The reality TV series Below Deck has long captivated audiences with its mix of luxury yacht drama, crew conflicts, and high-stakes guest interactions. While Kate Chastain, the sharp-witted chief stew from the original series, was known for her memorable moments, Fraser Olender, the first male chief stew in the franchise, has taken controversy to new heights. From crew disputes to personal meltdowns, Fraser’s time on Below Deck has sparked intense reactions from fans. Here are six scandals involving Fraser Olender that have left viewers stunned, proving he’s outdone even Kate in stirring the pot.
1. Fraser’s Feud with Chef Ryan McKeown (Below Deck Down Under, Season 1)
Fraser’s clash with Chef Ryan McKeown during Below Deck Down Under Season 1 was a masterclass in tension. Ryan’s unprofessional behavior, including serving lackluster meals and clashing with crew members, pushed Fraser to his limit. The situation escalated when Fraser reported Ryan’s attitude to Captain Jason Chambers, leading to Ryan’s dramatic firing. Fans were divided—some praised Fraser for standing up for the team, while others felt he overstepped, cementing his reputation as a polarizing figure.
2. The Barbie Pascual Drama (Below Deck, Season 11)
Fraser’s volatile relationship with stew Barbie Pascual in Season 11 became a fan obsession. Their constant bickering over work ethics and Barbie’s perceived lack of effort culminated in Fraser recommending her dismissal to Captain Kerry Titheradge. The fallout was explosive, with Barbie accusing Fraser of targeting her. Social media lit up with debates, as some viewers sided with Fraser’s leadership, while others saw him as overly harsh, amplifying his controversial status.
3. Fraser’s Emotional Meltdown Over Crew Dynamics
Fraser’s emotional side took center stage when he broke down over crew dysfunction during Season 11. Struggling to manage a chaotic team, he tearfully confided in Captain Kerry about feeling overwhelmed. While some fans empathized with his vulnerability, others criticized him for not handling the pressure, comparing him unfavorably to Kate’s cool-headed approach. This raw moment highlighted Fraser’s intensity, making it one of the season’s most talked-about scenes.
4. The Camille Lamb Fiasco (Below Deck, Season 10)
Fraser’s decision to report deckhand/stew Camille Lamb’s poor performance to Captain Sandy Yawn in Season 10 sparked major backlash. Camille’s firing, influenced by Fraser’s complaints about her work ethic and attitude, divided fans. Some viewed Fraser as a snitch undermining crew morale, while others supported his push for professionalism. The drama fueled heated discussions on platforms like X, with Fraser at the center of the storm.
5. Fraser’s Alleged Favoritism Toward Certain Crew Members
Accusations of favoritism have dogged Fraser, particularly in Season 11. Fans noticed he seemed to give preferential treatment to certain stews, like Xandi Olivier, while clashing with others, such as Barbie. This perceived bias led to accusations of unfair leadership, with viewers on X calling him out for creating a divisive team dynamic. The controversy painted Fraser as a chief stew whose decisions often sparked more drama than they resolved.
6. Fraser’s Public Spats and Social Media Shade
Beyond the yacht, Fraser’s social media presence has kept the drama alive. His subtle shade toward former crew members, including Barbie and Camille, via cryptic posts and interviews, has fueled fan speculation. Unlike Kate, who kept her shade witty and light, Fraser’s comments have sometimes been seen as petty, stirring up online debates. His willingness to engage in public feuds has only amplified his controversial reputation among Below Deck fans.
Why Fraser Outshines Kate in Controversy
Kate Chastain’s tenure on Below Deck was marked by her quick wit and occasional clashes, but Fraser Olender has taken drama to another level. His leadership style, emotional outbursts, and bold decisions have sparked fiercer debates and divided fans more than Kate’s ever did. While Kate was a fan favorite for her humor, Fraser’s scandals—fueled by crew conflicts, firings, and social media antics—have made him a lightning rod for controversy, cementing his place as Below Deck’s most polarizing chief stew yet.