Many Survivor fans have complained about host Jeff Probst being called “Uncle Jeff” or “Uncle J” during Survivor 49. It has even led to unnecessary backlash against players using the nickname.
Now, Kristina Mills has addressed what happened, and she did so humorously.
During the episode in which Sophie Segreti got voted out at Tribal Council, Kristina again referred to Jeff as “Uncle J” several times.
Kristina addresses her use of ‘Uncle J’ on Survivor 49
“The ‘Uncle J’ Origin Story! #survivor#survivor49#jeffprobst#origin,” Kristina captioned a new Instagram Reel.
“All right, let’s talk about it,” Kristina begins a reel. “Because I did not think this was something I would ever have to address or talk about.”
“But I’ve seen Reddit threads, and I’ve seen articles and lots and lots of comments,” she added.
Then Kristina got down to business, speaking directly to the people offended by her nickname for Jeff.
“If it bothers you, if it gets on your nerves, if it’s cringe for you, I’m very, very sorry. But, from the bottom of my heart, truly, and I cannot stress this enough, I don’t care. I’m really sorry. There are more things in the world to care about than someone being called ‘uncle’ on TV,” Kristina elaborated.
In her video below, Kristina also explains the origin of the nickname. She also watches Big Brother, and a few seasons ago, one of the players began calling host Julie Chen Moonves “auntie” on the show. It stuck, and Kristina felt that if Julie were the “aunt” on reality TV, then Jeff would be the “uncle” if she ever met him. And meet him she did.
She also responded to people on social media telling her to “stop” doing it. As she explained it, the show was filmed many months ago. She can’t just go back in time and change what she said during Survivor 49.
Survivor fans come out to support Kristina
Not everyone has been upset about the “Uncle J” nickname. In fact, many fans came out to support Kristina following her post.
“I can’t believe this has actually become a thing people are upset and/or annoyed over. So silly. But, I love your explanation of it. Especially knowing it started before the cameras were rolling. Also, you are adorable! I’m having so much fun cheering you on this season!!” wrote one supportive fan.
“I KNEW IT WAS CONNECTED TO AUNTIE JULIE!!!!!!! I love it!!! 😍” a response reads.
“LOVE THIS and LOVE YOU!!! I have no idea why ppl are so worked up over this. I also don’t mind the fact we are reminding Uncle J he isn’t a youngster anymore… 😂😂😂” posted another fan.
More news and notes from the world of reality TV
Jawan Pitts says he is in therapy after Survivor 49. He says some of the gameplay affected him quite a bit.
A Survivor deleted scene revealed players ransacking Kristina’s bag. Many fans reacted very negatively to this privacy violation.
A Survivor alum just made it into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He now has a place in history.
