The Real Reason Peter Hunziker Was Fired From Below Deck
Several reality stars were fired in June 2020 due to racist behavior, including Vanderpump Rules stars Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens, and Brett Caprioni, as well as Teen Mom OG's Taylor Selfridge, to name a few examples. Then on June 17, 2020, Bravo confirmed Below Deck Mediterranean star Peter "Pete" Hunziker had been fired from the series. "While the show is currently in post-production, Peter's role will be minimized in the back half of the season," The Daily Dish reported.
Pete, who appeared on Season 5 of the show, worked as a deckhand under his boss, bosun Malia White. Peter had received criticism from fans for calling Malia "sweetie" and "sweetheart" during work hours, behavior many criticized as being unprofessional and sexist, per The Daily Dish.
Malia also expressed worry about Pete's stubbornness. "One thing that really concerns me with Pete is his inability to be the student," she admitted during an episode, per Showbiz Cheat Sheet. "Because he views it as weakness."
So did Pete get fired for his behavior toward Malia? As it turns out, the reported reason is way more troubling.
Peter Hunziker allegedly shared an offensive post
Bravo and Below Deck Mediterranean's production company, 51 Minds, shared the news with The Daily Dish that Peter Hunziker was fired for a "racist post" he shared on social media. Bravo and 51 Minds didn't elaborate on the post in question, but the Daily Mail reported it was a "reposted meme that depicted shocking racist and sexual imagery." It's not clear when the supposed meme was first shared.
Little is known about Pete outside of the show, although Hollywood Life confirmed that he has a son and "was a licensed U.S. Coast Guard prior to taking a role on the Bravo series." His once public Instagram account has been set to private as of this writing.
Outside of Pete's termination, a lot has transpired in the world of Below Deck. Chief Stew Hannah Ferrier announced her exit in June 2020, and in February 2020, longtime cast member Kate Chastain confirmed she left the franchise for good.