Koh-Lanta, The Cursed Tribeit's definitely over for Cassandra. After being falsely eliminated earlier in the game, the 23-year-old author – who has just published her sixth novel called Atalanta – leaves the adventure for good. Near Purepeopleshe opens up about this extraordinary experience and evokes the reasons for her departure or even Gustin's betrayal.
How did you feel when you were eliminated?
I was a little sad to leave the adventure but at the same time I was very peaceful, very relieved. Because I felt like I had reached the end of my adventure. There was a yellow alliance which was strong. At this stage of the game, I thought I could no longer use strategies or bluffs. I was very happy that Ugo stayed too. It was definitely a mix of emotions.
Why do you think your comrades voted against you?
We were both targeted with Ugo. Cécile had created strong bonds with the yellow girls as well as with Jacques. I know that the boys preferred to eliminate the people they considered threatening for the orientation and the posts, it was more Ugo and me than Cécile. So I think that's why.
Some ex-yellows felt that you would be too strong on the posts… How do you take it?
It's still quite flattering. Because it means that they believe in me and think that I have the abilities to go so far and maybe even win the event. But I find that a bit of a shame, especially on the part of Thibault who has said from the start that he plays on merit. For me, that's the merit: keeping people potentially strong to have great duels. I think it was mostly an excuse, that there were other things behind it. I am an ex-red and I had to be eliminated.
Do you understand why Ugo did not inform you that he had an immunity necklace?
I had no idea he had a necklace and I completely understand why he didn't tell me. I was really happy that he was able to save himself. In the episode, we see me going to get a necklace for him. But I hadn't told him. If I had told him about what I was doing, he might have said, “Don't worry, I already have one, you don't need to strain for me!” I kept it a secret from my side and so did he.
Why did you ask Ilyesse to vote against you rather than against Ugo?
I owed my place in the adventure to Ugo. It was thanks to the necklace he gave me that I was able to stay three more days. By giving it to me, he got himself into trouble. And I told myself that it would be really unfair for him to leave and for me to stay in these conditions. It wasn't at all out of guilt or anything, really out of rightness.
Why did you give in and agree to vote against Ilyesse when, as you rightly note, Cécile wanted to protect not one but three ex-jaunes…?
In fact, Cécile didn't want to give up. She told us: “At worst, everyone votes with their soul and conscience.” Basically it was: “Either you accept my terms or I won't vote with you.” There were only three of us, I knew we weren't going to do wonders, but if there were only two of us voting for the same thing, it wouldn't have been any use at all. So I agreed to let go. I had no choice.
In the comfort game, you were chosen last. How did you experience it?
I didn't feel left out at all. It was just the game.
Then, in the immunity test, while you appear to be motionless, you slip. What happened?
I had no more strength. My legs were paralyzed, I could no longer feel my feet or my legs. Everything was paralyzed because I had pushed too hard on it. I could no longer apply enough pressure to hold on. It looked like I was slipping on the screen, but it was really that I had no strength left at all.
Earlier in the game, you were allied with Gustin who ultimately betrayed and disappointed you… Since then, he has explained himself indicating that he would have been in danger if he had warned you. What do you think of its justification?
His justification is false. I had campaigned with Maxim and Ugo so that they did not eliminate Gustin. Because indeed, the reds wanted Gustin and it was legitimate. But I did everything to ensure that his partner was not targeted, it is also thanks to me that there were no votes against him. And Gustin knew it perfectly, I told him he wasn't in danger.
Since then, have you managed to understand each other on the subject?
We explained ourselves in the sense that things have calmed down, there is no resentment. But it’s true that we still don’t agree. Even today, he still thinks that Maxim could have broken his word and voted against him. But I campaigned well, the boys agreed and I think they had to trust me on this one. Even if indeed, you never know what could happen: Maxim could have changed his mind at the last moment… Which still seems unlikely to me.
What was the hardest thing about camp?
It was more fatigue than hunger, to which we eventually got used. Walking, making an effort, it was really very, very hard.
How did your loved ones react to finding you thinner and changed?
They found me very weak. I think it showed that I had experienced a lot and stored up quite a bit too. But I don't think I was much different.
What was your first action when you returned home?
There is one thing that I dreamed of finding and that there was not at the residence of the final jury: a bathtub. So one of the first things I did when I got home was take a nice hot bath.
What is Koh Lanta has changed in your life?
I got to know myself. I think it is in these very difficult moments that we learn the most about ourselves. Without this adventure, I would never have discovered certain facets of myself. There are two Cassandras, the one before Koh Lanta and the one after that.
What are your projects?
My sixth novel was released on November 6. And here, I am working on volume 2 which will be released in early 2025. I am fully engaged in corrections.
Who do you want to see win?
Ugo, without hesitation! In relation to merit, to trials, to survival, to social issues… He deserves it.
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