Stacey Stillman Speaks

What's been the response from the other "Survivor" contestants to your lawsuit? Have you heard from any of them?

Yes. Very positive. I have a lot of support. These people are all in a tough situation. They want to make it in Hollywood. I'm one of the few who doesn't. They need to make CBS think they're on its side. Part of the reason why I did go forward is that there are a lot of disgruntled contestants. We all put on a happy face for the media. I did for a long time, even knowing what had happened. I was waiting to decide what to do. I continued to play their game and I continued to do interviews to promote the show. Finally, in October, I had enough. I cut off all interviews. I've turned down lots of appearance opportunities. I don't want to endorse the show. The one thing that sickens me about this lawsuit is that it's giving them more attention.

You are acting as your own attorney in the lawsuit. Are you hoping to find someone to represent you?

I'm representing myself because it was difficult to find an attorney who didn't have a conflict. CBS, Viacom, Paramount-we're talking about huge parties here. So all the big firms are conflicted out. Any [lawyer at a small firm] who wants it just doesn't have the resources to be buried in paper like they're [CBS] going to do to me. I knew I would have to go public for someone to step up and take the challenge. And people have. I'll be represented in the near future. This isn't an ego trip or anything. I didn't want to represent myself. But I knew that I had to do something.

Sounds like you would have preferred not to bring this lawsuit.

It's a last resort. And, it's not because I want money. I'm not actually asking for that much money.