A young man who was a contestant on the Greek version of the popular reality show “Survivor” is taking legal action against the show’s creators following a tragic boat incident that led to the amputation of his leg. Stavros Floros, now 22, has filed a lawsuit in a Florida court seeking $100 million in damages.
The incident occurred while Floros was participating in Season 13 of Survivor Greece, where he was spearfishing with another contestant off the coast of the Dominican Republic on May 11. Court documents reveal that Floros was struck by a tourist boat, resulting in the severing of his left leg above the knee and severe injuries to his right leg. He was subsequently taken to a local medical facility and later transferred to a hospital in Miami for multiple surgeries and a 61-day recovery period.
Floros, in a statement to TheWrap, expressed disappointment in the lack of support from the production company, despite assurances from Skai TV, which airs Survivor Greece. The lawsuit, filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, names AcunMedya, AcunMedya Global, Acun LLC, Turkish businessman Acun Ilicali, and the parent company of Skai TV as defendants.
The legal documents include testimonies from Floros and other contestants detailing the events leading up to the accident. According to the lawsuit, the production failed to implement safety measures despite the known risks of high boat traffic in the area. Floros and his fellow contestant were engaged in fishing activities when the boat collision occurred.
Malliaros, another contestant, mentioned that tourist boats frequently approached the shore where the contestants were, viewing them as entertainment. The lawsuit also highlights the lack of immediate assistance from the boat after the accident, with passengers only demanding help after a delay.
Floros commented on the life-altering consequences of the incident and questioned the priorities of the show in light of the severe outcome. While Survivor Greece is not affiliated with the U.S. version, it has drawn attention to safety concerns in reality TV production. AcunMedya, responsible for various international editions of the franchise, is facing scrutiny over contestant well-being and production practices.
Floros’s legal representation from the firm Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman emphasized AcunMedya and Ilicali’s connections to Florida, alleging that decisions affecting contestant safety were made from Miami Beach. The lawsuit also mentions Floros’s interactions with Ilicali, including a visit to the hospital and offers of accommodation.
Despite attempts to reach AcunMedya for comment, there has been no response at the time of publication. The legal battle sheds light on the responsibilities of production companies in ensuring the safety and well-being of reality show participants.