Entertainment

Below Deck’s Gabriela Felt ‘Triggered’ by ‘Down Under’ Consent Scandal on August 12, 2023 at 9:01 pm Us Weekly

Published

1 year ago

August 13, 2023

Gabriela Barragán recently watched the Below Deck Down Under episode that chronicled Luke Jones and Laura Bileskalne’s firings — and was shocked by their behavior.

“My jaw was on the floor. I wish Bravo put a trigger warning at the beginning of the episode,” the Below Deck Sailing Yacht alum, 34, exclusively told Us Weekly on Friday, August 11. “I’m really impressed by producers stepping in [and] the decision to air it as it happened. And Aesha [Scott] and Captain Jason [Chambers] were amazing.”

Gabriela added: “It’s the perfect example of what would happen in a real setting on a yacht on or off the show. Sexual assault in the maritime industry happens all the time.”

During the Monday, August 7, episode of Below Deck Down Under, Luke, 35, climbed naked into passed-out colleague Margot Sisson’s bed when the boat’s power went out. Producers immediately stepped in after Luke tried to make a move on Margot before Jason, 50, sent him to a hotel. The ship’s captain fired Luke the next day.

Laura, 31, subsequently defended Luke’s actions, which drew criticism from Aesha, 31. The chief stew then told Jason that Laura lacked boundaries with fellow costar Adam Kodra. Adam, 34, confirmed that he felt uncomfortable around Laura, and Jason fired her as well. (Laura has since issued a public apology to both Margot and Adam.)

“It’s hard to feel safe in some environments because of hierarchy. Sometimes people in high ranking positions … there are times when you can be sexually harassed by a superior and there’s no one to go to because of the chain of command and it’s awful,” Gabriela — who appeared on Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 3 — told Us. “And Aesha has had experience, and she could see the red flags and pick up on behavior earlier in the night. I think she had a bad feeling and it seemed she followed her instincts and did the right thing swiftly.”

Gabriela Barragán Courtesy of Gabriela Barragán/Instagram

Gabriela also praised how quickly Jason and the producers stepped in to foster a safe working environment. “There’s zero tolerance and if people are uncomfortable in such small living quarters [where] you don’t feel safe, it needs to be taken care of immediately,” she added. “It doesn’t always happen. … I’m happy that Margot is OK and that most of the crew on board were supportive.”

Gabriela noted that she found the way Laura spoke to Margot about the incident to be “very shocking,” insensitive and disrespectful. “Personally, I thought it was scary because she was shaming the victim to her face when no one else was around,” the Bravo alum, who currently works in yachting in California, told Us. “Margot is still trying to put the pieces together of what happened and have a colleague who is downplaying and minimizing and invalidating it and a woman on top of it.”

Gabriela — who has since reached out to Margot, 28, via social media — felt “really proud” of the whole Down Under team and the producers for how they handled the situation. “It was really touching, it was [a] beautiful episode at the end showing the camaraderie and the way they treated Margot,” Gabriela explained. “It was a rollercoaster of emotions in that episode. It was rage and being triggered and then feeling good somehow. There are good people out there.”

Gabriela was pleased to see Bravo and Jason’s crew handle the scandal with care, and the same happened during her season with producers. “I did end up quitting the show because I didn’t feel supported and not emotionally safe,” she told Us, but she claimed that her producers frequently “broke the fourth wall” and stepped into on-camera drama, alleging that they “had a hard time deciphering what was consent and what wasn’t, especially when alcohol was involved.”

She added, “And it wasn’t just the bed jumping thing [during my season]. It was the fighting, the arguments people were getting into when we were drunk. It was having a mental breakdown, crying hysterically. They did step in and say ‘Hey, cut it out, go to bed, bye.’

She continued: “I was told that by a producer that they had to decide when to draw the line to protect everybody in a situation. They don’t want break the fourth wall. They want to watch everything play out, but they also have their own ethical code that they have to follow and I’m grateful for that. …. They have to protect the network, they have to protect themselves and they have to protect us.”

With reporting by Andrea Simpson

Gabriela Barragán recently watched the Below Deck Down Under episode that chronicled Luke Jones and Laura Bileskalne’s firings — and was shocked by their behavior. “My jaw was on the floor. I wish Bravo put a trigger warning at the beginning of the episode,” the Below Deck Sailing Yacht alum, 34, exclusively told Us Weekly

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Entertainment

Kim Breaks Her Silence After Kanye’s Controversial Grammys

Published

1 day ago

February 6, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Two days after Kanye West and Bianca Censori’s headline-grabbing appearance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, Kim Kardashian has subtly responded by focusing on her family and meaningful causes. The reality TV star and entrepreneur took to Instagram to share her experience at the @15PercentPledge Annual Gala, effectively ignoring her ex-husband’s controversial antics.

