Stacey Stillman Speaks

Exactly what are you asking for?

I'm asking for restitution of out-of-pocket costs. I gave up two months of my law firm salary, plus a bonus. I spent a lot of money to keep myself in Malaysia. I'm also asking for punitive damages. And I want an announcement that the show is predetermined and in violation of law. There's a couple of federal violations in question here.

I've heard the argument that "Survivor" wasn't really a game show, so it isn't bound by the federal laws that you cite in your complaint.

Well, that's a new argument. Mark Burnett told us, "This has to be absolutely fair because it's a game show that must comply with FCC rules."

He [also] says that on camera in an interview [on a "Survivor" DVD]. And now they're changing their tune. It is a game show. It's a contest of diligence, skill, and/or knowledge, with a prize, involving members of the general public. That's a game show. Our contracts also said, "I acknowledge that it is a federal offense to in any way attempt to rig the outcome of the show, or part of the show." So, if our contracts themselves acknowledge that it was a federal offense, I don't see how they can backtrack now.

How do you respond to critics who say you're only bringing this lawsuit to stay in the public eye?