Gary King, a well-known figure on Bravo's Below Deck Sailing Yacht, is embroiled in a high-profile lawsuit that threatens his future on the show and Bravo's reputation. Former crew have accused him of sexual misconduct, sparking legal action that also implicates Bravo, NBCUniversal, and Below Deck's production company. As the scandal unfolds, viewers question whether Gary's career in reality television is effectively over.

The lawsuit details disturbing allegations, including claims Gary physically restrained a production crew member in his hotel room and engaged in inappropriate behavior with multiple women on set. Reports suggest that Bravo and the production team may have ignored or mishandled the accusations, further fueling public outrage. With increasing pressure on the network to take decisive action, Gary's future with Below Deck Sailing Yacht seems more uncertain than ever.

Gary & Bravo Were Sued After His Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Lawsuit Exposes Allegations Of Misconduct And Negligence

The lawsuit has cast a dark shadow over Gary's career. Former crew Samantha Suarez, a hair and makeup artist, and her boyfriend, Grey Duddleston, a camera operator, have accused Gary of sexual battery and misconduct during the filming of BDSY season 4. The lawsuit, which also names Bravo, NBCUniversal, and production company 51 Minds, alleges Gary sexually assaulted Suarez while under the influence of alcohol in his hotel room in July 2022. (Via People.com)

According to the complaint, Samantha was instructed by production to bring water and snacks to Gary's room, but upon arrival, she was allegedly restrained by him. She described a harsh experience in which she fought to escape, eventually getting free only after a phone call distracted Gary. The lawsuit also accuses Gary of engaging in other inappropriate behaviors, such as groping multiple cast and crew and making lewd remarks toward female colleagues.

Even more concerning, the lawsuit against Gary alleges when Samantha and Grey reported the incidents, they were ignored, blocked from working in production, and ultimately fired. During this time, Gary remained employed by the show. The lawsuit seeks damages for emotional distress, reputational harm, and lost wages.

Gary Will Likely Not Return For BDSY Season 6

Bravo Under Pressure To Cut Ties With Gary

Although Gary was part of season 5, the growing legal battle has made his return for Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 6 highly unlikely. Bravo and Below Deck production companies have been criticized for failing to take immediate action when misconduct allegations surfaced against cast . Given the severity of these claims and the lawsuit's widespread attention, keeping Gary on the show would likely spark backlash from fans and advocacy groups.

Historically, Below Deck has parted ways with problematic cast when their behavior became too controversial. Boson Luke Jones and Second Stew Laura Bileskalne, who appeared on Below Deck Down Under, were fired. Luke was fired by Captain Jason Chambers after allegations of sexual misconduct after a night of partying. Laura was also fired due to her inappropriate behavior after the incident.

While no official statement about Gary's future with the show has been made, the network has been under increasing pressure to distance itself from him. With the reality TV industry becoming more able for workplace harassment issues, the lawsuit could force Bravo's hand in cutting ties with Gary permanently.

Gary Tainted The Network With His Misconduct

Bravo Faces A Critical Decision In A Reality TV Reckoning

There is no denying reality TV thrives on drama, but allegations of sexual misconduct and workplace toxicity go beyond the realm of acceptable controversy. Gary's actions—and Bravo's alleged mishandling of the situation—have tainted the Below Deck brand, calling into question the network's commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. If the lawsuit reveals systemic failures in handling sexual misconduct allegations, Bravo could face significant reputational damage.

Also, Gary's alleged behavior feeds into the growing discussion about the ability of reality TV stars. In the wake of the #MeToo movement, networks have been forced to rethink how they handle misconduct among their talent. Unlike scripted television, where actors can be replaced, reality stars are cast as themselves, meaning their off-screen actions can profoundly impact the show's credibility.

With rs and sponsors being increasingly cautious about the reputations of the shows they , Below Deck Sailing Yacht could face financial repercussions if it's perceived as enabling misconduct. If Bravo hopes to maintain the integrity of its hit franchise, permanently severing ties with Gary seems like the only logical step. If Bravo wants to salvage its reputation and keep Below Deck Sailing Yacht afloat, the network will likely have no choice but to remove Gary from the cast permanently.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht is available to stream on Peacock.

Source: People