Tension Mounts within Below Deck's Interior Team as Kyle Viljoen Clashes with Jessika and Nat
Below Deck Mediterranean's Kyle Viljoen sparks intense clashes with Jessika Asai and Natalya Scudder, pushing the interior team to their breaking point in season 8
Bravo (3)
Kyle Viljoen‘s time on Below Deck Mediterranean got more complicated after a fight with Jessika Asai — and that’s just the beginning.
In a recent episode of the popular Bravo series, Kyle attempted to persuade Jessika to prioritize service over laundry. Expressing his concerns about his own lack of energy and fatigue, Kyle emphasized Jessika's prior experience as a second stew and urged her to participate in service as well.
During a conversation with Tumi Mhlongo, Kyle, the current second stew, suggested that Jessika should assume additional responsibilities. Kyle expressed his dislike for all-girl charter guest groups, explaining that their behavior tends to be perceived as cute and strange by others. He admitted that he does not feel prepared to handle the demands of providing service and expressed his intention to focus on housekeeping instead, offering to take over Jessika's tasks.
The chief stew, though, disagreed with the suggestion and expressed to the cameras, "Kyle is more experienced in service and considering the unpredictable nature of these guests and their demands, I require Kyle's enthusiasm for this charter. He can attempt to evade his responsibilities, but he will not succeed."
Later on in the episode, tensions escalated when Kyle mentioned in a team gathering that it was "Tumi's decision" whether Jessika could take charge of service. Tumi chuckled at Kyle's attempt to switch roles, which Jessika misinterpreted as a slight towards her abilities as a stew.
Tumi expressed frustration with Kyle, describing him as being manipulative in trying to get out of service in front of Jess. Their recent conversation about Kyle being on service during this charter contradicts his actions. Tumi found it bothersome and sarcastically suggested that Kyle should try his tactics again next week. When Jessika directly approached Tumi about any doubts regarding her hard work, they resolved the misunderstanding. However, when Tumi mentioned Jessika's comments to Kyle, he was unhappy about being caught in the middle.
"So, she's attempting to reverse the situation? I've done everything for this girl, and she just completely dominated me. To Tumi, my chief stew. How dare you?" Kyle expressed to the cameras. "I don't have any friends. I don't trust a single damn person on this boat."
The episode concluded with Kyle and Jessika engaging in a heated confrontation.
"You know what's frustrating? I was there to support you. It really hurts that you said I made you feel insignificant. It's incredibly disappointing, man. I was the only one advocating for you to be in service," he expressed to Jessika. "Why do you think this is affecting me so much? Why would you secretly go to Tumi and disclose that?"
Kyle became emotional as he recalled how he had placed his trust in Jessika. At the same time, Tumi found herself in conflict with Natalya Scudder after confiding in Kyle that she wouldn't mind if the third stew left due to issues with her boyfriend.
"Tumi reassured Natalya that she would never want someone facing difficulties at home to remain on the boat. She emphasized that a refresh button does not imply a need for friendship, as they were merely colleagues in a professional setting."
Tumi further stated, "While I acknowledge the validity of her emotions, it is her choice of words that infuriates me."
Natalya questioned why Tumi was still discussing her privately. She stated, "I have fulfilled my responsibilities and we have been getting along. However, there have been small comments made that seem to imply negativity." Natalya added, "It seems that you are not an effective leader."
In a preview for the upcoming episode, Jessika and Kyle are shown in tears at separate moments during the charter. Tumi, speaking to the cameras, remarks, "Everyone is reaching their limit. The situation could potentially escalate further." This is followed by a confrontation between Kyle and Natalya.
Natalya expresses surprise at Kyle's disrespectful language towards her, stating that she is one of his friends. She firmly tells him that she has never been spoken to in such a manner before and finds it hard to believe that he would say such things.
Kyle remains unfazed by his response and even flashes a smile as Natalya departs, remarking, "I couldn't care less. You've been a phony, gossiping behind my back from the very beginning. Stay clear of me."
Catch Below Deck Mediterranean on Bravo every Monday at 9 p.m. ET.
