Biggest Loser Apologizes After Marathon Controversy

Looks like Dane's inspirational "where are they now?" package at the end of Wednesday's Biggest Loser: Couplesis now a little less inspiring.

After losing 100 pounds in eight weeks, Dane was booted by his fellow competitors who believed he was a front-runner for the $250,000 grand prize. As is customary, the show followed up on Dane to see if his weight loss has continued at home. The resulting footage showed him training with his wife for a marathon, and concluded with him crossing the finish line at 3 hours and 53 minutes — a remarkable time for even trained runners.

Moving, right? Well it didn't really happen, according to the Los Angeles Times. After investigating the mysterious time, it was discovered that not only was the time clock malfunctioning (he actually crossed the finish line at 5:53), but Dane got a lift from a field producer for three miles in order to complete the marathon in under six hours, and thus providing the touching ending for the package. Dane ran 17 miles, rode for three miles, and then completed the race from the 20-mile mark.

The show's executive producers issued an apology. "We would like to make an official apology and set the record straight with regards to the claim in last night's episode that Dane completed a marathon in Arizona," the statement said. "We are incredibly proud of Dane for running 23 miles and losing over 130 pounds on his weight loss journey so far and wish him luck as he continues his new healthy lifestyle. We have also taken the necessary action to ensure that there are no future misrepresentations and sincerely apologize for misleading our loyal viewers."

Dane was so upset with the deception that he later went back and reran the miles he skipped, the Times says.

What do you think of this development? Has the show lost its credibility in your eyes?