'Deeply ashamed' Elizabeth and Missy apologize for actions on Survivor

Survivor type TV Show network CBS genre Reality Where to watch Close Streaming Options

Elizabeth Beisel and Missy Byrd found themselves at the center of controversy on Wednesday night’s episode of Survivor: Island of the Idols after they appeared to exaggerate (at best) or fabricate (at worst) their reactions to touching from fellow contestant Dan Spilo as a strategic move in the game.

Those actions not only served to undermine the legitimate concerns of Kellee Kim, who was the victim of inappropriate touching even after she asked Dan to stop, but Elizabeth and Missy ended voting with their alleged abuser and against the only true victim in Kellee. Caught in the collateral damage was Janet Carbin, as Elizabeth and Missy actively used Janet’s moral code against her and manipulated her motherly instincts for their own strategic gains by getting Janet to vote against Dan due to their ruse.

Image zoom Robert Voets/CBS

Elizabeth turned to Twitter and Instagram to apologize. While offering individual apologies to Kellee, Janet, and Dan, she also addressed “women everywhere,” writing, “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 in my behavior and will use this as a life-changing, teaching moment.” (Read the full apology below.)

Missy apologized to Kellee and Janet via social media, explaining, “I got so caught up in game play that I did not realize a very serious situation, nor did I handle it with the care that it deserved.” She also apologized to all women and described it as “a life changing learning moment for me.”

In addition, Lauren Beck — whose name was also mentioned as someone else who had voiced problems with Dan’s behavior yet told the camera that nothing he did made he feel uncomfortable and voted to keep him over Kellee — also apologized in a Twitter thread.

Related content: