd fought breast cancer in 2012 ... and came out the other side after several surgeries and treatments.

Sunday competed on the 33rd season of "Survivor" ... dubbed 'Millennials vs. Gen X,' which aired in 2016. She made it pretty far, as she was the 14th person voted out, coming in at 7th place. She ended up going from being on a tribe with people mostly her age to the other tribe, full of 20 and 30-somethings, with whom she didn't appear to gel that well.

Before coming on to compete, she'd been cleared medically after beating her breast cancer -- and was one of the feel-good stories of the season. She's survived by her husband and four children.

Sunday was 50.

RIP

'Survivor' Contestant Angie Jakusz Dead at 40

Angie Jakusz, a former 'Survivor' contestant, has died after battling cancer.

Angie died Friday in the New Orleans area, and while we don't know her exact cause of death yet ... a recent GoFundMe page in her name says she'd been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Her fellow contestants playfully gave her the nickname, "No Fun Angie," when she appeared on the competition show's tenth season, "Survivor: Palau." She competed for the Ulong tribe.

Angie made a little history on the show ... she was voted out on Day 12 after becoming the first contestant to lose a revote in tribal council. Fans also got to see her on the 'Survivor' 10-year anniversary party in 2010.

She was born and raised in Waukesha, Wisconsin ... but eventually settled in New Orleans where she was an artist, and a bartender in the French Quarter.

Angie is survived by her husband, Steven Calandra, her parents, brother, niece and nephew. She was 40.

RIP

Jonny Fairplay 'Survivor' Villain Arrested for Larceny ... Allegedly Stole from 'Dead' Grandma!!!

UPDATE

10:19 AM PT -- This is pretty wild ... according to the arrest warrant -- obtained by TMZ -- Fairplay's accused of stealing furniture and a necklace from his grandmother, Jean Cook ... the same grandma he pretended had died in his all-time notorious 'Survivor' moment.

UPDATE
UPDATE

A criminal complaint was filed by Jonny's aunt -- his grandma's daughter -- who claims Patsy is mentally abusing Cook and taking advantage of her severe dementia. Jonny's accused of removing bar stools, a leather chair, an end table and a silver necklace valued at $5k from his grandma's home without proper consent.

One of the most notorious 'Survivor' contestants of all time is in hot water after a recent arrest ... and it looks like it's a family affair.

Jonny Fairplay was busted for larceny last week in his hometown of Danville, Virginia ... along with his mother, Patsy Hall. Based on their smirking mug shots -- they're not too bent out of shape about it, though.

It's unclear why Jonny and his mom were booked for larceny ... we're working on it. He does tell us though, "I (we) have been unjustly charged by a family member. I welcome the opportunity to vindicate myself (and my mother)."

Fairplay -- real name Jon Dalton -- earned a shady reputation way back in 2003 when he appeared on "Survivor: Pearl Islands" and had his visiting friend lie and tell him his grandma had died ... in order to garner sympathy from the other tribe members and win a reward.

He later revealed to the audience that his grandma was alive and well and at home "watching Jerry Springer." He ended up finishing the season in 3rd place.

Jonny's villain distinction would follow him for years in the reality TV world -- including a brief follow-up appearance on 'Survivor' -- along with a stint in professional wrestling.

Originally Published -- 9:09 AM PT

'Survivor' & 'Big Brother' Reality Show Casts Changing ... 50% People of Color!!!

CBS has heard the calls for more diversity on its hit reality shows ... and it's making a pledge to make it happen.

The network says its unscripted shows -- including the uber-popular "Survivor," "Big Brother" and "Love Island" -- will have casts at least 50 percent Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) beginning with the 2021-22 season.

In addition, CBS vows to commit at least 25 percent of its annual unscripted development budget to projects created or co-created by minorities ... and set a target of 40 percent BIPOC representation in the writers' rooms next year too.

CBS Entertainment Group President & CEO George Cheeks says ... "The reality TV genre is an area that’s especially underrepresented, and needs to be more inclusive across development, casting, production and all phases of storytelling."

Cheeks says the network's diversity pledge is just the first step in discovering new voices for content, and it goes hand-in-hand with a production partnership with the NAACP as well.

As you may know ... CBS has come under fire for racial controversies on its reality programs in recent years, especially with "Big Brother." Houseguests were slammed for making a racially-charged joke about a fellow Asian houseguest in July 2019, and there was an n-word controversy the year before.

Likewise, "Survivor" has taken heat for many years for a lack of diversity among its casts ... and alleged favoritism of white players over minority players.

CBS says its sights are set on changing all of that.

'Survivor' Outcast Dan Spilo Audition Tape Loaded with Celebs ... And Cringe-worthy Jokes

Dan Spilo -- the first-ever "Survivor" contestant to get kicked off for unwanted touching -- got major support from some big names in his quest to become a contestant ... and wasn't shy about flaunting it.

TMZ has seen Spilo's audition tape footage for the long-running reality competition show -- which helped the Hollywood agent get on the current 'Island of the Idols' season -- and it's an interesting watch, to say the least ... albeit a little uncomfortable.

Dan's tape starts with him in full camo gear trekking through a jungle while the "Mission: Impossible" theme plays ... and he describes why he has what it takes to win.

