Gary King of Below Deck Sailing Yacht was often seen as a carefree bachelor who enjoyed cuddling up with a woman or two during each charter season. The South African native was known for his clown-like ways. However, he did know his way around a boat—earning him the title of First Mate. For three seasons, Gary provided Grade a reality TV entertainment. But after an expose rocked his world, he was left out of the biggest event a Bravo star could attend—BravoCon.
What To Know About the Accusations Against Gary
In August 2023, a production member told Rolling Stone that Gary allegedly crossed the line with her more than once. Samantha Suarez first worked in the makeup department and claimed that during Season 4, Gary had tried to force himself on her during production in Sardinia back in the summer of 2022. According to Samantha, the crew and cast stayed in the same hotel. Part of her job was to assist the talent manager with daily tasks that included keeping the cast sequestered in their rooms.
The cast, along with Gary, were acting out and refused to stay in their rooms for the COVID-19 protocols. Samantha told the outlet that one night, she walked a drunk Gary back to his room, saying, “There is no limit to alcohol consumption whatsoever, which I think poses a really big problem.”
According to Samantha, Gary asked that she get into bed with him. She claimed, “I was like, ‘I have to go—I need to go bring other people water and food,’ and he’s like, ‘No, no, please.” The production member then told the outlet that as she turned to leave, Gary moved up behind her. She alleged he “grabbed her and pressed her against his body, and refused to let go of her even though she says she tried to kick and elbow him.”
Gary Was Cancelled
In September, Gary was removed from the BravoCon 2023 lineup. Originally, Gary was one of the Bravo personalities who would be attending the event. However, in the wake of the sexual misconduct allegation, the network chose to axe him. Bravo was scrambling to figure something out since they had also been accused of covering up Gary’s bad behavior.
During this year’s 2023 BravoCon, Gary posted a somewhat cryptic message of his own on social media. Gary revealed he was back in South Africa. “It’s sad that people will do anything in their power to bring you down,” he wrote in his post. “It’s not about how you fall but how you get up. Luckily for me, the fall was into a sea of daisies.”
Below Deck Co-Stars Support Gary
On the very same post, Captain Glenn Shephard showed support for Gary, writing, “?.” Gary’s former best friend, Colin MacRae, shared an update while at BravoCon, via People, saying, “I had a chat with him after that all came out. I think he’s going through a really tough thing. I don’t think that’s a nice thing to go through for anyone. There were two people in that room, and only they know what happened.” The engineer ended his answer by saying, “So, yeah, I feel for him.”
Daisy Kelliher chose not to comment, telling the outlet, “Honestly, for me, I’m keeping out of it. It’s nothing to do with me. I wasn’t there, and I think it’s best for me to keep my perspective out of it and my opinion for something I really shouldn’t be involved in.” For now, fans will have to make do with not seeing Gary King at BravoCon and continue to hold their breath to see if he even returns to the nautical series.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK BRAVO DID THE RIGHT THING BY UNINVITING GARY?
