A lawsuit against Bravo, NBCUniversal, and reality TV personality Gary King has reportedly been settled over four years after makeup artist Samantha Suarez accused King of sexually assaulting her while he was intoxicated in Italy.

Samantha filed the lawsuit in 2022, claiming that King pressured her to have sex with him during production of Below Deck Sailing Yacht's fourth season. She also alleged that King drunkenly restrained her and grabbed her, releasing her only after she answered a phone call from a different employee. According to the lawsuit, King's actions created a hostile work environment, resulting in her termination and placement on a "do not hire" list alongside her boyfriend, Grey Huddleston.

## The Case Against Gary King

The lawsuit claimed that King's behavior was not only a personal assault but also a reflection of the network's tolerance for similar behavior among its stars. This sentiment was echoed by former Bravo star Brandi Glanville, who reacted to the allegations on social media last year. "Bravo treats their male talent differently," she stated. "They knew about these allegations long ago and they still hired him back as well as knowing about James Kennedy, and still employing him." James Kennedy was arrested in December 2024 on suspicion of domestic violence, although the charges were later dropped.

## Consequences of the Settlement

According to case documents, both parties agreed to a conditional settlement, which will dismiss the lawsuit if certain conditions are met within the next 45 days. The terms of the settlement remain confidential, but the agreement is seen as a significant victory for Samantha and her team, who sought punitive and compensatory damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and reputational harm. They also pushed for accountability from the production companies for fostering a hostile work environment and failing to prevent harassment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

### Q: What led to the lawsuit being filed? A: Makeup artist Samantha Suarez filed the lawsuit after accusing Gary King of pressuring her to have sex with him in 2022.

### Q: What specific claims did Samantha make against King and the network? A: Samantha alleged that King created a hostile work environment through his behavior, leading to her termination and placement on a "do not hire" list alongside her boyfriend, Grey Huddleston.

### Q: How did other reality TV personalities react to the allegations? A: Former Bravo star Brandi Glanville publicly criticized the network's handling of the situation, stating that they treat their male talent differently and prioritize their careers over victim support.

### Q: What are the implications of the settlement for the reality TV industry? A: The settlement highlights the need for networks like Bravo to take proactive measures to prevent and address workplace harassment, ensuring a safer working environment for all employees involved in productions.