Former Below Deck star Hugo Ortega has come forward with harrowing revelations about the dark underbelly of the superyacht industry, where women are allegedly treated as "toys" and violent incidents are routinely swept under the rug.
Ortega, who worked as a crew member on luxury yachts, claims that sexual assault and violence against female staff—particularly stewardesses—are shockingly common. "There's rape, there's violence, and it's all covered up," he revealed in a candid interview.
The Hidden Dangers of Yacht Life
According to Ortega, the Bahamas—a hotspot for superyachts—has become a breeding ground for abuse, with many incidents going unreported due to fear of retaliation or job loss. "Women are seen as disposable entertainment," he said. "They're treated like toys, and when something happens, the industry protects itself, not the victims."
A Culture of Silence
Ortega alleges that many crew members, especially those in lower-ranking positions, are pressured into staying silent about misconduct. "If you speak up, you're blacklisted," he explained. "No one wants to hire a troublemaker, even if that 'trouble' is just demanding basic respect."
His claims follow the high-profile murder of a superyacht crew member in the Bahamas earlier this year, which Ortega says highlights the dangers faced by workers in the industry.
Calls for Accountability
Ortega is now urging for stricter regulations and better protections for yacht crew, particularly women. "This isn't just about one bad apple—it's a systemic issue," he said. "Until the industry changes, more people will suffer."
The revelations have sparked outrage among fans of Below Deck, with many calling for Bravo and production companies to address the issue head-on.
