Cedric Hodges, a contestant on "The Challenge: Cutthroat," has voiced disappointment and a sense of betrayal regarding his elimination, pointing to a "petty" motive from co-star Justin Hinsley. Hodges told Page Six that he and Hinsley, who had been friends and allies in previous seasons, had a falling out attributed to Hinsley feeling "embarrassed" by Hodges' performance in a prior elimination before the finals of "The Challenge: Vets and New Threats."

Hodges, 23, who also competed on "Big Brother 26," stated that he and Hinsley, 26, had a close relationship leading up to the current season. "With Justin, my whole disconnect was that we were supposed to be friends," Hodges said. He recalled Hinsley suggesting they compete together in an athletic event just weeks before the season began, reflecting Hodges' belief in supporting his friends' success.

However, Hodges believes Hinsley harbored a grudge from a previous season, where Hodges advanced further in an elimination round. "He’s like, ‘Yeah, I wanna see you go home because you embarrassed me in the last elimination before the finals,'" Hodges recounted Hinsley admitting. While Hodges respects Hinsley's honesty about his motives, he disagrees with the decision itself and did not anticipate Hinsley holding onto such resentment.

Hodges noted that he and Hinsley, along with another competitor named Will, were part of a locked-in alliance at the end of Season 41.

In contrast to his feelings about Hinsley, Hodges expressed no ill will toward Sydney Segal, a "Survivor" contestant who was responsible for throwing him into the first elimination. "I respect Sydney. At least it was a game move," Hodges stated. "There’s no hard feelings or ill will. I respect Sydney more than I respect Justin, if that says anything."

Hodges also revealed an untelevised event that contributed to his elimination. He mentioned intentionally not winning a challenge that involved a puzzle at an airport, an opportunity that could have made him a captain. "I took a lesson that I’m not throwing challenges anymore," he said.

Despite his elimination, Hodges expressed pride in having competed against "The Challenge" legend Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio, who defeated him in the elimination. "Johnny’s the GOAT. So at least if I’m going to lose an elimination, I’m gonna lose against a GOAT and someone that is going to hopefully do well in the season," Hodges commented.

New episodes of "The Challenge: Cutthroat" are released Wednesdays on Paramount+.