Kardashian, 44, made a fashion statement of her own in a black, backless, full-length dress, presenting a stark contrast to Censori’s revealing Grammy outfit. In her post, she highlighted the organization’s support for Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, demonstrating her commitment to important social causes.

While Kardashian didn’t directly address the Grammy incident, her actions spoke volumes. On the day of the awards show, she chose to spend quality time with her children. She took her 11-year-old daughter North to see the stage production of “Wicked” at the Hollywood Pantages Theater and later went to the movies with her 9-year-old son Saint. This deliberate focus on her family suggests Kardashian’s priority is shielding her children from the ongoing controversy surrounding their father.

Sources close to Kardashian reveal that she is “disgusted and alarmed” by West’s recent behavior, particularly concerning its potential impact on their children. The mother of four is reportedly worried about the example being set for North, who “idolizes her dad,” and is concerned about potential comments from their son Saint’s friends[3].

Kardashian’s approach to co-parenting amid the controversy has been cautious and protective. She has reportedly set strict rules for Censori’s interactions with her children, including bans on nudity and limitations on social media access. These guidelines aim to maintain consistency in the children’s routines and upbringing, regardless of which parent they are with.

As the situation continues to unfold, Kardashian remains focused on her children’s best interests, navigating the challenges of co-parenting in the public eye with grace and determination. Her recent actions serve as a testament to her commitment to her family, even in the face of ongoing controversy and media scrutiny.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Entertainment

Biden Signs with Top Talent Agency CAA

Published

2 days ago

February 5, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Former President Joe Biden has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a major Hollywood talent agency, just two weeks after leaving the White House. This move marks a reunion for Biden with CAA, which previously represented him from 2017 to 2020.

Key Details

CAA co-chairman Richard Lovett praised Biden, calling him “one of America’s most respected and influential voices in national and global affairs”. Lovett also highlighted Biden’s “lifelong commitment to public service” as one of “unity, optimism, dignity, and possibility”.

During his previous stint with CAA, Biden achieved several notable accomplishments:

Published his memoir “Promise Me, Dad,” which became a New York Times bestseller
Launched the “American Promise” book tour, selling over 85,000 tickets nationwide
The book tour is believed to have inspired his eventual run for the presidency

Potential Opportunities

At 82 years old, Biden has kept a relatively low profile regarding his post-presidency plans. However, his signing with CAA suggests he may be exploring various opportunities, such as:

Public speaking engagements
Writing projects
Media appearances

CAA’s Star-Studded Roster

CAA represents a wide range of high-profile clients, including:

Hollywood actors like Meryl Streep
Lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart
Sports stars such as Shohei Ohtani

Notably, CAA also represents former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground.

Looking Ahead

While Biden’s specific plans remain unclear, he has previously stated, “I’m not going to be out of sight or out of mind”. His partnership with CAA may provide a platform for him to continue influencing national and global affairs, as well as sharing his experiences and insights from his long career in public service.

As Biden joins the ranks of former presidents exploring post-White House opportunities, his association with CAA positions him to potentially engage in various projects that could shape his legacy and contribute to public discourse on important issues.

Entertainment

What Film Producers Really Do

Published

2 days ago

February 5, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

When the credits roll and audiences marvel at a spectacular film, few realize the incredible journey that brought that story to life. At the heart of this journey is the film producer – a professional who is part creative visionary, part business strategist, and entirely passionate about storytelling.

Film producers are essentially the architects of cinema, transforming a simple idea into a fully realized motion picture. Their work begins long before actors step in front of cameras, starting with discovering compelling stories and securing the rights to bring them to screen. Imagine a producer as a talent scout with an incredible eye for potential, constantly searching for narratives that could captivate global audiences.

The producer’s role is remarkably complex and multifaceted. They’re responsible for assembling the creative team, which means finding the perfect director, negotiating with screenwriters, and making critical casting decisions. But their job isn’t just about creative choices – they’re also financial strategists who must secure funding, manage budgets, and ensure the project remains economically viable.

During actual film production, producers become problem-solvers extraordinaire. They navigate countless challenges, from unexpected location issues to creative disagreements, always keeping the project moving forward. They’re the bridge between artistic vision and practical execution, making sure the director’s creative goals align with financial realities.

Post-production is another critical phase where producers shine. They oversee editing, potentially request additional scenes, and prepare the film for distribution. Their networking skills become crucial as they negotiate with studios, potential distributors, and international markets to ensure the film reaches its intended audience.

What makes a great producer isn’t just technical skill, but a unique blend of creativity, business acumen, and relentless passion. They must understand storytelling deeply while simultaneously managing complex logistical and financial challenges. It’s a role that requires intuition, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to bringing remarkable stories to life.

While actors and directors often receive the spotlight, film producers are the true unsung heroes of cinema. They are the magical professionals who transform abstract ideas into the movies we love, cherish, and remember. Their work is a delicate dance of creativity, strategy, and pure cinematic magic.