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Below Deck Med’s Kyle Puts ‘Straight’ Max on Blast for Using LGBTQIA+ Label on November 14, 2023 at 3:15 am Us Weekly

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Kyle Viljoen, Max Salvador Fred Jagueneau/Bravo(2)

Below Deck Mediterranean‘s Max Salvador landed himself in hot water after telling Kyle Viljoen he considers himself part of the LGBTQIA+ community despite being straight.

During the Monday, November 13, episode of the show, the crew was enjoying a rowdy night out before returning to the boat. Kyle and Max ended up discussing how Max kissed their now-former charter guest and whether there could be a future there.

“I am putting my entire season’s tip money that you and Leni will never work out,” Kyle told Max, who took the bet by shaking the stew’s hand. “You are 23, and she is a grown businesswoman.”

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Kyle, who is engaged to Dr. Zachary Riley, brought up the topic of sexuality when he added: “Don’t rub your f–king straight dick around here.” Max clarified that he is “LGBT plus S,” to which Kyle asked, “What is S?”

Related: Celebrity Coming Out Stories

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Take a look back at LGBT celebrities’ emotional, inspiring coming out stories from over the years — including Wentworth Miller, Ellen Page, Jodie Foster and more

When Max confirmed he meant he is “straight,” Kyle shut down the assumption that he’s part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“You guys have your ‘straight.’ You cannot include yourself in LGBT, you must be crazy,” Kyle, who is gay, noted. “Support your straightness and show your allyship for us. That’s it.”

Max, meanwhile, was clearly tipsy after drinking all night and seemed confused by Kyle’s remark. “Me? Of being all together? You don’t like that?” he asked.

Kyle stood by his initial reaction to Max’s comment, saying, “LGBTQIA+ does not include straight individuals. Not even allies are within our acronym. That’s our thing. I accept your allyship but I do not accept you saying you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

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According to Max, using the LGBTQIA+ label allowed him to join a welcoming group of people. “But bro, the goal of the world is to be accepted by everyone,” he pointed out to Kyle.

Related: Former ‘Below Deck Mediterranean’ Stars: Where Are They Now?

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Over the years, Bravo viewers have seen Below Deck Mediterranean cast members come and go — but not before they brought the drama to the small screen. The spinoff series, which premiered in 2016, seemingly found a permanent crew member in chief stew Hannah Ferrier. The Australia native appeared in five seasons of the hit […]

The conversation only got more tense when Kyle maintained that Max had no place in his space, adding, “You accept me but you cannot be part of my community. You’re not gay or bi.”

Natalya Scudder stepped in to explain Max’s point of view, which only made the situation worse. She asked Max whether he was interested in a threesome with another man and a woman and took his approval as a sign that he fits under the “bi-curious” label.

“A part of a community is being accepting of every community,” she said to Kyle, who fired back, “Not you. Take a backseat. It’s got nothing to do with you, it has to do with him.”

Earlier in the episode, Kyle started to question whether his friendship with Natalya was genuine. They were previously at odds while filming season 7 because Natalya felt she did more work than Kyle. Natalya and Kyle attempted to start fresh after joining the Mustique, but that quickly started to fall apart.

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Related: Below Deck Mediterranean’s Biggest Drama Through the Years

As soon as you step foot on a Below Deck Mediterranean charter yacht, you’re guaranteed one thing: a whole lot of drama. Throughout its five seasons, crew members like Captain Sandy Yawn, Hannah Ferrier, Malia White and more have been know to butt heads with each other — all with the purpose of delivering a […]

Kyle began to question whether Natalya was the reason the interior team wasn’t getting along. He pointed out Natalya’s feud with chief stew Tumi Mhlongo and how she seemingly made stew Jessika Asai question Kyle’s intentions.

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Natalya supporting Max’s ignorant stance only caused Kyle to get more frustrated with her.

“I will talk to you the way I want. You cannot control me. You will never control me,” he told Natalya. “I don’t need you to control everybody’s opinion. [Focus on your] own f–ked-up life before you f–k up on ours. She will throw you under the f–king bus.”

The insults shocked Natalya, who said that she’s “never been spoken to like that” in her life. Kyle, meanwhile, remained unbothered by his behavior, adding, “I don’t give a f–k about our friendship. Our friendship has never been real. You have been a fake-ass bitch talking s–t since day 1. Get away from me.”