It then cuts to Dan in a business suit in his L.A. office, revealing he's a "top talent manager." He explains why his 20 years in the industry translates to being on "Survivor" ... and he includes photos of himself rubbing elbows with stars like Jack Black, Javier Bardem, Bon Jovi and Olivia Wilde.

HE'S OUT
CBS

It seems like a standard "Survivor" audition tape -- maybe slightly more produced -- but now that Spilo's been removed from this season after multiple reports of unwanted touching ... there are certainly some eyebrow-raising moments.

The tape features various interviews from his clients, one of which is an actress who calls him "polarizing" and a "walking contradiction," but then insists he'll make for good TV.

'Survivor' Reunion Kellee Kim's Pissed ... You All Ignored Me, Time for Change!!!

GAME CHANGER
CBS

'Survivor' will never be the same now that season 39 is over -- at least that's what Kellee Kim hopes her legacy will be in the wake of the Dan Spilo controversy.

It already made one huge change -- for the first time, the show's finale reunion Thursday night was NOT live, and the pre-taped program featured Jeff Probst going one-on-one with Kellee ... who aired her grievances with Jeff, producers and CBS.

She told the host the most difficult part of the season for her was the fact Spilo remained on the show for several weeks AFTER she spoke out about his unwanted touching. She said she felt producers either didn't believe her, or worst ... just ignored her.

HE'S OUT
CBS

As you know, Spilo was eventually removed after a crew member also complained about him. Spilo wasn't included in the finale taping.

Kellee said she didn't want season 39 to be defined by Spilo's actions, but instead she hoped her legacy would be that her speaking led to producers making lasting changes. The show's already announced there will be new guidelines for personal space, and it will have more professionals on-site to allow for confidential reporting of any problems.

Completely overshadowed was the fact 'Survivor' did crown a new champion Wednesday night. Spoiler alert ...

The jury selected Tommy Sheehan over Noura Salman and Dean Kowalski.

'Survivor' Contestant Noura Dan Spilo Has a Good Heart ... People are Just Different About Touching!!!

It's All Good
BACKGRID

'Survivor' exile Dan Spilo is an amazing man with a good heart ... according to Noura Salman, one of the final 5 remaining tribe members on this controversial season.

Noura was outside the 'Island of the Idols' Season 39 finale party in WeHo Tuesday night when she got asked about Dan's ejection for inappropriate touching. She clearly doesn't feel any ill will toward Spilo -- she loves the guy ... and offers a bit of a defense for him too.

Noura says the issue comes down to people being different about touching -- some openly welcome it and feel comfortable, like her and Dan, while others are the opposite ... like fellow cast member Kellee Kim, and even Noura's own siblings.

She says she doesn't believe Dan meant to be disrespectful to Kellee with his unwanted touching, but suggests he probably didn't do a good job of communicating ... and gives an example from her yoga class of how to do it right.

Another contestant in the final 5, Janet Carbin, also got asked about Dan ... she simply said everything's "cool."

HE'S OUT
CBS

'Survivor' Contestant Dan Spilo Booted After 'Off-Camera' Incident ... Weeks After Unwanted Touching Accusations

For the first time in the history of 'Survivor' -- the long-running reality competition show -- a contestant's been kicked off for misconduct ... after already receiving a warning for his behavior.

Dan Spilo, a Hollywood producer and talent manager, was removed from the game with only days left for an undisclosed incident described as happening "off-camera."

At the end of Wednesday's episode -- after tribal council on 'Island of the Idols' -- host Jeff Probst came to the tribe's camp and informed everyone Dan was gone and wasn't coming back ... and wouldn't be serving on the jury.

HE'S OUT
CBS

As the show ended, a message read ... "Dan was removed from the game after a report of another incident, which happened off-camera and did not involve a player."

It's not too hard to read between the lines, though, because Spilo was involved in the most controversial episode of this season when he was accused by contestant Kellee Kim of inappropriate and unwanted touching.

Two other female contestants made similar claims, but later admitted they did it for gameplay and weren't actually offended by Dan.

However, he was seen touching Kellee on multiple occasions despite her apparent resistance, and was issued a warning by 'Survivor.' After Kim was voted out, Spilo apologized, saying ... "if anyone ever felt for a second uncomfortable about anything I’ve ever done, I’m horrified about that and I’m terribly sorry."

The final straw reportedly dropped after an immunity challenge, and involved someone on the crew as they were getting into a boat to leave. It's unclear exactly what happened during the incident, but it was enough to get him booted.

We reached out to Spilo ... a rep for him had no comment.

'Survivor' Contestant Silas Gaither Arrested for Rape

"Survivor" contestant Silas Gaither has been arrested for rape and aggravated assault.

The 41-year-old, who appeared on the 3rd season of "Survivor," was taken into custody Monday in Shelby County, Tennessee in connection with the alleged 2018 incident.

A grand jury indicted Silas, who posted his $50,000 bail and was released.

Details of the allegations have not been released.

Gaither was on "Survivor" back in 2001-02. He was voted off at the end of the 6th episode.

Season 3 was the first time "Survivor" implemented a tribe swap -- meaning players from different teams could be randomly swapped to join new teammates. That meant you always had to be nice to other players since you didn't know who'd you end up with. Silas was the first one to be voted off from that first tribe swap.

Gaither has been a model/actor. His most recent acting credit is a 2010 short, "The Guest."

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