Below Deck Down Under‘s Margot Sisson has spoken out after two of her co-stars were fired following separate sexual misconduct incidents.
**TRIGGER WARNING: The following details sexual assault and harassment and may be triggering to some readers.
During the dual episode that dropped on August 7, production was forced to step in on two separate occasions after cast members engaged in inappropriate sexual behaviours, which included a naked bosun Luke Jones entering Margot’s bed while she was unconscious.
He was immediately fired for his behaviour, while Laura Bileskalne also got the axe for defending him and being inappropriate with Adam Kodra.
Taking to Instagram after the episodes aired, Margot thanked those who intervened while she was incapacitated.
“I’d like to start by saying a big thank you to [Chief Stew Aesha Scott],” the Below Deck star wrote. “The way she recognized the vulnerability of the situation I was in and her courageous intervention on my behalf was both heroic and so admirable.
“I thank the universe for her every day, as well as the producers who quickly stepped in. Scott, you have a heart of gold, I look up to you, and I will forever be grateful.”
She also issued a “HUGE thank you” to Captain Jason Chambers for his “immediate response to the situation, leaving no room for any BS”.
“There are, unfortunately, a lot of captains who would choose to sweep something like this under the rug, I am grateful that Jason is not one of them.
She added: “I wish every captain were just like you. Sending you so much love right now.”
Below Deck Down Under‘s Margot Sisson addresses women who have been affected by sexual assault
In a subsequent Instagram Story, Margot addressed the situation that unfolded between Laura and Adam.
“I was completely oblivious to what was going on between him and Laura,” she wrote. “I wish I could go back and be there for him more.
“Neither of us deserved this.”
She went on to empathise with those who had experienced similar things.
“Please know that you are not alone, and the blame does not belong on your shoulders,” she said. “I understand that this episode was deeply triggering and incredibly difficult for many to watch.
“However, I believe it was vital to show because this issue is all too real and far too frequent. Perpetrators often escape accountability, and this is not OK.
“I was lucky to have Aesha and the producers intervene, but I’m all too aware that many women have not and will not be so fortunate, and it makes me feel sick to my stomach.”
Margot also said her “relationship with alcohol is pretty much non-existent now”.
“When I see the show now, it’s like I’m watching someone else, a complete stranger. Hang in there with me for the rest of the season, and just know that I’ve grown so much since then, and I’m so proud of who I am today.”
The stew’s response to the latest Below Deck Down Under follows similar statements released by Aesha and Captain Jason.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sexual assault, please contact the Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence National Help Line on 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) or head to The Australian Human Rights Commission for a list of state by state resources.
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