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Related: Biggest ‘Below Deck’ Feuds — and Where the Relationships Stand Today

Rough seas! Viewers have had a front row seat to some of the biggest reality TV feuds since the Below Deck franchise debuted in 2013. The show’s spinoff series Below Deck Mediterranean shocked viewers when Hannah Ferrier and Captain Sandy Yawn‘s inability to see eye to eye turned into the most memorable firing to date. […]

Before the episode aired, Natalya revealed where she stands with Kyle after the dramatic season of Below Deck Med.

“He is the devil,” she exclusively told Us Weekly on November 3 at BravoCon in Las Vegas. “[It’s] annoying ’cause he set me and Tumi up [for] a very bad start of the season. Tumi and I are on a good page now. We do agree there was one person who definitely caused the drama, but we are good now.”

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Below Deck Mediterranean airs on Bravo Mondays at 9 p.m. ET.

Below Deck Mediterranean‘s Max Salvador landed himself in hot water after telling Kyle Viljoen he considers himself part of the LGBTQIA+ community despite being straight. During the Monday, November 13, episode of the show, the crew was enjoying a rowdy night out before returning to the boat. Kyle and Max ended up discussing how Max 

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Entertainment

Is the Dream of Professional Filmmaking Dead?

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The film industry, once a beacon of creative opportunity and stable careers, is facing an unprecedented crisis. From Hollywood’s production decline to the vanishing “middle class” of filmmakers, professionals and aspiring creatives alike are asking: Is it still possible to make a living in film in 2025 and beyond?

The Hollywood Downturn: By the Numbers

Recent reports from major outlets like the LA Times and Film LA reveal a stark reality: filming in the greater Los Angeles area dropped by 22% in the first quarter of this year, with total shoot days down nearly 25%. This isn’t just a local issue—Hollywood’s struggles are a warning sign for the global industry.

Why Is This Happening?

1. The Streaming Algorithm Trap

The rise of streaming platforms has fundamentally changed how content is produced and consumed. Tech-driven companies like Netflix use vast amounts of viewer data to determine what gets made, leading to a glut of similar content—true crime, celebrity docs, and reality shows—at the expense of originality. While this approach maximizes short-term profits, it stifles creative risk-taking and makes it harder for new, innovative projects to get greenlit.

2. Economic Pressures and Runaway Costs

Shooting in California has become prohibitively expensive, with permits and labor costs driving productions overseas to cheaper locations like Hungary and Ireland. Even with recent tariffs aimed at protecting domestic filmmaking, the economics remain challenging for all but the biggest studios.

3. The Disappearance of the Filmmaking Middle Class

Perhaps the most devastating trend is the erosion of the “middle class” in filmmaking—those who built steady careers on commercials, network TV, and mid-budget features. As budgets shrink and studios play it safe, these jobs are vanishing, leaving only high-end blockbusters and low-budget, scrappy productions.

Adapting to the New Reality

Despite the doom and gloom, the demand for high-quality visual content is stronger than ever—just not in the traditional places. The future belongs to those who can pivot:

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  • High-End Specialists: Those who break into the world of big-budget productions for streamers and studios.
  • Nimble Creators: Filmmakers who can deliver top-tier work with small teams and modest budgets, often for commercial clients or digital platforms.

Case Study: Thriving Outside the Middle

One professional filmmaker recounts how, after years of working on high-profile documentaries for Netflix and HBO, he shifted focus to smaller, more agile projects for commercial clients like CoinbaseDespite smaller crews and less gear, these jobs proved more profitable than many traditional gigs, demonstrating that adaptability and reputation can open new doors—even in a shrinking market.

The Path Forward: Practical Advice

  • Embrace Change: The industry will not return to its old ways. Flexibility and a willingness to pivot are essential.
  • Build a Reputation: High-end skills and a strong portfolio can attract both premium and commercial clients.
  • Leverage New Opportunities: Online education, branded content, and direct-to-consumer platforms offer alternative paths to success.

Conclusion

The dream of professional filmmaking isn’t dead—but it has evolved. The middle ground may be disappearing, but opportunities abound for those willing to adapt, learn new skills, and straddle both the high and low ends of the market. The industry’s future belongs to the flexible, the creative, and the entrepreneurial.

