Twist in Australian Survivor ‘race scandal’: Melbourne woman sparks outrage for saying she’s ‘more African-American’ than a black contestant – before the surprising truth is revealed
Australian Survivor has sparked outrage among viewers over a questionable comment from one of this season’s contestants.
On Monday’s premiere of Australian Survivor: Heroes V Villains, wildlife filmmaker Rogue Rubin told her Florida-born tribemate Nina Twine, who is black, that she was ‘more African-American’ than her, leading to furious backlash on Twitter.
Rogue, who is based in Melbourne and the U.S., was born in Cape Town to a Zimbabwean mother and South African father – meaning she is technically African and American – but her background was not explained on the show.
Australian Survivor sparked backlash on social media after South African-born contestant Rogue Rubin told American-born Nina Twine, who is black, that she was ‘more African-American’ than her
As most viewers were unaware of Rogue’s background, her comment caused a stir on social media and enraged Nina’s mother, Survivor legend Sandra Diaz-Twine.
‘Feeling for Nina. She’s already playing on a cast with little diversity, as the only black person, let alone the only non-Australian, only to have Rogue offensively undermine her identity from the very beginning,’ one viewer tweeted.
‘I’m shocked Rogue said that to Nina!’ exclaimed another, while one fan said: ‘I feel like she’s being dramatic and saying/asking controversial things to get air time or to get popular with the audience?’
Nina is the daughter of Survivor legend Sandra Diaz-Twine (pictured together)
Nina’s mother had the harshest response to the remark, blasting Rogue in a fiery tweet and Instagram post.
‘Rogue b***h, this is outrageous. How are you so ignorant! Didn’t you say you had a sense of right and wrong?’ Sandra raged.
‘B***h please. Adios, mate,’ she added.
The incident took place while the Heroes tribe were building their campsite.
Rogue, who is based in Melbourne, was born in Cape Town to a Zimbabwean mother and South African father, but her background was not explained on the show
After Nina explained she was from the U.S. east coast, an unimpressed Rogue replied: ‘Because I live there half the time I don’t need you to explain it like I’m an idiot.’
Seemingly stunned, Nina responded ‘gotcha’, but Rogue continued talking.
‘I work in the U.S. all the time. I’m more African-American than you are, you need to understand that,’ Rogue said.
‘Because I’m from Africa.’
Nina’s mother had the harshest response to the scandal, blasting Rogue in a fiery tweet
Nina laughed awkwardly but appeared to brush off the comment and continued working on the camp.
Rogue is a well-regarded wildlife filmmaker best known for her documentary Lion Spy, in which she went undercover with trophy hunters in Africa.
Since the episode aired, Rogue has removed all mention of Australian Survivor from her Instagram account and turned off comments.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Rogue Rubin and Channel 10 for comment.
Australian Survivor: Heroes V Villains is airing on Channel 10 and streaming on 10Play
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