Survivor Scandal – Denise Martin and Superintendent Face Off on TV

Posted on Dec 18 2007 - 10:31am by Angela | 10 comments

Fans of Survivor China were shocked when Mark Burnett granted Denise Martin, a 40-year-old lunch lady from Douglas, MA, $50,000 because she claimed she had lost her job when she returned back to work after the show.

But viewers were even more shocked to find out that the Survivor cast-off may have been lying about the entire situation.

Here's what Denise had to say on the show:

"I went back and I talked to the food service director, and they didn't give me my job back," Martin said, "so I ended up having to go. I'm a janitor now. I clean the toilets, I wash the floors of the bathrooms, I vacuum the kids' rugs. I miss dinner with my family. I haven't been to a field hockey game yet. I'm missing out on a lot more than I originally had planned on doing."

The next day, the school district where Denise works was hounded with thousands of negative emails, prompting the superintendent of Douglas Public Schools Nancy Lane to release a statement claiming Denise had lied.

Both Denise and Nancy appeared on The Early Show this morning to clear up the controversy.

Denise confirms that the school district was completely accurate it their press release and that she had been working as a custodian (a position she applied for) prior to her appearance on Survivor.

When Denise returned from Survivor she wanted her old job (as a lunch lady) back but was not granted the position because it had been filled by another person.

Denise claims that she did not mean to make the school district or her community look bad and insists that it was just a misunderstanding.

To watch the clip of Denise and Nancy on The Early Show, go to CBSNews.com.

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Comments

Anonymous (not verified)

I just don't see why she would lie about it in the first place. She seems too untrusting to me, although it could have been a slip-up. I would respect her a little more if she gave the money back - or at least offered to

Maria (not verified)

She lied. Plain and simple. People like that shouldn't be rewarded for their behavior.

Jack (not verified)

I don't think it was intentional, I think she was just too stupid to realize she was lying. I kind of feel bad for her.

Brian (not verified)

She said on the reunion that she didn't get her job back because it was too distracting for the kids. She said on the Early Show that they didn't give her a reason. She lied, straight up.

The Torp (not verified)

Let's see "the school statement says Although Mrs. Martin was a cafeteria employee prior to her selection as a contestant, she asked to be considered for a promotion to full-time custodian, and was promoted to this position on March 30, 2007. This promotion came with additional benefits and a higher salary. Following her leave, she then returned to this same position" denise is quoted as saying, "I went back and I talked to the food service director, and they didn't give me my job back," Martin said, "so I ended up having to go. I'm a janitor now. I clean the toilets, I wash the floors of the bathrooms, I vacuum the kids' rugs. I miss dinner with my family. I haven't been to a field hockey game yet. I'm missing out on a lot more than I originally had planned on doing." "didn't give me my job back" is the operative statement and appears taken out of context. Depending on which alliance is being played!

Anonymous (not verified)

The only solution is for BOTH Denise and Mark to donate the money to the school.

Anonymous (not verified)

The best case is she mis-spoke. Worse case she exagerated the truth (or lied) at any rate, her mind was going a mile a minute. Bright lights, the excitement of a 1 Million dollar winner, cameras, and being in front of an audience for the first time. She was a real person in a new and stressful situation. Now she needs to live with the consequences. She is going to need that $50K to move her family and start a new life. Her poor children in a small town of 8000 residents. Mark Burnett is the real hero here! Give credit where credit is due.

Anonymous (not verified)

I am sorry but when someone lies for personal gain it is not to be rewarded. It doesn't matter what walk of life they come from. She should be thankful that she has a job and has some means of supporting her family. There are far too many people in this country struggling because of people who are lying for their personal gain. Mr. Burnett my hat is off to you for such a heartfelt gesture. As you also were deceived. But level the playing field and take a walk through the streets of your own city. You will find many families struggling to put food on the table, and heat their homes. If there is $50,000 that you find disposable, come to my town and help some of the honest working people here pay for food and fuel to keep their families fed and warm. Shame that those who cry wolf and are rewarded, when those who struggle in silence continue to go without.

Ivan (not verified)

it was a clear misunderstanding. she did not intentionally hurt the school

Anonymous (not verified)

i think she knew exactly what she was doing..that's not fair. sneaky bitch..