The sexual battery lawsuit involving Below Deck Sailing Yacht star Gary King has reached a conditional settlement, according to legal documents obtained by TMZ.
The case was brought by makeup artist Samantha Suarez, who accused King, Bravo, and NBC of misconduct connected to an alleged incident during production. The settlement does not mean the case has already been formally dismissed.
Lawsuit Could Be Dismissed by January 2027
The parties have 45 days to fulfil the settlement conditions. Their legal teams are expected to file a request for dismissal no later than January 15, 2027.
Suarez previously alleged that King pressured her to have sex with him before allegedly grabbing and restraining her while preventing her from leaving a room. She claimed he released her after another employee called her.
The makeup artist also alleged that she and her boyfriend, Grey Duddleston, lost their jobs after reporting the incident and were placed on a do-not-hire list.
Her lawsuit included claims of sexual battery, hostile work environment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. The reported settlement marks a significant development, although the agreed conditions must still be completed before the case can be formally dismissed.
