Maria Shrime Gonzalez made a controversial decision to vote for Kenzie Petty as the Sole Survivor over her alliance member, Charlie Davis, in Survivor 46. Despite being aligned with Charlie from day one, Maria chose Kenzie, along with four other votes, which ultimately determined the winner. If Maria had voted for Charlie, there would have been a tie, with third-place finisher Ben Katzman as the tiebreaker vote. Maria’s decision surprised many fans who believed she would have voted for Charlie due to their close bond throughout the season.
During the Survivor 46 aftershow, Maria explained that she was swayed to vote for Kenzie because of her performance in the final four fire-making challenge and her response to a question about what she would do with the $1 million prize. Kenzie’s answer resonated with Maria, who related to her desire to use the money to start a family after sacrificing her dreams to be a mother. When asked if Charlie could have convinced her to vote his way, Maria defended her choice to vote for Kenzie, highlighting the personal connection she felt with Kenzie’s answer. She ultimately voted based on her heart and the opportunity she saw to support a woman’s dream of starting a family.
The aftermath of Maria’s decision has sparked a debate on social media, with many criticizing her for betraying Charlie. Despite the backlash, Maria is unfazed by the negative perceptions and is choosing to focus on the support from her loved ones instead. She humorously mentioned using the block button on social media to avoid hateful comments and emphasized that she knows her true self, despite the narratives being created about her online. Survivor 46 can be streamed on Paramount+ for those interested in watching the season play out.
Maria’s choice to vote for Kenzie over Charlie has caused a stir among fans and viewers of Survivor 46, with many questioning her reasoning and loyalty to her alliance. However, Maria has stood by her decision, emphasizing the personal connection she felt with Kenzie’s aspirations and her desire to support a woman’s dream of starting a family. The debate surrounding Maria’s vote highlights the emotional and strategic complexity of the game, where personal values and relationships often play a significant role in determining the outcome. As the controversy continues to unfold, Maria remains steadfast in her conviction, despite the criticism she has faced online. Ultimately, Survivor 46 has left a lasting impact on all involved, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the game and the lasting bonds formed between players.
