Show summary Hide summary
- Why Santos distances himself from Selling Sunset’s Bre Tiesi
- Connections formed during Special Forces
- How Santos handled judgment over his past
- One castmate he admits he dislikes — and why it’s not a big deal
- Gratitude for those who gave him a chance
- On being publicly criticized by fellow contestants
- What comes next for Santos and where to watch
George Santos says he left the Fox reality series Special Forces on friendly terms with nearly everyone — but he has no patience for Selling Sunset star Bre Tiesi. In an exclusive conversation with Us Weekly, the former congressman and reality contestant described his on-set friendships, his struggles with public perception and why one co-star failed to make the cut in his circle.
Why Santos distances himself from Selling Sunset’s Bre Tiesi
Santos kept his critique simple and blunt. He told Us Weekly he isn’t a fan of Bre Tiesi and prefers to keep his distance. He added that she’s likely to pursue other reality outlets and said, “She should go for it.”
Trump suggests Iran ‘take out’ Los Angeles and San Diego: outrage erupts
Taylor Swift parties with husband Travis Kelce for his 37th birthday in NYC
He made clear this is a personal taste, not a feud. Santos called some reality programming “trashy” and placed Selling Sunset in that category. He framed his remark as a cultural preference rather than a dramatic attack.
Connections formed during Special Forces
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test puts celebrities through military-style selection and grueling physical trials. The experience for many participants often forges close bonds.
Santos said he reached out to classmates he wanted to keep in touch with after leaving the show. He described the process as direct and deliberate, emphasizing honest communication as his approach to building post-show relationships.
Who he stayed close to
- Candace Cameron Bure: Santos named her a favorite castmate and said they discussed his compliments after the premiere.
- Ruby Rose: He praised her kindness and frequent contact.
- Collin Gosselin: Santos also thanked him for offering friendship.
He said these connections matter to him, calling his interactions with them “humbling” and expressing gratitude for the second chances they offered.
How Santos handled judgment over his past
The show also forced Santos to confront other contestants’ impressions of him. He acknowledged that many on the cast discussed his history while cameras rolled.
Santos said the scrutiny was painful but expected. He spoke about accepting responsibility and trying to move conversations beyond his past legal troubles.
He framed his mindset like this: people will talk, and his job was to shift the narrative. He hoped to make those controversies a footnote by doing “bigger things” and showing a different side of himself.
One castmate he admits he dislikes — and why it’s not a big deal
Among the show’s 15 recruits, Santos said there was a single person he truly didn’t care for. He called that a good ratio and said he wished that person well regardless.
Santos described the dynamic as pragmatic. With many personalities under pressure, clashes are natural. He indicated no desire to ignite drama over that one negative connection.
Gratitude for those who gave him a chance
Throughout his comments, Santos repeatedly returned to appreciation for certain castmates. He singled out a few people as especially supportive during and after filming.
- He expressed thanks to those who reached out after the episodes aired.
- He highlighted acts of kindness, both on camera and off, as meaningful to his recovery and reinvention.
That gratitude extended beyond simple politeness. Santos said these relationships helped him feel “humbled” and offered a path forward.
On being publicly criticized by fellow contestants
Santos also addressed moments when cast members spoke about him behind his back. He accepted that criticism as part of the process.
When fellow reality star Oliver Hudson aired frustrations, Santos said he felt Hudson was honest and that he held no grudge. He even thanked Hudson for a dramatic moment in the water that became a talking point after the show aired.
What comes next for Santos and where to watch
Santos confirmed he remains visible in the reality-TV ecosystem and is intent on letting new projects and actions reshape how people view him.
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test season 5 airs on Fox on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
