May 25, 2018
Sia Gave Another Gay 'Survivor' Contestant a Bunch of Money
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Sia: Queen of giving out "Survivor" contestants who didn't win the show a bunch of money.
The pop star revealed to be a fan of the long-lasting CBS reality show two years ago when she appeared on the finale of "Survivor: Kaoh Rong," and gave money to castaway Tai Trang, a 51-year-old gardener who spoke out about animal rights and being a gay immigrant. During the live finale, Sia donated Trang $50,000 and an additional $50,000 to an animal charity of his choosing.
On the finale of "Survivor: Ghost Island," Sia wasn't on the show but she contacted host and producer Jeff Probst, who informed out contestant Jonathan Hurley, who was voted out and came in sixth place, that she was going to give him $10,000 after being touched by his life story. For those who didn't watch the Season 36 of "Survivor," Hurley, 26, often discussed taking care of his sick family members and struggling with growing up as gay in eastern Kentucky.
Sia may not have appeared on the show but she was in attendance and met Hurley privately after the program ended. Speaking with "Entertainment Tonight," the "Survivor" player recounted the encounter.
"After I got off stage, it kind of hit me. I was just like, bawling and stuff. They took me down to see her, and I was just like, amazed," he said. "She's just like, one of the best artists that's out this decade, and I'm just so overwhelmed. I got a hug, I got a picture, she said she's going to tweet it out, and I'm like, 'OK girl, you do that!' But I was just bawling, I was just crying, I couldn't help it."
Sia later took to Twitter to clarify that she's actually going to be giving him more money.
Hurley also thanked the singer on Twitter.
