HEARTBREAKING NEWS: BBC TV contestant who lost a leg in a “h0rrific accident” sues for £74 million in compensation.
A former Survivor Greece contestant is suing for $100 million after suffering life changing injuries during filming in the Dominican Republic, claiming producers failed to provide basic safety protections while contestants were searching for food in open water.
Stavros Floros was 21 when the incident happened in May while taking part in the Greek edition of the reality competition.
According to his lawsuit, Floros was spear fishing when a tourist boat passed through the area and its propeller struck his legs, badly injuring his right ankle and resulting in the loss of part of his left leg.
Fellow contestant Emmanouil Malliaros allegedly spotted the vessel, which was carrying around 20 tourists, and shouted for Floros to move.
The warning came too late, according to the filing.
Floros was later transported to a hospital in Miami, where he spent 61 days receiving treatment and undergoing multiple procedures.
Lawsuit Questions Safety Measures During Filming
Floros’ legal filing claims contestants were “required, incentivised, and expected” to spear fish as part of the show because they were given limited food and expected to supplement their rations through fishing and foraging.
He alleges that producers directed contestants into waters with significant tourist boat traffic but failed to create a clearly marked safe zone.
According to the suit, there were no ropes, buoys or other barriers separating contestants from passing vessels.
Floros also claims no dedicated safety boats, spotters or personnel were positioned nearby to warn contestants about approaching traffic.
The lawsuit further states that contestants did not have access to their phones under the rules of the programme, meaning they allegedly had no independent way of calling for help if an emergency occurred.
Floros argues that production had a responsibility to supervise, protect and rescue contestants while they were participating in filming.
His legal team claims those overseeing the programme “knew, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known” about the level of boat traffic in the area.
Those claims have not yet been proven in court.
Production Allegedly Continued After the Incident
Despite the severity of Floros’ injuries, his lawsuit alleges that production did not immediately stop filming.
He underwent treatment for his right ankle as well as surgery related to the loss of his left leg.
The filing also contains another serious allegation, claiming remaining contestants were provided with cocaine and marijuana in an effort to “calm and settle” them following the incident.
That allegation comes from Floros’ lawsuit and has not been independently confirmed.
Defendants AcunMedya and Skai TV have not publicly commented on the legal claims.
In the immediate aftermath of the accident, however, AcunMedya said its response had been rapid.
“From the very first moment, there was an immediate response to provide assistance and safely transport the injured contestant,” the company said.
It added that local port authorities were investigating the circumstances.
Survivor Greece Broadcasts Suspended
Skai TV, the broadcaster that airs Survivor Greece, later suspended episodes of the programme.
The station said production was carried out under the responsibility of AcunMedya but that it was closely monitoring Floros’ condition.
Skai also said it would contribute to any necessary hospital and rehabilitation care.
Floros is now seeking $100 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
His lawsuit says the damages relate to past and future pain, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
Speaking after filing the case, Floros told TheWrap that he wanted people to understand what he says happened behind the scenes.
“I want the world to know the truth: that I went onto a reality show and ended up with only one leg at 22 years old, having felt like I was slowly dying,” he said.
He also claimed he had not received adequate support from the production company.
Floros now regularly shares updates about his recovery on social media while the lawsuit moves forward.
The case remains unresolved, and the allegations against production have yet to be tested in court.
