Samantha Suarez, a former makeup artist, reportedly sued “Below Deck Sailing Yacht” star Gary King for sexual battery in relation to an incident that allegedly occurred in 2022.
Suarez claimed King attempted to pressure her into having sex with him when she was told to take some snacks to his hotel room, TMZ reported Tuesday. She reportedly claimed when she made her way to his room the reality star grabbed her and attempted to stop her from leaving. She also claimed he appeared to be in a drunken state, according to TMZ. Suarez alleged that King restrained her and she feared he was going to rape her.
Suarez claimed she attempted to fight King and that he blocked her from exiting by slamming the door shut with his full weight, according to TMZ.
Her legal filing went on to say another crew member from the show happened to call her cell phone at that moment and she hurriedly answered the call. Suarez claimed that King then let her go.
After the alleged attack, Suarez’ boyfriend and work colleague, Grey Duddleston, reported the incident, according to TMZ, citing accusations in the legal filings. Suarez claimed that Duddleston was investigated for “inappropriate use” of the walkie-talkie system, then she and Duddleston were both fired and put on a “do not hire” list. She claimed King was not fired, according to TMZ. (RELATED: ‘Dead In A Trunk’: Former Vibe Editor Danyel Smith Claims Diddy Threatened Her Over Dispute Over Magazine Cover)
Bravo was also named in her legal filing. Suarez is suing for sexual battery, hostile work environment, retaliation, wrongful termination, among other charges. It’s unclear how much she is seeking in damages as of Wednesday morning.
