Dillian Frelow From 'The Anonymous' Says This Isn't the Last You've Seen of Him (EXCLUSIVE)
"Buckle up, because The Celebrity is just getting started."
Updated Oct. 15 2024, 9:53 a.m. ET
Nothing is more frustrating for reality TV fans than being forced to wait a full week to find out if their favorite contestant goes home. So when The Anonymous viewers had to wait a week to find out if fan favorite Dillian Frelow was headed out of the competition while being this close to the finale, it was that much harder to accept that Christopher Shulstad chose to eliminate him.
But for those who are already itching to see "Dillian The Celebrity" again, have no fear. He spoke exclusively with Distractify about what comes next following his elimination.
Up until the penultimate episode of Season 1 of The Anonymous, Dillian played a solid game. So much so that at that point, it was hard to imagine that he wouldn't slip by yet again and find himself in the winners' circle for the final episode of the season. While we now know that didn't happen for him, Dillian did share what went through his mind when he found out he was eliminated.
Spoiler alert — it has everything to do with his finale outfit and much less to do with the actual game.
Who is Dillian Frelow from USA Network's new series 'The Anonymous'?
Per Dillian's Anonymous bio, Dillian was "Raised in Beaumont, Texas, but [is currently] residing in the glitz and glam of Los Angeles, Calif." Dillian works as a host and MC and has appeared at several major events in Texas.
He also appears to be building his personal brand, King Dillian Entertainment. Dillian is out, loud, and proud and has even given a TED Talk about self-fulfillment and focusing on essentially being your own cheerleader. His positivity draws people in, an asset in a game like this.
In a game where anonymity is imperative, Dillian had a big challenge on his hands. Several people guessed early on that he was initially the one behind the alien handle, meaning he was at risk well before his elimination.
According to his Anonymous bio, his strategy is to become the confidant of the house, which is a smart way to stick around, as long as he contributed to the prize pot.
'Distractify' spoke exclusively with Dillian following his 'Anonymous' elimination.
Getting the boot wasn't an easy pill to swallow for Dillian's fans. However, they can rest easy knowing that he took it in stride and he's just ready to share what he does next. Read on for our exclusive Q&A with Dillian.
(Editor's note: This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.)
Q: You were the one most fans wanted to see win The Anonymous. What was going through your mind when you were eliminated?
A: First, I would like to thank all of my sugafoots who have tuned in and showed me love this entire season — all of your tweets, comments, shares, and in-person interactions have made my heart so full and made me feel so special. The main thing that was at the top of my mind when I got eliminated was how disappointing it was going to be that the viewers will never get the chance to see my finale outfit — y’all know I was bringing the heat!
Q: Your high energy was infectious to watch. Why was it important for you to take up space the way you did this season?
A: Baby, I was just living life! I like to describe myself as a human confetti canon — always ready to pop off and spreading pieces of joy everywhere I go. Being a queer, plus-size, Black individual can sometimes be difficult and the stakes can feel like they are holding you back. I wanted to be the vessel of hope for anyone who ever felt overlooked, torn down, and/or even neglected. Know that you are special and we are just waiting for the world to catch up.
Q: You suspected your time was up in Episode 10. Were you surprised that Chris Shulstad and not Andy King eliminated you?
A: I was not surprised at all! Christopher finally got his "lick back"! It was definitely a great move on his end, because if I was in the game any longer they both would've been next to be out!
Q: You and Chris's explosive moment in Episode 4 was something no one saw coming. Did you expect the argument to be one of the season's biggest moments? Was there anything from the scene fans didn't get to see?
A: I don't think anyone seen that coming, not even me. I remember that day tension was at an all time high and I was decompressing from all of the nasty things that were said about me in the chat and behind my back. What the fans didn't see was me sitting by myself and Christopher approaching me stating "What's up, brother" extending his hand for a handshake. It felt like he was trying to smooch up to me to save himself from elimination.
Q: Do you think Chris held a grudge from that moment, or do you believe he eliminated you because you didn't add to the prize pot as much?
A: Most definitely. I believe he wanted to see me out because my social game was probably a threat to him. I got along with everyone in the domain including my bestie DANI. And let's be real, the storyline of "you didn't contribute to the prize pot" was a facade and didn't add up. There were multiple players who did worse than me in challenges, he just couldn't take how fabulous I was!
Q: You and Nina Twine were close, and you told her during your exit you believed she could win. How are you two now?
A: That's my girl! We call and talk to each other almost everyday. She is just such a genuine soul and our friendship is something I will cherish forever. I hope she takes it all the way!
Q: Where did the name "Dillian the Celebrity" come from?
A: The name "Dillian The Celebrity" originated from a time where I believed so much more than what the world viewed me as. When I first moved to LA, I remembered being so insecure about going and attending celebrity parties. I was so starstruck by the celebrities and public figures I had seen online. Imposter syndrome is a real thing; I had it, and it was one of the first times in my life where I felt that I wasn't good enough.
Instead of being clouded by the illusion of what others may view as a glamorous life, I started being thankful and grateful for mine. Most of all, I felt truly blessed for knowing who I really am in the midst of all the glitz and glamor. That's where the birth of "THE CELEBRITY" came from. If you have ever felt overlooked and misunderstood, remember that you have something to offer to this world and to never stop creating.
Q: What else can we expect to see from you now that you've appeared on your first reality show?
A: Buckle up, because The Celebrity is just getting started! I take great pride in my work ethic and thrive on wearing multiple hats at once. There's always a new project in the works and y'all know I always keep something up my sleeve, but most importantly, I believe it's vital to infuse joy into everything I do. So, keep your eyes peeled—this won't be the last time you see me on your TV screens! It's slay time!
Original reporting by Elizabeth Randolph-Montgomery.