Brandon Hantz, Survivor Alum, arrested on racketeering charges
Fans may not remember who Hantz was; he is the nephew of Russel Hantz, winner of the first season of Survivor. He appeared on Survivor 23: South Pacific and Survivor 26: Caramon Fans vs Favorites.
Brandon Hantz
When first appearing on Survivor, he was a 19-year-old, born-again Christian, and already married. His hobbies are shooting his guns, hunting, and eating crawfish. He describes himself as headstrong, bold, and clever.
He placed sixth in season 23 and became the fifth person voted out in season 26.
Fans remember the massive blowout between Hantz and Phillip Sheppard. Because this blowout happens at an Immunity Challenge; coming after Brandon had dumped the tribe’s rice and beans back at camp. This causes the tribe to forfeit the Immunity Challenge; making it the easiest challenge for any Survivor Tribe to win.
Jeff Probst, host of the long-running reality series, allows Hantz to address his tribe. Phillip and Brandon almost came to blows a couple of times during the very heated exchange. Because Phillip, during the exchange, brings up personal information; this causes Brandon to threaten physical violence and an impromptu Tribal Vote takes place. The tribe votes Hantz out.
Brandon is arrested on February 20, 2025, for charges of racketeering and arson among others. According to the US District Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. along with 13 others are charged for a variety of charges in a 22-count indictment. Along with arson and racketeering; he is accused of belonging to the Bandidos Motorcycle Gang.
A family member confirmed to TMZ that he was arrested and his home was raided. Stay tuned for more on this story as it develops.
Survivor is set to premiere its 48th season on Wednesday, February 26th at 8 PM ET/PT on CBS, and will stream on Paramount Plus. Will you be watching the new season?
Photo Credits: YouTube
