Trigger Warning: This article contains a discussion of domestic violence.
Ben Willoughby is questioning how Bravo chooses the people it puts in front of the Below Deck cameras. The former yachtie says recent developments involving Nathan Gallagher have left him concerned about the franchise’s casting process.
Ben Willoughby speaks out about ‘Below Deck’ casting amid Nathan Gallagher drama
Ben Willoughby shared his concerns in an Instagram reel as the Nathan Gallagher situation continues to unfold. Willoughby said he feels “disheartened” by what Below Deck has become. In particular, he questioned why the franchise continues giving certain cast members such a large platform.
Instead, Willoughby wants casting to focus more on people who genuinely work in yachting. He argued that the show has increasingly attracted people focused on becoming influencers or reality stars.
“I’m struggling to understand why a network would put these characters in the spotlight,” Willoughby said. He also questioned the effectiveness of the psychological evaluations that cast members undergo.
The comments come amid serious legal developments involving Gallagher. NSW Police confirmed that Nathan Gallagher is wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant.
Gallagher failed to appear at Burwood Local Court on Sept. 1. A judge subsequently convicted him in his absence on three charges stemming from a domestic violence case. The court then issued an arrest warrant.
Police believe Gallagher is currently offshore. Authorities have asked anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the police rather than approach him.
The latest Below Deck drama has also renewed questions about how Bravo handles cast controversies. Even before the warrant, viewers had questioned whether the network should address the claims surrounding Gallagher.
Meanwhile, Willoughby knows firsthand how strongly viewers can react to Below Deck personalities. His own Season 11 run generated plenty of criticism, including his fallout with Captain Kerry.
Still, his latest message focuses on a wider issue. Willoughby believes Bravo needs to reconsider what it values when selecting future Below Deck cast members.
