In a candid post-finale interview with The Post, Survivor 47 fourth-place finalist Teeny Chirichillo addressed the social media controversy surrounding their contentious relationship with fellow contestant Sam Phalen.
"I do not hate all men. I don't."
Chirichillo, 24, emphatically stated, attributing their on-island friction to "inner projections and inner gender identity issues."
The contestant's journey on the latest season of CBS's long-running reality competition show, where castaways compete through physical and social challenges while voting each other out for a chance at $1 million, became particularly notable for their complex dynamic with Phalen, which sparked heated discussions across social media platforms.
Behind the feud between Teeny and Sam on Survivor 47
Chirichillo's relationship with Phalen, also 24, became one of the season's most talked-about storylines, culminating in several memorable confrontations. However, the fourth-place finisher now views these interactions through a different lens. "Me and Sam are great friends. I love him. He's been so lovely," they revealed, adding that they both now share "a good sense of humor about all of it."
Addressing criticism about his reaction to not being chosen for a reward by Phalen, Chirichillo acknowledged the validity of public criticism:
"The criticisms that I've gotten from people in terms of like, 'Of course he wasn't going to take her the reward.' I'm like, 'You guys are valid.'"
What happened with Teeny Chirichillo on Survivor 47?
When discussing his gameplay, Chirichillo identified two pivotal moments that significantly impacted their path to the finale. The Sol vote, which they described as "an earthquake," marked a major shift in their game strategy.
"I had plan of going to the end of the game with Sol... and that all changed," they explained, noting how losing both Sol and Genevieve in the process "emotionally tore me down."
The second crucial moment came during "Operation Italy," which Chirichillo described as a sobering reality check.
"I just felt like at that time in the game was where I really needed control, and to so loudly not have control was very sobering," they reflected.
Despite finishing fourth, Chirichillo maintains they could have been a compelling finalist.
"Contrary to very popular belief, I don't think I would have been a no vote finalist,"
They asserted while acknowledging the eventual winner, Rachel's dominance. Their decision to vote for Rachel at the final tribal council came despite being moved by Sam's compelling argument, particularly his role in "Operation Italy," which Chirichillo dubbed "the move of the game."
One of Chirichillo's most interesting revelations was about the challenge of transitioning from Survivor superfan to actual player.
"It was difficult sometimes to not feel like I was watching Survivor, but also playing at the same time,"
They admitted, describing moments where they would appreciate epic gameplay even when they were on the receiving end of strategic moves.
Teeny’s statements reveal a more nuanced perspective on what viewers saw during the season, suggesting that the heated moments between Chirichillo and Phalen were more complex than they appeared on screen.
While social media may have painted their relationship in broad strokes, both contestants have apparently moved past their on-island conflicts to develop a genuine friendship.
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Teeny Chirichillo came in 4th on Survivor 47.
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