Most Controversial Moments of Below Deck Sailing Yacht Star Gary King

Below Deck Sailing Yacht star Gary King has recently come under scrutiny for his conduct both on and off screen.

Gary made his debut to Bravo audiences in 2021 when he joined the popular spinoff. He left a significant mark with his tumultuous personal life, leading to his return for multiple seasons where he maintained his headline-grabbing reputation.

The first officer faced serious allegations in 2023, as Below Deck production staff member Samantha Suarez accused him of making unwanted advances during the filming of season 4. Reports suggest that Bravo attempted to cover up the incident.

Samantha reported an unsettling encounter from the summer of 2022, claiming that Gary tried to coerce her into remaining in his hotel room. When she spoke to Rolling Stone for a 2023 exposé featuring anonymous testimonies from former employees, she expressed her shock that Gary was not dismissed by the network.

“It was insane. There were multiple incidents of sexual harassment in front of several producers after this individual received multiple verbal warnings,” one accuser stated at the time. “I was tasked with promoting and making this guy who just assaulted someone appear impressive. That was my job.”

Both Bravo and the production company, 51 Minds Entertainment, released statements regarding the investigations that followed Samantha’s complaint.

“Bravo is dedicated to ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for our reality show cast and crew. We require our third-party production companies to implement suitable workplace policies and training, as well as a clear process for reporting concerns. The issues raised by Ms. Suarez in July 2022 were investigated, and appropriate actions were taken based on the findings,” the network’s statement explained.

Gary refuted the allegations, posting on Instagram in now-deleted comments, “It’s so bizarre, and so far from the truth. She always wanted a platform, and I’m unfortunately the target.”

He maintained that Samantha had misrepresented their interactions, asserting, “I’m not going to let some lying girl affect me… read that article thoroughly, multiple times; this has reportedly happened to her across several seasons… it seems odd.”

He further stated: “Please tell me who I’ve harassed from below deck… If I did, I’m sure they would have voiced their concerns, not a random individual. Please inform me where I have sexually harassed multiple women… you’re watching the wrong show, pal.”

The reality star continued to film for one more season of Below Deck Sailing Yacht before both he and the network faced lawsuits regarding the alleged incident. Keep scrolling for a recap of Gary’s most controversial moments:

The Original Love Triangle

After joining in season 2, Gary faced accusations from Alli Dore and Sydney Zaruba for not disclosing that he had a girlfriend while attempting to date both women during filming. However, Gary clarified that he was in “a very complicated relationship” at that time.

“I hadn’t seen her for eight months prior to coming on the show. Not seeing someone for eight months and drifting apart during that time… do we put a label on that? No,” he said during the reunion special that aired in June 2021.

The Concerning Hookup

Season 3 presented further challenges when Gary’s flirtatious relationship with Ashley Marti took a concerning turn. Viewers expressed worry when the stew and Gary engaged in sexual activity while he was excessively intoxicated after a crew night out.

Gary expressed gratitude to fans who were “looking out” for him, stating on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in June 2022, “I didn’t consider much of it then, and currently, I don’t think much of it either. It’s just that social media has blown it out of proportion.”

He did not categorize the experience as an “assault,” as he had shown prior interest in Ashley. “Yeah, I can see how people perceive that, but initially, I did hook up with Ashley before that. I just wish I hadn’t been that inebriated,” he elaborated. “Ultimately, I think hooking up with Ashley was a mistake altogether, and it should never have happened.”

He concluded, “No, I don’t [feel assaulted]. I clearly don’t, and I appreciate everyone standing up for me; I have a voice of my own and would use it if I felt assaulted.”

At Odds With Colin and Daisy After More Personal Drama

The relationship between Gary and Daisy Kelliher was frequently questioned by viewers curious if they would officially pursue their relationship. The drama intensified when Colin MacRae expressed interest in Daisy during season 4 filming.

As Daisy and Colin grew closer, Gary publicly revealed that he and Daisy had secretly hooked up in the past. Ultimately, Daisy and Colin’s romance fizzled out by the time they filmed the reunion, where both Gary and Colin implied that their potential to reconcile with Daisy was unsettled.

Gary later shared a statement reflecting on his tumultuous experiences on screen with Daisy and Colin. “Contrary to what many of you might think, I maintain friendships with Colin and Daisy. The last season of #belowdecksailing wasn’t my proudest moment. After watching certain episodes, I realize I have much personal growth ahead of me, and I’m committed to becoming a better person,” he posted on Instagram in July 2023. “To everyone who consistently comments negatively and attempts to bring me down, sticks and stones! You will not succeed in diminishing my spirit. Thank you to those who support me and send positive messages; I truly appreciate it . #notmybest #stillfriends #itsarealityshow #lovetothefans #hatetothehaters #belowdeck #bravotv #itsatvshow.”

Accused of Sexual Misconduct

Three months post the season 4 reunion, a production assistant alleged that Gary made unwanted advances in a Rolling Stone exposé. Samantha claimed she was assigned to oversee Gary after he reportedly became intoxicated. Post-filming, she remained in Gary’s hotel room, where he allegedly tried to impede her departure. Reports suggest he pressed himself against her as she attempted to exit and only released her grip after she fought back.

Samantha alleged that she informed producers of the incident, leading to Gary being instructed to stay on the boat when the crew was not filming to avoid being in the hotel.

Gary asserted his innocence following the revelations about the allegations. “I’m aware [that I did nothing wrong], and I know the truth, but it still pains me when people propagate lies to bring me down,” he conveyed to a fan via Instagram a month later.

The Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 Fallout

In the wake of the scandal, Gary did not attend BravoCon in November 2023, despite having been initially slated as a guest. The fifth season of Below Deck Sailing Yacht premiered later than expected but still featured Gary, who filmed the season post-allegations. He chose not to address the controversy throughout the season and was included in all promotional materials for the show.

However, the first officer did express his concerns, claiming he was not featured as prominently as anticipated. “Disappointed to see this cut from tonight’s episode. It’s alarming how one person’s falsehoods can tarnish someone’s career and livelihood,” he posted on Instagram in October 2023. “Regardless, I’m confident in my truth. Karma will find its way back to you.”

Gary speculated that his scenes would continue to be omitted, saying, “Given that much of my content is likely to be cut from this season , I’ll attempt to share as much as possible to keep you informed about what you’re missing out on .”

Sued for Sexual Misconduct

Samantha and camera operator Grey Duddleston filed a lawsuit in February 2025 against the production in the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles, claiming they covered up Gary’s sexual misconduct. Their complaint outlined 16 causes of action for which they sought damages, including sexual battery, assault, hostile work environment harassment, and negligent hiring/retention/supervision.

Neither Bravo nor Gary provided a new statement regarding the lawsuit.