Victoria Bonya came out in defense of her colleague Oksana Samoilova amid criticism aimed at Samoilova for joining the reality show Survive in Dubai. Speaking on Instagram, Bonya addressed their ongoing dynamic and clarified that the two are not at odds; instead, they are being steered toward showing unity behind the scenes.
Bonya dismissed fan theories that there is rift between her and Samoilova. She stated that the two are working to mend ties and that those around them are trying to “bring them together.”
“It’s time to settle differences and let go of what happened six months ago,” Bonya suggested.
The former participant of House-2 emphasized that she did not witness a single insult from Samoilova. Bonya also commented on Samoilova’s remark about the cast aiming to present themselves in the best possible light. According to Bonya, this perspective applied to everyone involved in such programs, not just her teammate.
“I think Nadia [Sysoeva]—and really Oksana—are tiring of the negativity. Where is the solidarity among women?” Bonya wrote, calling for support within the industry and among fans.
On July 23, Samoilova released a video addressing her behavior on Survive in Dubai. From the outset, the blogger and her husband, rapper Dzhigan, aligned with another couple, actress Nadya Sysoeva and blogger Sasha Stone. They reportedly voted together against Bonya. In one episode, their alliance targeted Anna Sedokova who had just joined the show, leading to a loud confrontation that played out across social media. Afterward, Sedokova faced accusations of bullying on the program, a controversy that alienated a portion of the show’s fan base.
Yet Samoilova argued that participants were simply following producers’ instructions and performing for the television audience.
“We were told from the start: we need to produce a show. Artists and stars appear on TV for different reasons: to showcase themselves in all their glory, to reveal their best traits. That is what the vast majority of reality performers aim to do,” Samoilova explained.
In addition, Samoilova noted that she continues to communicate with teammates from the national team and that she and Bonya discuss each fresh episode.
Earlier, Bonya had claimed that blogger Stone does not know how to treat women, a remark that fueled further public discussion surrounding the show and its cast.
Public discussions around Survive in Dubai reflect broader conversations about reality TV culture in North America, where viewers often watch for drama while producers seek to maximize engagement. The dialogue among Bonya, Samoilova, and other participants highlights the tension between on-screen performance and real-life relationships, a dynamic that continues to evoke strong reactions from fans and critics alike. This ongoing debate showcases how reality programs can blur the line between genuine sentiment and crafted narratives, prompting ongoing discourse about authenticity, solidarity, and media ethics in contemporary entertainment.
– This article uses attribution for reported statements and events related to the show and its participants.