Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Controversies

In August 2023, former makeup artist Samantha Suarez, who worked on both Below Deck and Sailing Yacht, stated in a Rolling Stone article that production helped cover up an incident involving star Gary King during the fourth season in summer 2022. Suarez said that after accompanying an inebriated King to his hotel room, he grabbed her from behind, pressed her against his body, and refused to release her despite her attempts to kick and elbow him. When she freed herself, he prevented her from opening the door until a talent manager called. Suarez reported the incident to production, who initially offered to fire King but instead instructed him to sleep on the boat on non-filming days. She also alleged that her limited agency and power on the show should not have placed her in that position regarding King's employment. Two other production members reported that King touched a female cast member's butt and continued inappropriately after she said no, and grabbed a production crew member's genitals twice while intoxicated.