CBS adds new new guidelines to address Survivor's "unprecedented" sexual harassment controversy

Variety

The network released a lengthy statement Tuesday night in response to the Dan Spilo inappropriate touching controversy, saying: "We recognize there are things we could have done differently, and we are determined to do better going forward." CBS added: "We will take the important lessons we learned from this season and adopt new protocols and procedures for future seasons, to ensure that the events that occurred this season are not repeated." CBS said for Season 40, "which has already filmed, the show added to its pre-production cast orientation specific guidelines regarding personal space, inappropriate behavior, and how to report these issues. For Seasons 41 and beyond, the producers are reviewing all elements of the show to further support appropriate interaction, including how the players live during, as well as after they are eliminated from, the competition. The show will also take additional steps to enhance procedures for training, reporting of issues and prohibited forms of game play. The new measures to further support a safe environment include but are not limited to the following: The production will add another on-site professional to provide a confidential means of reporting any concerns, so that the production can address them promptly apart from the game...The show will enhance its pre-production orientation with new anti-harassment, unconscious bias and sensitivity training for cast, producers and production crew on location....A new rule will be implemented stating unwelcome physical contact, sexual harassment and impermissible biases cannot be brought into the competition and will not be permitted as part of gameplay. This will be covered in the cast orientation for each season, along with clear instructions on how to report violations...The show will also partner with a third-party expert in the field to review, evolve or add to these new policies and procedures going forward." Meanwhile, Kellee Kim spoke out against Dan Spilo following his apology earlier Tuesday for inappropriate touching. “It‘s curious that Dan has decided to publicly apologize to me — and just me — on the eve of the #Survivor39 finale for a series of inappropriate incidents that occurred months ago and impacted a number of women on set," she tweeted, adding: "I truly hope that some of this self reflection is real and that Dan changes his behavior going forward. For me, this statement only underscores the responsibility of CBS and Survivor to take action to prevent anything like this from ever happening again in the future."