‘Survivor’ villain, Rusell Hanz facing $5m lawsuit for leaks

[HMG Celebrity News] – In 23-seasons on the air Survivor has gained a fanatical audience eager for news of the show. Now one of the cast, Russell Hantz has been accused of leaking spoilers and could be facing a $5m lawsuit.

The 36-year old from Dayton, TX who is due to make his third appearance on the show in ‘Redemption Island’ has been identified as the source of spoilers for both the ‘Samoa’ and ‘Heroes vs. Villains’ seasons.

The story began when someone calling themselves ‘MissyAE’ posted the spoilers on the ‘Survivor Sucks!’ forum and claimed they were in contact with Russell. They then posted accurate info on challenges, events and even the exact order in which contestants were dropped on both seasons.

The producers immediately pounced and uncovered ‘MissyAE’ as a man named Jim Early. The show’s boss, Mark Burnett then sued Jim for “misappropriation of trade secrets” and “tortious interference with contract,” but the suit was canceled on January 13 when Jim revealed his source — Russell Hanz.

And the reasons he did so are telling;

“Because of his attitude about the whole thing,” Jim tells the Beast. “And because he tried to implicate another player, an innocent player who wasn’t giving information.”

A ‘Survivor’ contract forbids players to talk to the press without CBS approval, so if these allegations are proven Russ could be liable for what the producers call ‘Liquidated damages’ of $5-million. But it’s not clear whether that’s for all the leaks or for each season.

As for Jim, after the lawsuit he was banned from the ‘Survivor Sucks’ forum. He now hosts his own Facebook group where he speculates on the show – this time without inside help.

“I thought it was kind of funny they wanted to make me hush, so I created a group called ‘Survivor Whispers,” he told the reporters. “I hope they’ve got a good sense of humor.”

‘Redemption Island’ opens on February 16 and Russell is in it. He’s widely seen as the series’ key villain, but will this story make you watch or avoid it? Let’s hear your views…