‘Below Deck’ Star Files $633M Lawsuit Against NBCUniversal for Alleged Sexual Harassment
Emile Kotze, known for his stint on “Below Deck,” has launched a staggering $633 million lawsuit against NBCUniversal, alleging a toxic atmosphere filled with sexual harassment while filming the reality series.
The 34-year-old filed an amended federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York in October 2025, following an initial complaint submitted in June of the same year. Court documents reveal that Kotze's claims stem from his experiences during Season 3, which aired in 2015.
In his amended filing, Kotze describes a “hostile work environment rife with sexual harassment, manipulation, and dangerous conditions.” He asserts that NBCUniversal neglected to safeguard him from mistreatment, defamed him, and misappropriated his likeness. Furthermore, he alleges the network engaged in a “cover-up and retaliation campaign” aimed at silencing him when he sought justice.
Additionally, Kotze contends that he was misled into joining the Bravo series under the guise of a documentary about yachting life. He claims producers manipulated him into a “romantic entanglement” with co-star Raquel “Rocky” Dakota.
His lawsuit also highlights discrimination based on his South African background, asserting that the editing of Season 3 misrepresented him as “misogynistic” and “immature.” The fallout from this portrayal has allegedly obliterated his once-promising yachting career, leading to an estimated $123 million in lost future earnings.
Kotze cites significant out-of-pocket medical expenses for treatment related to trauma and ongoing emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression attributed to NBCUniversal’s alleged actions. He is pursuing $633 million in damages: $123 million for lost income, $500 million in punitive damages, and $10 million in compensatory damages.
Reports indicate that NBCUniversal responded by filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit in November 2025, arguing that the complaint was filed well beyond the statute of limitations since it came a decade after Season 3 aired. The network also invoked the First Amendment, asserting that it protects their right to free speech and expression.
