During Deal or No Deal Island’s two seasons, fans have that the reality show is one of Peacock’s best shows. The fact that Joe Manganiello is such a great host is one of the reasons why DONDI is a must-see show. Fans are also intrigued by Seychelle Cordero’s opinion of her co-stars, the Dr. Will effect, and the show’s hilarious scenes. If all that wasn’t enough, DONDI also notably stars the Survivor Hall of Famer Parvati Shallow.

Since Deal or No Deal Island Season 2 has such a stellar cast, there have been fascinating feuds between people like Dr. Will and Parvati. Unfortunately for Phillip Solomon, fans wanted to know if he was one of David Genat’s feuds after the Australian Survivor winner eliminated him. For that reason, what Phillip told TheThings about David is fascinating to learn.

Deal Or No Deal Island’s Phillip Solomon Understands Why David Genat Eliminated Him

During Deal or No Deal Island Season 2, Episode 10, the show had its first true endurance excursion. On top of being one of the most entertaining excursions of the season, it was also extremely impactful, since David Genat winning it gave him immense power over two eliminations.

During the excursion, Phillip Solomon and David made a deal that was supposed to guarantee them both safety. Despite the deal they made, David used the power he gained to eliminate Phillip.

Given how things played out, Phillip had every reason in the world to be angry at David to this day. With that in mind, it is fascinating to see that Phillip understood David eliminating him when he spoke to TheThings.

In March 2025, TheThings journalist Matthew Thomas interviewed Phillip Solomon about his Deal or No Deal Island experience. During the resulting conversation, Phillip spoke about his relationship with David following his elimination.

As soon as he was asked about him, Phillip made an amazing statement about how he feels about David.

When Phillip stated he was disappointed in David, he also put his hand under his chin like a disapproving parent. The fact that Phillip had a sense of humor about the situation proves why he is a special reality show star.

One of the greatest skills that a reality show star can have is to be able to put themselves in the shoes of their peers. Of course, players will ideally do that while they are still playing the game, but it is a valuable skill no matter when it is engaged.

While talking exclusively to TheThings, Phillip put himself in David’s shoes and explained his own elimination.

“Looking at the finale from season one, it was super physical. We had people lifting and running and making it through an obstacle course, and stuff like that. I was the only real physical threat for that man left. And so if he lost to me in the end because he let me stay because I have the level of athleticism that I do, then that wouldn’t have made any sense for him.”

As his exclusive conversation with TheThings continued, Phillip revealed that he also recognized that David would be a threat to him if they both made it to the final.

With that in mind, it makes perfect sense that Phillip stated that he understood David’s decision to eliminate him.

“Right. So for me, I have to understand that, like, I think when it came to the final challenge to not knowing what it was, I definitely scared him a little bit, which, like, rightfully so. He scared me for the exact same reasons. And so, looking back at it now, was this a good time to take me out? Sure.”

For reality show fans who prize strategy above all else, you have to respect Phillip’s comments. After all, any player who looks at a reality show in a strategic mindset has to recognize when their competitor makes a smart move, even if it leads to their downfall.

Before Phillip revealed that he understood why David eliminated him, he explained the relationship he built with the former Australian Survivor winner. Even though fans weren’t thinking that they were allies, Phillip stated that he and David protected each other during the game.

“I think that you have to get to a point where David and I kind of protected one another the entire game without actually protecting each other. We just said, ‘I’m gonna go for someone, but it won’t be you. Cool. Great.'”

After explaining their relationship, Phillip exclusively told TheThings about an example of when David protected him.

“Even if you watch after the balance beam, I was like, ‘I don’t feel great about playing.’ He’s like, ‘Okay. Then you won’t.’ And it was done.”

Phillip Solomon Revealed If He Would’ve Done The Same Thing To David Genat

When Phillip Solomon exclusively spoke to TheThings in March 2025, he really empathized with David Genat’s decision to eliminate him. Given that he could put himself in David’s mindset, that begs an obvious question. Would he have done the same thing to David?

When Phillip was asked if he would’ve done the same thing to David, he took a brief moment to consider the question, to his immense credit. Phillip then exclusively told TheThings what he believed he would have done if he had the power.

“I would have probably sent home Parvati immediately, and I would have given David the opportunity to play. I’m a firm believer in not making the negative decisions in the world, but I’ll give you that power to make that decision on your own.”

When Phillip was speaking to TheThings about David’s decision to eliminate him, he made a similar statement. At that time, he expressed that if he was David, he would’ve given him the chance to play Deal or No Deal.

Clearly, Phillip had a strong opinion about being given the chance to play the banker to survivor.