Richard Hatch Disputes CBS Over Survivor 50 Finale Invitation

A controversy has erupted over attendance at the Survivor 50 finale, with the show's inaugural champion challenging the network's account of who received invitations to the milestone celebration.

Richard Hatch, who won the first season of the long-running reality competition, took to social media to express his frustration, stating that he did not receive an invitation to the event. His complaint came after CBS Mornings host Gayle King announced on air that all former Survivor winners had been asked to attend.

"Disappointed, Gayle. CBS Mornings lied this morning saying all Survivor winners were invited to tonight's Season 50 finale! I'm the Original Winner, and I WAS NOT INVITED!" Hatch posted on X.

CBS has pushed back against Hatch's allegations. A network representative told Page Six: "All winners were invited to the Survivor 50 finale to celebrate the show's legacy."

The Season 50 finale will determine a champion from among five remaining competitors: Aubry Bracco, Jonathan Young, Tiffany Ervin, Joe Hunter, and Rizo Velovic. The outcome remains uncertain heading into the final challenges.

The finale episode aired on CBS on May 20, 2026.