"Below Deck Sailing Yacht" Star Gary King Faces Lawsuit for Alleged Sexual Assault
A troubling legal case has emerged involving Gary King, a prominent figure on the Bravo reality series Below Deck Sailing Yacht. According to recent court filings, King has been sued by Samantha Suarez, a makeup artist who worked on the show, for alleged sexual battery and assault. The allegations stem from an incident that occurred during the filming of Season 4 in July 2022. Suarez claims that King, who was reportedly intoxicated at the time, attempted to coerce her into sleeping with him in his hotel room. The situation escalated when Suarez tried to leave, and King allegedly grabbed her by the arms, restraining her and preventing her from exiting. Suarez recounts feeling a deep sense of fear, believing she might be raped, until another crew member intervened, prompting King to relent and allow her to leave. Suarez immediately reported the incident to the production company, which launched an investigation. During this investigation, King allegedly admitted to the behavior, but rather than being fired, he reportedly received only a warning.
The aftermath of this incident grew even more complicated when Suarez’s then-boyfriend, Grey Duddleston, who worked as a camera operator on the show, came forward with additional allegations. Duddleston claimed to have witnessed King engaging in inappropriate behavior toward other female crew members, including untieing their bikini tops without consent. When Duddleston reported these incidents over the crew’s walkie-talkie system, he was met with repercussions. Instead of addressing his concerns, the production team allegedly investigated him for "inappropriate use" of the equipment. This response not only dismissed Duddleston’s claims but also led to severe professional consequences for both him and Suarez. Both were ultimately fired from their positions on the show and added to a “do not hire” list, effectively blacklisting them from future work with the network. Suarez is now suing Bravo, alleging a hostile work environment, retaliation, and wrongful termination.
Gary King has since denied the allegations, calling them “lies” in a response to a fan’s comment on Instagram. “I have never sexually harassed someone in my life, and I will never,” he wrote. Despite the serious nature of the claims, King returned for Season 5 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht, which premiered in October 2024 and concluded in January 2025. His continued presence on the show has raised questions about Bravo’s handling of such allegations and its commitment to creating a safe workplace for its employees. A spokesperson for Bravo had not commented on the matter as of the latest updates.
In August 2023, Suarez first spoke out about her experiences in an interview with Rolling Stone, detailing the alleged assault and the subsequent fallout. Her decision to go public was supported by several other crew members who came forward with their own accounts of King’s behavior. They described him as “next-level scary with women,” suggesting a pattern of inappropriate conduct. While King has denied these claims, the collective testimonials paint a disturbing picture of an allegedly toxic work environment. The case has sparked broader conversations about accountability in the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by individuals who come forward with allegations of misconduct.
The legal battle between Suarez and Bravo continues, with the makeup artist seeking justice for what she describes as a hostile work environment and unfair treatment. Suarez’s lawsuit highlights the often-difficult process of reporting misconduct in high-pressure workplaces, particularly in the entertainment industry. Her experiences, and those of others who have come forward, underscore the importance of robust reporting systems and the need for employers to take allegations seriously. As the case progresses, it will likely shed more light on how such situations are handled behind the scenes of popular reality TV shows.
In the meantime, the situation has left fans of Below Deck Sailing Yacht grappling with the complexities of supporting a show they enjoy while also considering the serious allegations against one of its stars. While King’s return for Season 5 has been met with mixed reactions, Suarez’s courage in speaking out has resonated with many, sparking a wider conversation about workplace safety and accountability. As more details emerge, this case will continue to be a focal point in discussions about the entertainment industry’s handling of misconduct and its impact on the lives of those involved.
