Survivor Star's Shocking Past: Dated Kidnapping Hoax Mastermind Sherri Papini

Shauhin Davari, a contestant on Survivor, shares that his relationship with Sherri Papini, the woman who staged her own abduction, is rather intricate in nature.

Prior to participating in the 48th season of Survivor, the debate professor had previously gained attention due to his public remarks about his previous relationship with a woman from California, who had been imprisoned for 18 months after being found guilty of orchestrating a complex kidnapping hoax.

2016 saw Sherri disappearing for over three weeks, after which she claimed she had been kidnapped by two masked women of Hispanic origin. However, after a thorough investigation spanning several years, it was found that in truth, Sherri had been secretly residing in her former boyfriend’s house, with the intention of receiving a substantial sum from the California Victim Compensation Board at a later date.

After it was proven true and she was found guilty on one charge of mail fraud and one charge of lying, Shauhin asserted that he was incorrectly accused of sheltering her for the 22 days she went missing.

Shauhin, in a conversation with Inside Edition, stated that he had dated Sherri long ago, but emphasized that he was not the former boyfriend being referred to. It’s been disclosed (through DNA evidence) that she had been living with James Reyes, pretending to be a victim of abuse by her husband, Keith Papini. However, it’s important to note that Reyes wasn’t charged with any crime. Nevertheless, Shauhin expressed that he wasn’t shocked by any of Sherri’s actions.

In an interview with Inside Edition a few days following the arrest, Shauhin stated that she was habitually deceitful. “She wouldn’t communicate with you for several days, only to later come up with some extraordinary tale about what supposedly transpired,” he explained.

In a detailed account, the 37-year-old described several instances where Sherri, aged 42, apparently concocted unnecessary falsehoods.

He went on saying, “I was surfing non-stop, a pastime I truly loved. She mentioned she surfed too, yet there was always some reason keeping her from joining me. What’s more, she owned a surfboard at home, but hadn’t taken any photos of herself with it.

Moreover, not only did he apparently pretend to be interested in his pastimes, but he claimed she would even simulate severe health issues.

He didn’t just seem insincere about his interests, he also said she would deceive about having serious medical problems.

In reminiscing, I found myself recalling an instance where it appeared she was feigning a heart condition. Over time, not just me, but many others began to discern that this wasn’t the truth. I remember thinking, “This can’t be right. She seems perfectly fine. Let me assure you, she is absolutely fine. The idea of her being kidnapped is simply unthinkable.

Eventually, Shauhin decided to express himself publicly in order to sever ties permanently with the scene she had orchestrated, and unequivocally demonstrate that he was not the former boyfriend who aided in her deceitful actions.

The reality star stated that he wants others not to assume he’s associated with the woman, either by helping, having contact with her, or hiding her.

TopMob News has reached out to Sherri Papini and CBS for comment but has not heard back.

For more about the cast of Survivor Season 48, keep reading.