Survivor host Jeff Probst is accustomed to the unpredictable behavior of the contestants, but even he was taken aback by one bold move made by Rachel LaMont in Survivor 47. During a recent episode of his podcast On Fire, Probst discussed LaMont’s daring attempt to steal rice during a challenge—a move he described as a “mob boss move.”
The Bold Move
LaMont’s rice-stealing attempt unfolded during a challenging immunity contest in the second episode of the season. The castaways were tasked with transporting a large bag of rice from the ocean to the beach. After getting the bag to land, they had to cut it open to retrieve a ball, which was required for the next stage of the challenge. While her fellow tribe members were focused on solving the puzzle, LaMont stealthily slipped handfuls of rice into her pockets.
Probst, who was overseeing the challenge, witnessed the whole scene unfold. “Rachel tried to steal rice in front of me,” he recalled. “In front of 20 camera operators, in front of the challenge department, all our judges, in front of standards and practices, in front of all of our producers. That’s a mob boss move! And I respected it.” Probst found her audacity admirable, acknowledging the audacious nature of the attempt, even though it was done in full view of everyone involved.
A Playful Attitude Toward the Rice Heist
Despite the sneaky act, Probst didn’t seem overly upset with LaMont. He explained that her move didn’t actually violate any major game rules. “It was playful, it was in front of everyone. She knew what she was doing,” Probst said, adding that LaMont likely understood she would be caught. When Probst confronted her about the rice, LaMont jokingly responded, “You didn’t see anything,” but was ultimately asked to empty her pockets and return to her camp empty-handed.
Probst found LaMont’s lighthearted reaction to the situation refreshing, noting that it brought an unexpected layer of fun to the game. “What Rachel did was fun. It was playful. It was almost certain she’d get caught, but she had a very playful attitude about it,” he shared, showing appreciation for the lightheartedness she brought to a typically intense competition.
The Role of Rice in the Challenge
The use of rice in this challenge was intentional, with Probst and his team wanting to add another layer of difficulty to the task. Rice becomes significantly heavier when wet, making it even more challenging for the players to carry. However, Probst admitted that it might also have been a bit cruel given the minimal food supply the contestants have while in the game. “If we don’t need rice, maybe we should consider sand or something else,” he joked. “This is not a time when we want to taunt them, and maybe that’s what ended up happening with Rachel.”
Why Did LaMont Try to Steal the Rice?
While Probst couldn’t say for certain why LaMont attempted the rice heist, he speculated that it could have been a strategic move to show a different side of her personality. “Maybe she wanted to make a statement in the game, or maybe she just wanted people to see that she’s not as quiet as they think,” he mused.
Whatever the reason behind LaMont’s rice-stealing stunt, it’s sure to be remembered as one of the most memorable and playful moments of Survivor season 47. Her bold move not only added some fun to the intense competition but also demonstrated her ability to think outside the box and shake things up in the game.
