A young man who previously participated in the Greek version of the popular reality TV show “Survivor” has taken legal action against the show’s creators following a tragic boating mishap that resulted in the amputation of his leg. Stavros Floros, now 22, filed a lawsuit in a Florida court seeking $100 million US in damages.
During Season 13 of Survivor Greece, Floros was engaged in spearfishing with another contestant off the coast of the Dominican Republic on May 11. Court records, as reported by CBC News, reveal that a tourist boat accidentally collided with Floros, causing severe injuries to his legs. He lost his left leg above the knee and sustained serious injuries to his right leg.
After the accident, Floros was promptly brought ashore and then transferred to a local medical facility before being airlifted to a hospital in Miami. He underwent multiple surgeries and spent 61 days recuperating. Graphic images of Floros post-accident were published by TMZ, showcasing the extent of his injuries.
Following the incident, Skai TV, the broadcaster of Survivor Greece, suspended the show and extended support to Floros for his treatment and recovery. However, Floros claims that the support promised was not adequately provided.
In a statement to TheWrap, Floros expressed his disappointment in the lack of care and support from the production company, leading him to file a lawsuit against AcunMedya, AcunMedya Global, Acun LLC, Turkish entrepreneur Acun Ilicali, and the parent company of Skai TV.
The lawsuit, filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, alleges that the production team failed to establish safety measures despite the known risks of high-speed boat traffic in the area. Floros and another contestant were engaged in spearfishing activities when the accident occurred, with Floros being struck by a passing boat, leading to the life-altering injuries.
Floros’s legal representatives from the firm Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman filed the lawsuit in Florida, highlighting AcunMedya and Ilicali’s connections to the state and claiming that decisions regarding contestant safety were made from Ilicali’s Miami Beach residence.
Apart from Survivor Greece, AcunMedya is involved in producing various international editions of the franchise. Despite attempts to reach out to AcunMedya for comment, there has been no response so far.
Floros also revealed that his decision to join Survivor Greece was influenced by the show’s previous ties to Florida and the allure of winning a luxury trip to Miami. He mentioned that Ilicali visited him in the hospital and offered accommodation at his residence, as documented in the legal filings.