Former 'Below Deck' star Emile Kotze has filed a federal lawsuit against NBCUniversal and the show’s producers, alleging a hostile work environment marked by sexual harassment, manipulation, and unsafe conditions. The lawsuit, filed in New York in October 2025, claims Kotze was coerced into a romantic entanglement with castmate Raquel “Rocky” Dakota despite his expressed reluctance. Kotze, who appeared on season 3 of the Bravo reality show in 2015, alleges producers orchestrated situations to push him into a relationship with Dakota. The amended complaint states that producers arranged for Kotze and Dakota to work together frequently and scheduled them alone on night shifts while cameras were rolling. One incident involved a producer instructing Kotze to use a specific, cheesy pickup line on Dakota during filming, a scenario he claims he would never have initiated on his own. The allegations extend beyond on-camera interactions. Kotze claims producers continued to pressure him after filming ended, editing footage to portray him in a false light and misusing his likeness for commercial gain without consent. He also accuses the defendants of engaging in a cover-up and retaliation campaign to silence him after he sought legal action. Kotze is seeking damages totaling between $633 million and $850 million, citing significant financial and emotional harm. The lawsuit estimates $123 million in lost future earnings due to the destruction of his yachting career and demands at least $10 million for emotional distress. Punitive damages are requested at $500 million, reflecting NBCUniversal’s alleged wealth. The lawsuit was filed a decade after Kotze’s appearance on the show, citing “new evidence and recent developments” as justification.#below_deck #nbcuniversal #emile_kotze #raquel_rocky_dakota #bravo
