Kate Chastain Addresses Allegations of a Covert Smokers Alliance on 'The Backstabbers'

Kate Chastain Shuts Down Sandra Diaz-Twine’s Claims of a Secret Smokers Alliance on 'Traitors'

Kate Chastain and Sandra Diaz-Twine. Euan Cherry/Peacock (2)

Kate Chastain is not interested in hearing about any secret smokers alliances on season 2 of The Traitors. When her castmate Sandra Diaz-Twine posted a video accusing Kate, Mercedes “MJ” Javid, and eventual winners Chris “CT” Tamburello and Trishelle Cannatella of using their smoke breaks to strategize, Kate responded.

Sandra, who is 49 years old, had a theory. She believed that the four smokers in the group would use their breaks as a chance to exchange information. This was a rare moment when they could all be in the same room together.

Her advice to anyone joining Season 3 was clear: if there is a group of smokers forming a clique, make sure to disrupt it.

Kate, who is 41 years old, shared her thoughts on the video by quote-tweeting it. She mentioned that she mainly vapes and pointed out that the smokers always had a producer monitoring them with their microphones on to ensure they didn't discuss the game.

In a follow-up comment, Kate clarified that she harbored no ill will towards Sandra. She expressed her admiration for Sandra and simply stated that the smokers did not have any unfair advantages.

Kate Chastain Shuts Down Sandra Diaz-Twine’s Claims of a Secret Smokers Alliance on 'Traitors'

Kate Chastain on ‘The Traitors.’ Euan Cherry/Peacock

Kate has the unique distinction of being the only cast member from The Traitors U.S. who has played the game twice. She finished in fifth place during season 1 and made a surprise return in the second season during episode five.

Reality game shows often have rules in place, similar to what Kate mentioned, to make sure all important game discussions happen during moments that can be shown on the show. For example, on Survivor, contestants are not allowed to talk when they first meet at Ponderosa before the game starts, and on Big Brother, houseguests must wear their microphones to communicate.

Sandra thinks the eliminations on the show support her. When Phaedra Parks got eliminated, Shereé Whitfield and Sandra followed suit, while Kate "was looking out for her smoker friends." The four smokers then made it to the final four on the show.

One commenter argued that Kate saying she mostly vapes, not smokes, didn't matter. Kate responded that it does matter because her vaping didn't involve her joining the smokers group outside.

Kate Chastain Shuts Down Sandra Diaz-Twine’s Claims of a Secret Smokers Alliance on 'Traitors'

Sandra Diaz-Twine on ‘The Traitors.’ Euan Cherry/Peacock

Sandra appears confident in herself despite the circumstances. As a seasoned reality TV veteran and the only woman to win Survivor twice, she is well-versed in what to be cautious of and is prepared to affirm it.

"I'll need a bible, I'm ready to make a solemn oath," she declared.

The Traitors season 2 finale aired on Peacock on March 7, but the show has been picked up for a third season.

Editor's P/S:

The accusations of a secret smokers' alliance on "The Traitors" have sparked a debate between castmates Kate Chastain and Sandra Diaz-Twine. Sandra's suspicions, based on the smokers' shared breaks, have been dismissed by Kate, who claims they were closely monitored and did not discuss the game. Despite Kate's clarification, Sandra remains unconvinced, suggesting that the smokers' alliance may have influenced the eliminations.

This controversy highlights the challenges of maintaining fairness in reality game shows. While rules are in place to prevent private discussions, it can be difficult to enforce them consistently. The accusation of a secret alliance also raises questions about the role of trust and strategy in these games. Whether or not the smokers' alliance actually existed, the perception of it could have affected the outcome of the show. As "The Traitors" returns for a third season, it remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed and what new strategies will emerge among the contestants.