RI's Elizabeth Beisel Issues 'Survivor' Apology

SAUNDERSTOWN, RI — Rhode Island swimmer Elizabeth Beisel is in hot water following a controversial episode of the popular reality show "Survivor" aired on Wednesday night. Beisel and other female contestants faced backlash after they used accusations of sexual harassment in gameplay.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Beisel and fellow contestant Missy Byrd said that Dan Spilo, another contestant, touched them inappropriately after Kellee Kim reported that he continued to touch her after she told him to stop. Kim was ultimately voted off the show.

"To Kellee, I was sick to my stomach watching the episode and seeing how much pain you were in," Beisel said in a lengthy statement on social media. "I wholeheartedly apologize for to you for using your accusations against Dan for gameplay. In no world is that acceptable, and I take full responsibility for my actions, and lack thereof."

Beisel said that, in the moment, she was "limited to [her] own experiences," and that "After watching the episode [she] received an abundance of information that I was entirely unaware of while I was playing the game."

She went on to apologize to women everywhere for using sexual harassment and assault to her benefit, saying she was sorry to anyone who was triggered or felt disrespected by her actions. Finally, in an apology to Dan and "men everywhere," Beisel said that reputations should not be used as "stepping stones" and that "it is not a topic to joke about or to be used as tactical play."

Beisel said she is "deeply ashamed" after watching the episode.

"I apologize," she concluded. "[My actions] do not reflect my character and who I am in my day to day life. My heart goes out to all involved ... I hope this moment does not define me, but will instead help inform who I am as a person going forward."

Beisel, a Saunderstown native, is a three-time Olympian who made her debut on the world stage at just 15 years old in Beijing. In 2012, she took home a silver and a bronze medal in swimming in London.