Survivors remain at the center of heated debate as the latest edition unfolds. A few days ago, former contestant Laura Matamoros issued a statement declaring a complete break from the format. But this attitude isn’t unique to her. Several ex-contestants have voiced criticisms of the production, some pointed and others more subtle, alleging manipulation, irregularities, and even troubling issues related to participant health and safety. The tension grew to a level that the show’s producers felt compelled to respond so the upcoming All Stars reality series could proceed without further disruption.
In defending themselves against the recent wave of accusations, three questions were framed to address the criticisms aimed at the organization and its leadership: Could what the network did for Laura be seen as protective rather than punitive? Was Laura’s participation in the show influenced by her personal circumstances? Might removing certain conversations about her family from footage have benefited her, or would it have backfired? These questions prompted a pointed response from Laura’s family, with Kiko Matamoros giving a strong rebuttal on behalf of Laura’s loved ones.
“I’ll count to ten,” the collaborator began, visibly frustrated, but soon spoke with alarming intensity against the program’s leadership. “You are despicable. You can tell him that what you did when my daughter was there was to shield her. You aren’t selling it to me, to anyone, or to other contestants who are facing similar circumstances. You are manipulators and you carry no trace of shame. You didn’t protect anyone; you used people, exploited weakness, and, at a moment of vulnerability, you failed.” These were the words spoken by Marta López Álamo’s husband, as the conversation escalated.
Tests under scrutiny
“You have a serious responsibility, and if someone isn’t mentally fit to go, they should not be sent,” he continued, criticizing the predeparture medical screenings conducted before the team traveled to Honduras. “Medical filters are a must for this because ethical standards demand it. It’s upsetting to see participation pursued in a dirty way; it feels worse than I imagined. This is not acceptable.” The remarks warned that dangerous information could be revealed to counter the organization’s narrative and piece together a different account of events.
The conversation then touched on how the production company’s top executives were approached. “I spoke to the first-line managers of the production house. When I raised concerns about what was happening with my daughter, they claimed ignorance about the situation in Honduras. My daughter was used as a puppet, instructed on what to say, and then overwhelmed by consequences. We edited footage for convenience, and I’ve spent years in this business and know the industry well,” the presenter stated. “You are making reckless choices, and you can take action if you want. I will defend my family and expose what I have seen.” He emphasized that there were things unsaid due to privacy concerns, and his anger kept rising as he spoke of restraint and the need for accountability.
“You cannot withstand even a single challenge from me. You protected those who supported you, those you represented,” he added, urging the organization to face consequences and not shy away from scrutiny. “Have some dignity. If you want to reveal the truth, go ahead. The record shows what happened, and I am prepared to share it. The situation has reached a point where accountability is nonnegotiable.”