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Tyler Perry Hit with Sexual Harassment Allegations in $260 Million Lawsuit

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Overview

Tyler Perry, the acclaimed filmmaker and media mogul, is facing a $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s BET series “The Oval” and “Ruthless“. The lawsuit, filed in June 2025 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges a pattern of sexual harassment, assault, and professional retaliation spanning several years.

Key Allegations

  • Plaintiff: Derek Dixon, actor on “The Oval” and “Ruthless”.
  • Defendant: Tyler Perry.
  • Claims: Sexual harassment, sexual assault, hostile work environment, quid pro quo harassment, and retaliation.
  • Damages Sought: $260 million in punitive damages.
  • Timeline: Alleged incidents occurred from 2019 through 2024.

Details from the Lawsuit

Perry’s Response

Timeline of Key Events

YearEvent Description
2019Dixon meets Perry at a studio event; receives acting opportunity
2020Alleged first assault at Perry’s home in Georgia
2021Further alleged incidents, including at Perry’s private island
2023Dixon moves to California, claims continued harassment and promises of a show
2024Dixon files complaint with the EEOC and resigns from “The Oval”
June 2025Lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court

Media Coverage

Summary

Tyler Perry is currently embroiled in a high-profile legal battle over allegations of sexual harassment and assault brought by actor Derek Dixon. The case centers on claims of abuse of power, coercion, and retaliation, with Perry strongly denying all accusations and vowing to contest the lawsuit vigorously.

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Is the Film Industry Dying? The Truth About Filmmaking in 2025

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Bolanle Media Press Room

The film industry stands at a crossroads in 2025, facing rapid technological changes, economic uncertainty, and evolving audience habits. While some professionals fear for the future, others see opportunity in the turbulence. Bolanle Media Press Room explores the reality behind the headlines, drawing on candid conversations with working filmmakers, directors, and crew members.

The State of the Industry

Unpredictable Work and Shrinking Budgets

Industry professionals report a landscape marked by inconsistency1. Many crew members and directors experience long periods without work, followed by intense bursts of activity. Budgets have tightened, leading to more unpaid hours and increased pressure on freelancers and production companies.

  • Survey data: 78% of UK-based long-form directors say their income is unstable, working on average just 27 weeks per year. Over half report working 60-hour weeks or more, often with no corresponding increase in pay.
  • Freelancer experience: The pandemic boom led to a surplus of crew, but as demand normalized, many found themselves surplus to requirements, with work becoming “consistently inconsistent”.

The Impact of Technology and Social Media

The rise of AI and social media has fundamentally changed how films and advertising content are produced and consumed. Brands now often opt for influencer-driven campaigns over traditional big-budget productions, shifting opportunities and budgets away from established production pipelines.

  • Social media as a storefront: Many filmmakers report that their biggest projects now come through platforms like Instagram, with viral content leading to unexpected job offers.
  • Changing advertising: Companies are increasingly turning to user-generated content and influencer marketing, which requires fewer resources and less traditional crew.

Adaptation and Opportunity

Diversification is Key

Those thriving in the current climate are often those who have diversified their skills and roles1. The advice to “niche down” is less relevant, as industry professionals find success by working across multiple sectors and job functions.

  • Multi-hyphenate professionals: Many successful filmmakers now direct, produce, edit, and even run their own production companies, adapting to whatever opportunities arise.
  • Continuous outreach: Early-career professionals spend significant time each day networking and reaching out to potential clients, often landing work through persistence and visibility.

The Role of Passion and Resilience

Despite the challenges, many in the industry remain optimistic. Passion for storytelling and adaptability are cited as crucial for survival and success.

  • Emotional resilience: The unpredictability of freelance work is emotionally taxing, but professionals stress the importance of staying flexible and remembering why they entered the industry in the first place.
  • No single path: There is no longer a guaranteed progression or perfect plan. The industry rewards those who are willing to evolve, learn new tools, and build strong relationships.

Conclusion

The film industry is not dying—it is transforming. While shrinking budgets, new technologies, and changing workflows create discomfort and unpredictability, they also bring new opportunities for those willing to adapt. The need for compelling stories and passionate storytellers remains unchanged, ensuring a future for those who embrace change and stay curious.


For more insights and interviews with industry professionals, follow Bolanle Media Press Room for the latest updates on the evolving world of filmmaking.

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