Bravo’s hit reality series Below Deck is facing serious allegations of covering up sexual misconduct, as a former production staffer has come forward with shocking details. Samantha Suarez, who worked in the show’s makeup department during its tenth season, has accused cast member Gary King of attempting to force himself on her while they were filming Below Deck Sailing Yacht in Italy.
Suarez revealed the incident took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Olbia-Sardinia, where the entire cast and crew were residing during the season. As part of her responsibilities, she was tasked with assisting the talent manager and providing food and water to the cast members under COVID-19 protocols. King, demonstrated difficult behavior due to prolonged isolation, and Suarez accompanied him back to his room after a series of interviews.
According to Suarez, King was heavily intoxicated after consuming a considerable amount of alcohol, which was not monitored by production. During their encounter, King made inappropriate advances towards Suarez, asking her to join him in bed and urging her not to leave the room. When she returned with snacks and water, King opened the door in his underwear and forcibly tried to engage in sexual activity with her, preventing her from leaving. Despite the distressing situation, she managed to escape his grasp, and King slammed the door behind her.
Distraught and fearful, Suarez immediately reported the incident to the show’s producers, including co-executive producer Courtland Cox, executive producers Vivian Choi and Cox, and the talent manager. She informed them of her discomfort around King and was assured that he would be removed from the show if there were further incidents. Suarez also contacted the COO of 51 Minds Entertainment, the production company behind Below Deck, to report the incident.
However, instead of receiving appropriate support, Suarez faced additional challenges. She struggled with declining mental health and was provided with counseling through an HR representative. Later on, the same representative discouraged her from discussing the incident with her colleagues, citing concerns of it becoming gossip. Suarez alleges that the show retaliated against her for reporting the incident, as she was not asked to return for subsequent seasons, while King remained on the show.
The accusations against Bravo’s Below Deck raise serious questions about the handling of sexual misconduct within the reality TV industry. These allegations shed light on potential cover-ups and the importance of providing a safe working environment for all staff members involved in the production. NBCUniversal, the parent company of Bravo, has not yet responded to the recent allegations.
The incident involving Gary King and Samantha Suarez serves as a reminder that it is crucial to address and rectify issues related to sexual misconduct within the entertainment industry. As the spotlight continues to shine on these revelations, it is imperative for production companies and networks to take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of their staff.
