Gary King should've been fired a long time ago on Below Deck Sailing Yacht, but I'm convinced his bad behavior won't be a focal point in the current season. The First Officer has been a key player in the Bravo spin-off for years, but he's also been a troublemaker. Gary's constant alcohol abuse led him to some sticky situations, including two different love triangles and a lack of consent in his hookup with Ashley Marti. While he's often competent at his job, he's not the best leader aboard the sailing yacht.

Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher seems to be on the verge of falling apart after her relationships eroded last season. I think Gary's going to get off easy this season and not be forced to atone for his actions.

There Were Rumors Gary Would Be Edited Out Of The Season

He Was Accused Of Sexual Misconduct

Rumors about Gary potentially being edited out of Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 surfaced after he was accused of sexual misconduct by a production team member in 2022. The accusations came from Samantha Suarez, a member of the makeup team, who alleged that Gary was drunk when she escorted him back from filming. According to Samantha, Gary tried to prevent her from leaving his hotel room, grabbing her, and making unwanted advances. While production was made aware of the situation, Bravo didn't adequately handle Gary's misconduct.

Samantha's claims were made public in the summer of 2023 after season 5 had already been filmed. Following the accusations, Gary was removed from BravoCon, but that's all production seemed to do. Instead of apologizing, Gary defended himself on social media, claiming the allegations were false and made up for attention. As Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 unfolds, it's clear that Gary wasn't edited out at all.

Gary Is Already On His Best Behavior

He And Daisy Had A Conversation

Gary is exhibiting signs of improvement in his behavior, showing he intends to make amends in Below Deck Sailing Yacht, especially in comparison to the drama of past seasons. I think he's trying to cover his tracks and understands his presence in the franchise is strained, so he's going to watch himself this season. His uncomfortable relationship with Daisy, which reached a breaking point during season 4 due to the love triangle, played a major role in the season's early dynamics.

Daisy and Gary were close friends before their relationship was complicated by a love triangle.

Despite Daisy's nerves about working with Gary again, their emotional confrontation in the premiere painted Gary in a decent light. During the discussion, Daisy broke down, expressing hurt over Gary ignoring her after her breakup with Colin. Gary itted that he had struggled to express himself and acknowledged his failure as a ive friend. Even this apology of sorts proves that Gary will continue to be on his best behavior throughout the season. I think he knows he's in trouble with fans and the franchise and can't keep dropping the ball.

Daisy Drama Seems Like The Center Of Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5

Gary's Troubles Will Take A Back Seat

Daisy's drama seems more likely to dominate Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 than Gary's past missteps. She's still struggling with unresolved feelings for Colin, who departed the show, and her changed friendship with Gary. Before they secretly hooked up, Daisy and Gary were good friends who worked well together on Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Now, Daisy is feeling alone and emotionally exhausted after the events of last season. Even amid the sexual misconduct allegations, Daisy stood up for Gary. She also had to deal with her sister's near-fatal accident in Thailand.

It's also in Bravo's best interest to focus more on Daisy's relationship drama than Gary's troubled past. They aren't innocent in his storyline on and off-screen as Bravo producers have continued to hire Gary for subsequent seasons. The sexual misconduct allegations are far from the first time Gary has committed fireable offenses on the show. His ineffective leadership contributed to Tom Pearson's anchor incident. His problematic drinking contributed to two love triangles and the situation with Ashley. I don't think Below Deck Sailing Yacht benefits from focusing on Gary's mistakes.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo and streams the next day on Peacock.