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
"Below Deck" Alum Sues Network for $633M Over Alleged Sexual Harassment A former cast member of the reality TV show "Below Deck" has filed an amended federal lawsuit against NBCUniversal, alleging sexual harassment and seeking $633 million in damages. Emile Kotze, 34, claims he was subjected to a hostile work environment during his time on the show, which aired in 2015. According to court documents obtained by Page Six, Kotze alleges the network’s producers created a “romantic entanglement” between him and co-star Raquel “Rocky” Dakota, while also exposing him to “sexual harassment, manipulation, and dangerous conditions.” Kotze’s lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York in October 2025, accuses NBCUniversal of failing to protect him from abuse, defaming him, and misappropriating his likeness. He also alleges the network engaged in a “cover-up and retaliation campaign” to silence him after he sought legal redress. The lawsuit further claims that Season 3 of the show was edited to falsely portray Kotze as “misogynistic” and “immature,” damaging his reputation. The former yachting professional asserts that his career was “destroyed” by the network’s actions, resulting in an estimated $123 million in lost future earnings. He also seeks compensation for medical and psychological treatment costs, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as $10 million in compensatory damages. NBCUniversal has responded by filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the claims are barred by the statute of limitations since the complaint was filed 10 years after the show’s original airing. The network also cited the First Amendment, stating that the government cannot dictate what content is published or spoken. A representative for NBCUniversal did not immediately comment on the matter.#below_deck #nbcuniversal #emile_kotze #raquel_rocky_dakota #season_3
