Jimmy Fallon issued a heartfelt apology to Christian Hubicki on the April 23 episode of The Tonight Show after the Survivor contestant was forced to vote himself out due to a twist named after the comedian.
Christian, a robotics professor who previously competed on Survivor season 37, failed to complete a timed puzzle during a journey on the April 22 episode. As a result, he became the first player in Survivor history to vote for himself—a consequence of the "Jimmy Fallon" twist introduced by host Jeff Probst.
"Now that we're both in the same place," Jimmy told Christian, "all I have to say is, Christian, I am so sorry. I am so sorry about this! It wasn't supposed to be like this." He added, "It wasn't supposed to be you and I felt so bad because I love you."
Christian described the experience as "surreal" but revealed he used his time in the voting booth to roast Jimmy. "I decided finally all my frustrations in this game I can take out in the best way possible: on a celebrity 8,000 miles away," he said. "I did a whole five-minute set with jokes about my distaste for the advantage."
While he admitted the show had to cut some material—including jokes blaming Jimmy for historical disasters like the Titanic and Hindenburg—Christian remained open to reconciliation. Earlier that day, he told The Hollywood Reporter, "I don't know who has to get the mediator, but I think we can repair this budding friendship."
Despite the twist playing a role in his elimination, Christian took responsibility for his performance. "It was a helpful determining factor in me going home," he explained. "But that said, I have to take ownership that that particular day, I made a couple of bad decisions—and you're only as good as your worst decision on Survivor."
Looking ahead, Christian expressed willingness to return for another shot at the $1 million prize. "If I was asked, I'd always take the call," he said. "I know realistically there are so many people who have not gotten a second chance on the show who are due to be called back, and I sure hope that they are. But if someday down the line they're saying, 'We need more metaphors at Tribal Council again. The people stopped giving them,' I'll send them my rate. It's very reasonable."