There’s a significant development in the legal battle involving Bravo, former “Below Deck Sailing Yacht” camera operator Grey Duddleston, and cast member Gary King — and this one isn’t going Bravo’s way.
Back in 2023, makeup artist Samantha Suarez and Grey accused Gary of multiple instances of sexual misconduct while filming Season 4 of “Below Deck Sailing Yacht” in Sardinia in 2022. Gary denied all allegations, while Samantha and Grey claimed they were fired after reporting his behavior.
‘Below Deck Sailing Yacht’ Drama Escalates as Judge Rejects Bravo Arbitration Push in Gary King Case
Bravo and its production partners attempted to compel Grey to arbitrate, citing an agreement he signed during his employment. But according to court documents reviewed by Deadline, a Los Angeles judge has now ruled that Grey’s claims can move forward in court.
The ruling cited the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021, which allows alleged victims to bypass arbitration agreements and pursue their cases publicly.
Translation? Bravo doesn’t get to quietly tuck this one away.
The lawsuit details several alleged incidents during filming, including claims that Gary tried to hold Samantha in a hotel room, leaving her fearful of sexual assault. Grey, who was Samantha’s boyfriend at the time, also alleged he witnessed Gary undo the bikini tops of two cast members without consent, grab two camera operators’ genitals, and make inappropriate remarks to a female audio technician.
In their filing, Samantha and Grey described Gary as a “known drunkard and serial harasser,” accusing him of sexual battery. They’re also holding production responsible, alleging a hostile work environment, retaliation, and failure to prevent discrimination.
Bravo’s corporate entities — including NBCUniversal Media LLC, Bravo Media LLC, and Mountain View Productions LLC — had pushed to keep Grey bound to arbitration. That motion has officially been denied.
There’s another hearing scheduled for April 28, when defense attorneys will attempt to dismiss Samantha’s claims, arguing she can’t sue in California over incidents that allegedly occurred in Sardinia.
“Below Deck Sailing Yacht” is currently streaming on Peacock.
