The Allegation Against Gary King
“Below Deck Sailing Yacht” star Gary King has found himself in the center of a legal storm after being sued by makeup artist Samantha Suarez for alleged sexual battery and assault. According to court documents obtained by Page Six, the incident took place in July 2022 while filming Season 4 of the popular reality TV series. Suarez claims that King, who was allegedly intoxicated at the time, attempted to coerce her into sleeping with him after asking her to bring snacks to his hotel room. When Suarez tried to leave, King reportedly grabbed her by the arms, restrained her, and leaned against the door to prevent her from escaping. Suarez recalls fearing for her safety, believing she might be raped, until another crew member intervened, prompting King to release her.
Suarez promptly reported the incident to the production company, which initiated an investigation. During the inquiry, King allegedly admitted to the behavior when confronted by producers. However, instead of facing termination, he was given a warning, a decision that raises questions about how seriously such allegations were taken by the show’s producers. This incident not only left Suarez emotionally distressed but also highlights broader concerns about workplace safety and accountability in the entertainment industry.
The Fallout and Retaliation
The situation took another troubling turn when Suarez’s then-boyfriend, Grey Duddleston, who worked as a camera operator on the show, witnessed King untie the bikini tops of two female cast members without their consent. Duddleston reported these incidents over the crew’s walkie-talkie system, but instead of addressing the allegations against King, production allegedly launched an investigation into Duddleston for “inappropriate use” of the equipment. This response suggests a troubling pattern of retaliation against those who speak out, potentially silencing other crew members who may have witnessed or experienced similar behavior.
As a result of these events, both Suarez and Duddleston were fired by Bravo and added to the network’s “do not hire” list. Suarez has since filed a lawsuit against Bravo, alleging a hostile work environment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Her case sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals who report misconduct in high-pressure workplaces, particularly when those accused hold positions of influence or popularity. Bravo has yet to publicly comment on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered about how the network handles allegations of misconduct internally.
King’s Denial and Continued Career
Despite the serious allegations against him, Gary King has denied any wrongdoing. When a fan brought up the claims on Instagram, King responded, stating, “I have never sexually harassed someone in my life, and I will never.” He dismissed Suarez’s claims as lies, further muddying the waters in a case that already lacks clarity. King’s denial comes as he continues to thrive in his career, returning for Season 5 of “Below Deck Sailing Yacht,” which aired from October 2024 to January 2025.
The contrast between King’s continued success and the consequences faced by Suarez and Duddleston has sparked outrage among some fans and former crew members. Several individuals who worked on the show have come forward, describing King’s behavior as “next-level scary with women.” These accounts paint a picture of a toxic work environment where certain individuals may feel uncomfortable or even unsafe. While King’s denial and the lack of public response from Bravo have allowed him to maintain his career, the allegations against him remain a serious issue that cannot be ignored.
The Broader Implications
This case raises important questions about workplace culture, accountability, and the treatment of whistleblowers in the entertainment industry. Suarez’s experience highlights the challenges of reporting misconduct, particularly when the accused is a prominent figure. The decision to fire Suarez and Duddleston while allowing King to continue his role on the show has led many to question Bravo’s commitment to fostering a safe and respectful work environment.
The incident also underscores the need for clearer policies and stronger protections for employees who report misconduct. If individuals like Duddleston face retaliation for speaking out, it sends a chilling message to others who may have witnessed or experienced similar behavior. The lack of transparency in how Bravo handled the situation further erodes trust in the network’s ability to address such issues fairly.
As this legal battle unfolds, it will be important to watch how Bravo and the entertainment industry at large respond to these kinds of allegations. The outcome of Suarez’s lawsuit could set a precedent for how networks handle similar cases in the future. For now, the situation remains a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play in high-stakes workplaces and the importance of holding individuals and organizations accountable for their actions.
Conclusion
The allegations against Gary King and the subsequent actions taken by Bravo have brought attention to critical issues of workplace safety, retaliation, and accountability in the entertainment industry. While King continues to deny the claims, the stories from Suarez, Duddleston, and other crew members paint a disturbing picture of a toxic work environment.
As the legal case proceeds, it will be crucial to ensure that all parties are held to the same standards, regardless of their position or popularity. The treatment of Suarez and Duddleston serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who daringly speak out against misconduct. Their story underscores the need for stronger protections for whistleblowers and a more transparent process for addressing allegations of misconduct.
Ultimately, this situation is a call to action for the entertainment industry to reflect on its practices and ensure that all employees, regardless of their roles, feel safe and supported in the workplace. Until meaningful changes are made, cases like this will continue to raise questions about the industry’s commitment to accountability and justice.
