The Controversial Tale of Below Deck Season 7

The Return of Familiar Faces

Below Deck season 7 made waves in the reality TV world, but not for the reasons its producers had hoped. The return of Captain Lee Rosbach and longtime former Below Deck chief stew Kate Chastain was met with anticipation and excitement. However, the season quickly took a turn for the worse as problematic behavior and conflicts took center stage.

Below Deck Season 7 cast members kate and captain lee on boat

Season 7 also saw the return of familiar faces such as deckhand Ashton Pienaar and the introduction of new crew members Tanner Sterback and Brian de Saint Pern. The stage was set for an eventful season, but no one could have predicted the tumultuous journey that lay ahead.

Culinary Clashes and Crew Conflicts

One of the most contentious aspects of Below Deck season 7 was the clash between Chief Stew Kate Chastain and Chef Kevin Dobson. Hopes of a harmonious working relationship quickly turned sour as Chef Kevin's culinary skills failed to impress, leading to tension and dissatisfaction among the crew and charter guests alike.

The friction extended beyond the galley, with Chef Kevin's behavior drawing criticism for its apparent misogyny. His treatment of the female crew members, including an incident where he kicked sand at Kate, and his ongoing conflicts with Kate, painted a troubling picture of the work environment on the yacht.

Meanwhile, deckhand Ashton Pienaar's behavior towards fellow crew member Rhylee Gerber added fuel to the fire. His drunken advances and the crew's treatment of Rhylee highlighted deeper issues of toxic masculinity and workplace hostility. The internal conflicts reached a boiling point, leading to a dramatic exit by Kate and a fractured crew dynamic.

The Aftermath and Future Voyages

The fallout from Below Deck season 7 reverberated long after the season concluded. Kate's decision to leave the yachting world and Below Deck behind signaled the end of an era, with the repercussions of the crew dynamics and controversies casting a shadow over future voyages.

As Below Deck season 11 looms on the horizon, viewers are left wondering how the show will navigate the aftermath of the turbulent season 7. With the promise of new adventures and challenges, the upcoming season holds the potential for redemption and renewal, offering a fresh start for the franchise.