It's been airing for 37 seasons, and the producers of MTV's The Challenge have banned some former cast members from ever returning to the show. Over the course of the show's two-decade reign on reality television, there have been wild fights, scandals, and problematic social media behavior that has led to alums getting pink slips and losing any chance to participate in the show in the future. While newer fans can remember why competitors like Turabi "Turbo" Çamkıran and Dee Nguyen were removed in recent years, there are older alums who have also been banned due to scandals.
It was during the Black Lives Matter protests in June 2020 when Dee found herself in hot water after posting some racially insensitive tweets. In a since-deleted tweet, Dee from The Challenge appeared to mock the important racial justice movement by saying, “Idk why some of u think I’m anti [Black Lives Matter]. I’ve been saying that since the day I lost my virginity,” according to TV Insider. MTV moved swiftly, releasing a statement and cutting all ties with Dee, despite her popularity on the show. Her removal came one season after Turbo was booted from The Challenge after getting too riled up while engaged in an argument with Jordan Wisely. Viewers may recall Turbo getting so heated with Jordan that he was sent home and disqualified from competing. After being banned, Turbo continued his threats on social media. There are rumors that things were very tense behind the scenes. Turbo hasn't been seen since The Challenge season 34.
The biggest The Challenge alum scandal probably involved Tonya Cooley, Kenny Santucci, and Evan Starkman of The Ruins season. Back in 2011, Tonya filed a lawsuit against MTV, Bunim/Murray Productions, and Kenny and Evan, claiming the two sexually assaulted her during the filming of the show during spring of 2009, as per Fox News. She also claimed the alleged assault took place as cameras rolled. Needless to say, Tonya, Kenny, and Evan were never invited back and their reputations have been tarnished. Camila Nakagawa is a 13-time returning competitor who took home a win three times in the show's history. However, the controversial show star had one too many drunken moments on the show. She was banned from ever returning after physically assaulting a producer.
Alum Turbo from The Challenge isn't the only cast member who was banned for fighting with Jordan. Alum Nia Moore was also banned after physically and verbally assaulting Jordan. After the incident aired, Nia took to Instagram to apologize and share her embarrassment. Although Chris "CT" Tamburello is the reigning GOAT of the show, with six wins under his belt, even CT was once disqualified from the show for fighting. However, network execs changed their minds and invited him back. CT has calmed down over the years, but long-time viewers can remember the CT who was disqualified for fighting before the competitors even got a chance to see their first obstacles. See Nia's post below:
It's said that time heals all wounds, so maybe there's a possibility that alums like Turbo and Nia will be invited back since their removals stemmed from physical fights like CT used to have. However, for now, The Challenge producers are steering clear of linking the show with anyone who's too violent, too controversial, or too tone-deaf. At least they got a chance to compete on the show and make some type of memories.
Source: Fox News, TV Insider
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