Former Below Deck deckhand Emile Kotze sues NBCUniversal, alleging producers created a hostile work environment and manipulated a storyline for ratings.
- March 7, 2026
AceShowbiz - Emile Kotze, known for his appearance as a deckhand on season 3 of Below Deck in 2015, has filed a federal lawsuit against NBCUniversal and the show's producers alleging a hostile work environment marked by sexual harassment and manipulation.
According to the complaint filed in New York in October 2025, Emile Kotze claims the production team deliberately orchestrated situations to boost television ratings at his expense. He alleges producers pushed him into a "romantic entanglement" with fellow castmate Raquel "Rocky" Dakota, despite his expressed reluctance.
The amended lawsuit states that producers arranged for Emile Kotze and Raquel "Rocky" Dakota to work closely together, including scheduling night shifts where they were alone, to manufacture flirtatious interactions. Additionally, the complaint alleges that producers encouraged this behavior by providing alcohol and even coaching Emile Kotze on what to say, including a cheesy pickup line during filming.
Emile Kotze further accuses the defendants of defamatory editing practices after filming concluded, claiming they manipulated footage to portray him unfairly and damaged his reputation. The lawsuit also contends that NBCUniversal and producers continued to use his likeness commercially without consent and engaged in efforts to silence and discredit him when he sought legal recourse.
In seeking damages, Emile Kotze requests between $633 million and $850 million, including $123 million for lost future earnings due to the alleged destruction of his yachting career. He also demands no less than $10 million for emotional distress and proposes $500 million in punitive damages, citing NBCUniversal’s substantial financial resources.
The suit was initiated a decade after Emile Kotze's appearance on Below Deck, with the plaintiff citing "new evidence and recent developments" as reasons for the timing. His goal, as stated in the complaint, is to expose the truth, obtain justice, and establish legal consequences for exploitative conduct in reality television production.
NBCUniversal has declined to comment on the pending lawsuit.
Below Deck season 3 featured cast members including Emile Kotze, Raquel "Rocky" Dakota, Kate Chastain, Eddie Lucas, Captain Lee Rosbach, Amy Johnson, Leon Walker, and Connie Arias.
