Tzarina Mace-Ralph has been surrounded by drama all season, and her troubled relationships with her castmates appear to have continued even after filming wrapped. Tzarina made her debut in Below Deck Down Under season 2, where she wowed guests with her culinary skills but suffered from a lack of confidence. She returned for her second year with thicker skin, but she couldn’t shake the scars from her past. Tzarina’s history of being bullied made her extremely sensitive to feeling left out, particularly when it came to those with whom she thought she was close.

Tzarina’s main nemesis aboard the Katina was Chief Stew Lara Rigby. Lara and Tzarina had worked together previously, and it quickly emerged that their experiences weren’t always positive. The duo’s conflict dominated the second half of Below Deck Down Under season 3, with each facing allegations of being the instigator. Now, with yet another feud confirmed between Tzarina and a member of the crew, it’s looking like Tzarina won’t be escaping her reputation as a “mean girl” anytime soon.

Harry Confirmed Tzarina Blocked Him On Instagram

The Two Had Previously Been Close

During the May 19 episode of Watch What Happens Live, Deckhand Harry Van Vliet confirmed that he and Tzarina had a falling out after Below Deck Down Under season 3 ended. Harry said he had reached out to Tzarina with concern about her online commentary on the episodes, adding, “I didn’t like what I was seeing. I don’t bullying.” Although Harry had reached out to Tzarina “as a friend,” she retaliated by blocking him on Instagram. The two are no longer speaking.

Below Deck Down Under's Harry Van Vliet’s innocent, lovable persona makes his drama with Tzarina even more unexpected. The pair have worked together since Below Deck Down Under season 2, and they always appeared to have a strong relationship onscreen. Harry’s claims provide a very telling glimpse into the way Tzarina handles criticism. It’s disappointing that she reacted with anger rather than considering the well-intended guidance of a friend.

Tzarina Was Previously Feuding With Lara

The Chief Stew & Chef Clashed Nearly All Season

Harry’s comments only further bolstered Tzarina’s existing reputation as a villain, which started when her tiff with Lara escalated into a full-blown war. Tzarina disapproved of Lara’s closeness with Tzarina’s sous chef, Alesia Harris, and she felt excluded from their newfound bond. Tzarina responded by becoming possessive and defensive, balking at Lara’s suggestions and accusing the chief stew of overstepping. Tzarina even made hurtful allegations about Lara’s work ethic, which she itted she made up just to antagonize her.

Later in the season, Tzarina and Lara explained the complexity of their history together. While they were happy to reunite at the start of the season, it was clear there was underlying tension stemming from their past experience. Tzarina eventually revealed that on their last yacht, Lara had stolen her sous chef, which is why Lara’s closeness with Alesia was so triggering.

By the end of Below Deck Down Under season 3, Lara and Tzarina had made every effort to make amends. The roommates itted they were tired of fighting, and they established a truce. However, Lara continued to make comments calling Tzarina’s character into question, particularly relating to her loyalty in relationships. With Harry’s latest claims, it seems Lara may have been onto something.

Our Take On Tzarina’s Drama With Her Castmates

Her Defensive Attitude Makes Her An Unwitting Villain

Tzarina’s conflict with multiple crewmates suggests she’s the common denominator and even potentially the instigator of the drama. However, it doesn’t seem like she sets out to villainize her crewmates. Instead, Tzarina seems to be caught in a pattern of defensiveness, which likely stems from her painful experiences with bullying. She feels hurt and attacked by those around her, even when, like Harry, they are trying to help.

Tzarina is a talented chef who can at times be very entertaining and pleasant. However, her instinctive reaction to play the victim prevents her from working effectively with her teammates. Tzarina has inadvertently become the center of drama, and she shouldn’t return to Below Deck Down Under until she can receive and have conducive conversations without defaulting into defense mode.