"The Biggest Loser" has its first scandal.
During the recent episode of the NBC weight loss show, host Alison Sweeney made an announcement before the weigh-in that stunned the contestants; Jillian Michaels broke the rules and gave her team an edge in the competition.
"Before you all step on the scale, there is something important that needs to be addressed," Sweeney said. "Last week, Jillian broke the rules and gave caffeine supplements to each member of her team without doctors' permission, because of this rule violation, Jillian has been penalized and the white team will receive a four pound disadvantage on the scale tonight."
Michaels, who has been with the show since its first season in 2004, stood by her decision to give supplements to her team.
"I stand by my opinion. A caffeine supplement is significantly healthier than unlimited amounts of coffee," Michaels said of the incident. "My only regret is that my team, they're the ones suffering the consequences of my professional opinion."
After it was revealed that trainer Michaels broke rules on "The Biggest Loser" it was announced that fan favorite Ruben Studdard would be returning to the reality show competition.
The show declared the previous week's results as "invalid," which set off a chain reaction. Bob Harper's blue team then had their immunity restored, and Studdard returned to Dolvett Quince's red team.
The "American Idol" Season 2 winner, will return to the show next week.
"It means the world to me to get a second chance," Studdard said in the promo for next week's episode
Studdard's return has raised the eyebrows of some viewers who suspect Michaels' penalty was a way to get R&B crooner back on the show.
When one Twitter user asked Michaels whether producers manufactured the scandal for ratings, she responded: "You're spot on."
