Former 'Below Deck' Star Sues Network for $633M Over Alleged Harassment

Emile Kotze claims he faced a 'hostile work environment' and 'sexual harassment' during his time on the reality show.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Emile Kotze, a former cast member of the reality TV show 'Below Deck', has filed a $633 million lawsuit against NBCUniversal, the network that airs the show. Kotze alleges he was subjected to a 'hostile work environment rife with sexual harassment, manipulation, and dangerous conditions' during his time on the show in 2015. He claims the network failed to protect him from abuse, defamed him, and retaliated against him when he sought redress.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing issues of workplace harassment and misconduct in the entertainment industry, even on high-profile reality TV shows. It raises questions about the responsibility of networks to provide safe working environments for their talent and crew, as well as the challenges faced by individuals who come forward with allegations of abuse.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Kotze claims he was 'tricked' into participating in 'Below Deck' under the false pretense that it was a documentary about yachting life. He alleges the show's producers 'began steering' him into a 'romantic entanglement' with co-star Raquel 'Rocky' Dakota. Kotze also claims he was discriminated against for being from South Africa and that the show's editing portrayed him as 'misogynistic' and 'immature'. He alleges his yachting career was 'destroyed' and he has been 'effectively blacklisted' from the industry, resulting in an estimated $123 million in lost future earnings.

  • Kotze appeared on Season 3 of 'Below Deck' in 2015.
  • Kotze filed an initial complaint against NBCUniversal in June 2025.
  • Kotze filed an amended federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York in October 2025.

The players

Emile Kotze

A former cast member of the reality TV show 'Below Deck' who is suing NBCUniversal for $633 million over allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment during his time on the show in 2015.

Raquel 'Rocky' Dakota

Kotze's co-star on Season 3 of 'Below Deck', with whom he claims the show's producers 'began steering' him into a 'romantic entanglement'.

NBCUniversal

The network that airs the reality TV show 'Below Deck' and is being sued by Kotze for $633 million.

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What’s next

NBCUniversal has filed a motion to dismiss Kotze's lawsuit, arguing that the federal complaint was filed past the statute of limitations and that the First Amendment protects the network's content decisions.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing workplace harassment and misconduct, even in high-profile entertainment settings. It raises questions about the responsibility of networks to provide safe working environments and the difficulties faced by individuals who come forward with allegations of abuse.