Below Deck Sailing Yacht alumnus Gary King, who serves as First Officer, has publicly acknowledged his struggles with alcohol. This raises the question: Is he still drinking amid the various controversies that have surrounded him? Initially introduced in season 2, Gary continues to make his mark on the reality show, now in its fifth season. He shares the screen with familiar faces like Captain Glenn Shephard, Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher, and Deckhand Chase Lemacks, along with newcomers Diana Cruz, Danni Warren, Keith Allen, David Morosi, and Chef Cloyce Martin.
In the ongoing season, conflicts have already arisen, including a notable incident resulting in the dismissal of Deckhand Emma Crouch, which was influenced by Gary. Chase stepped in to fill her position. While the current season boasts a solid track record of guest service and satisfaction, it has also been marked by intense moments, largely driven by Gary’s involvement, particularly around themes of romantic entanglements and mishaps onboard. Despite acknowledging his problem, Gary has continued to drink throughout the season but insists he is ready to change.
A Look at Gary’s BDSY Journey
Controversies Surrounding Gary
Throughout his tenure on Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Gary has often been at the center of drama and unrest. His persona is frequently that of a playboy and womanizer, characterized by behaviors that some deem selfish and irresponsible. His actions have frequently disrespected both his fellow crew members and the sanctity of the yacht, without any apparent consideration for amending his contentious reputation.
Gary has a history of engaging in chaotic boatmances, alongside his career progression from Bosun to First Officer over the last two seasons. He expresses aspirations of becoming a captain, viewing himself as a strong leader, despite receiving critiques from subordinates who label him as unprofessional and ineffective in leadership roles.
This season alone, Gary’s intoxication led to reckless behavior, including throwing a lollipop at Davide, resulting in a cut that bled onto the guest couch. His lack of accountability was evident when he failed to clean the mess, further compounding the negative impressions he has left on the crew. While Gary has had disputes with numerous cast members, he maintains a cordial relationship with Captain Glenn, who continues to support him.
Off-camera, serious allegations arose in Summer 2022 from a makeup artist who accused Gary of inappropriate actions during filming for season 2. She claimed he drunkenly attempted to prevent her from leaving his hotel room and behaved inappropriately. Bravo acknowledged these allegations, conducted an investigation, and as a consequence, Gary was barred from attending BravoCon 2023, though he remains part of the series.
Gary’s Admission of a Drinking Problem
Gary’s Struggle with Alcohol
Following the embarrassing incident involving blood on the couch, Gary continued to drink during crew days off. Yet, after the recent charter, he chose not to join his teammates in drinking champagne, expressing his intent to abstain for the rest of the season.
“Every time I drink, I seem to offend people, and that’s just not what I want to do. I think I am very different when I drink, and I don’t think alcohol is my friend. I do it as an escape, I guess. Maybe I do it because everyone else is drinking and I don’t want to feel left out.”
Daisy, during her interview, expressed skepticism about Gary’s ability to stay sober for even one night, doubting his commitment to change.
Upon further reflection, Gary stated, “I need to take some time off and reflect where I want to move forward with my life, and whether I’m going to let alcohol control my life like it has been for the last 14 years.”
Throughout his journey on Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Gary’s behavior while drinking has revealed a troubling pattern; he often disregards others’ feelings, engages in excessive flirtation, and displays irresponsibility. Although he has begun to address these issues, they have undeniably impacted his life significantly.
Is Gary Still Drinking?
A New Narrative on Instagram
Recently, Gary has been actively sharing his journey on Instagram, documenting a new boat crossing from South Africa to Spain. His posts focus on tea-drinking, leisurely activities, and his passion for life at sea. This suggests that he might be attempting to reshape his image as he navigates his struggle with alcohol.
While it remains to be seen if Gary has maintained his sobriety, he appears to be crafting a narrative that aligns with a healthier lifestyle.
Future Prospects in BDSY
Narrative Control by Below Deck
Despite past scandals, it appears that Bravo remains protective of Gary’s image, often portraying him in a more favorable light in the series. Hence, whether Gary continues to drink or not, it’s likely that he will remain a fixture on Below Deck Sailing Yacht. However, his aspirations to become a captain will face hurdles if his drinking habits persist. Conversely, should he achieve sobriety, Gary may very well pave his way to a successful captaincy in the Below Deck franchise, given his ability to captivate audiences with his dramatic presence.
Don’t miss new episodes of Below Deck Sailing Yacht every Monday at 9 p.m. EST on Bravo.
Source: Bravo/YouTube, Gary King/Instagram
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