Survivor Denise's sob story...what a crock(Spoilers about reunion show)

[stevenpensacola]

Maybe now that she "won" over $100K she can get a better haircut (that mullet is hideous!).

I'm sensing a little "mullet envy" on this board.....

 

[ckret01]

Found this on another site:

The school that Denise worked at posted a comment.

Press Release: Mrs. Denise Martin
December 17, 2007
Douglas Public Schools

On the “Survivor China” television program that aired on December 16, 2007, Mrs. Denise Martin, an employee of the Douglas Public Schools, stated that she was demoted from her position as a cafeteria worker upon her return from taping the show. This statement is false. In fact, Mrs. Martin held a full-time position as a custodian prior to her participation in the series, and she returned to this same position upon her return from China. Mrs. Martin was granted - at her request - an unpaid leave of absence so that she could participate in the “Survivor” program. We were pleased and excited to support Denise, and have enthusiastically cheered her on throughout the duration of the show.

Although Mrs. Martin was a cafeteria employee prior to her selection as a contestant, she asked to be considered for a promotion to full-time custodian, and was promoted to this position on March 30, 2007. This promotion came with additional benefits and a higher salary. Following her leave, she then returned to this same position.

Regretfully, the Douglas Public School District was inaccurately portrayed as failing to be accommodating to an employee during what the District viewed as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. This is far from the case. On the contrary, we granted all requests made by Mrs. Martin so that she could participate in the “Survivor” series. Since Mrs. Martin was on an approved leave, her position was held open for her, and she returned to this same position upon her return from China. As a District, we make every effort to support our employees, and will continue to do so.

Nancy T. Lane
Superintendent of Schools


I really liked Denise, but I'm not so sure now after reading all this.

Wow this is all so interesting. I really really liked her and felt so sorry for her until I started reading this thread. I do know in upstate NY where I live I was looking for jobs in the local school districts and the pay was under $10 an hour so I did believe her pay scale as a lunch lady. But I am shocked that what she said on TV last night was not true

 

[Beth76]

She said because of being a lunch lady she has to keep her hair short, but wants long hair to let her husband know she is a woman.

OMG!!! She said that about her mullet?!?!?!

I stopped watching this show after the first few weeks. I know who Denise is, but I didn't watch the finale. So she was given $50000 just for the heck of it, because she whined about being poor? This after she trashed her employer and things that were apparently false?

 

[princesspiglet]

Ya know, I really liked Denise before I heard all of the crap she made up. Now I am just disgusted. Why does everyone on this show feel the need to make stuff up to get attention and pity? Don't you get enough attention just being on the show period???

 

[ms1031]

I just look at it as though Denise was still playing the game of outwit, outlast, outplay. It worked.

 

[Mic_n_Min]

I just look at it as though Denise was still playing the game of outwit, outlast, outplay. It worked.

 

[Green Tea]

Maybe now that she "won" over $100K she can get a better haircut (that mullet is hideous!).

I did hate that 'til she explained why she had it. It was a sweet explanation, but she still needs to go to a stylist for some other options. It is , indeed, hideous.

I think she was playing it up as well. She likely had a stable job, health insurance, and a job she seemed to enjoy. How much did Courtney make as a waitress. I am guessing not enough to eat! Or maybe she used her income for something besides food.

I cringed when Courtney said it wasn't welfare and it was too bad her life sucked. I did find it a tad ironic that a school lunch lady couldn't stomach the nasty food challenge.

 

[Green Tea]

Do you all believe the press release from the school system? I can not believe they would actually comment on an employment situation.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Do you all believe the press release from the school system? I can not believe they would actually comment on an employment situation.

MTE

At any rate, I don't get why so many are hating on Denise. I didn't watch the reunion show, but so what if Burnette gave her $50K? It's his show and his money; it's not exactly like anyone on the show "earns" or is entitled to anything they receive there. No one calls foul when Ellen or Oprah pull somebody out of the audience and give them a vacation -same thing IMO.

 

[mirthmaiden]

I'm betting the school district has been flooded with calls today and media attention. I don't blame them for issuing the press release and wanting to clear themselves of being villified.

 

[Sir Ron]

They didn't start the comments. Denise did by bringing it up. The school district had the right to respond.

 

[Ride Junkie]

My interpretation of Denise's sob story:

"I'm in a low-paying job, and I hate that I don't have enough money. My husband doesn't help out much either, and neither of us is willing to try for something better. That's why I deserve the money."

She is in a job that she CHOSE, right? Just sayin.

 

[msdznyduck]

My interpretation of Denise's sob story:

"I'm in a low-paying job, and I hate that I don't have enough money. My husband doesn't help out much either, and neither of us is willing to try for something better. That's why I deserve the money."

Yeah, give me a break......there is always room for improvement, especially in attitude. I don't have enough money either (who does?), but my DH works his butt off, and I now have a part time job in addition to my full time job. (now that my youngest is almost 18, drives, and can get to where she needs to be) Someday (?) I'd like to retire, which should be in about 8 years or so, but right now I can't see that happening.

 

[OhMari]

Makes you wonder how real are reality shows.
I am on Denise's side. I bet the producer's wanted her to go with the "lunch lady" description. Why wouldn't they called her a school janitor from the beginning.
The beginning of the 3rd hour show, they said Denise has an announcement. They whole thing was written for show-the only highlight was Courtney bluntly saying she don't like children, and James. Anyone really care who won Survivor last night? The winner was as boring as can be. No wonder they focused on other people.

 

[daisax]

I thought Todd looked like Andrew Ridgely (for those who remember Wham!)

 

[harleyquinn]

If I had kids in that school, I would want them to release that info.

Public employee records are not confidential, our salaries are paid by tax dollars so any citizen can get the info the school released (and a whole lot more).

I watched about an hour of the show last night (in between football) and all I can say is that i'm REALLY glad I didn't waste my time watching any of the rest of it.

 

[mickeyboat]

Two questions:

Did they give away a car this year? I saw a lot, but not all, of this season? If so, who won it?

Was it my imagination, or did the Christian talk show host (I can't remember her name) look pregnant?

Denae

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I don't think they did give a car away this year.

I like Denise. Reading the press release from the school...if you really look at it...it just seems like there's some double-talk in there.

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

My beef is..........

No one held a gun to her head and told her she had to go on the show, which may or may not have involved loosing the job she had before she left.............

 

[dzneelvr]

I was disappointed that Denise used her time at the final tribal council to basically wine about her being voted off I mean, get over it, she had many many chances to get some good positioning done, but she proved to be a follower in every way and that's what happens to followers. James was another issue entirely . He was our family favorite but possibly the dumbest strategic player we've ever seen on the show. He deserved fan favorite though. Good for Todd--someone you hated but he did play one whale of a game