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Mary Zheng reacts to David Kinne's standing ovation in Survivor 48: 'That was hilarious'

Mary had no qualms with David's brief moment in the spotlight as she was voted out of the game
ByGiavanna Worthy|
David made the jury a main character again on the most recent episode of SURVIVOR, on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream on Paramount+.
David made the jury a main character again on the most recent episode of SURVIVOR, on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream on Paramount+. | CBS Television Network

Yes,Mary Zhengheard about David Kinne’s standing ovation as she was exiting tribal council inSurvivor 48episode 11, "Coconute Etiquette," and she has nothing but positive things to say about the unexpected moment.

After Mary wasvoted outunanimously in the most recentSurvivor 48episode, fans and players alike were both shocked and amused by David seemingly standing in solidarity with his former ally. While Mary didn’t initially see the moment take place, the gesture did provide some unanticipated comfort after she had just lost $1 million.

Here's what Mary toldParadeabout David's standing ovation in her exit interview:

“I wanted to cry out of sadness when I got voted out. And I did not expect that I would be crying out of f–king laughter at David standing up. I had heard about that moment. Honestly, I did not see that when it was happening. I was out of body when it was all going down”

While this episode itself has been panned for ending with a predictable boot, it was David’s unprecedented standing ovation that has got the fans talking. As a member of the jury, David is expected to observe silently, with little facial expressions to give away his thoughts on what is occurring.

It appears that no one told the jury thatstandingwas off the table, as David had no reservations showing appreciation for the fifth juror ofSurvivor 48. Other jurors, such as Cedrek McFadden and Star Toomey, have also given their thoughts on experiencing this moment in real time.

Cedrek McFadden sitting on the jury bench.
Cedrek McFadden shared his own thoughts on David's big moment on Twitter. | CBS Television Network

After the episode, Cedrek shared his thoughts about David's behavior at Tribal Council on Twitter.

When you’re filming Survivor, there’s no background music. At first, it takes some getting used to—on TV, you’re used to the drums, the suspense, the music telling you how to feel. Out there? Nothing.

So when something like this happens at Tribal, it’s full, echoing silence. No…pic.twitter.com/H25gPPWED8

— Cedrek McFadden, MD (@cedrekmd)May 8, 2025

Star, who was seated right behind David and was clearly not trying to laugh the whole time,gave her thoughtson the moment in fewer words with a tweet of her own, saying: “Somebody tell this man to sit tf down I’m trying so hard not to laugh#Survivor48”.

In an effort to not spoil the ultimate outcome of the season, theSurvivor 48players will likely not get to share their full thoughts on the players currently active in the game for a few more weeks. Thefinale ofSurvivor 48will air on Wednesday, May 21, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+, where Mary and seven other jurors will vote on the winner of the season.

Stay tuned for more news aboutSurvivor 48!

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