Below Deck Med: Peter Hunziker's Racist Post Controversy Explained

Below Deck Med: Peter Hunziker’s Racist Post Controversy Explained


Peter “Pete” Hunziker was a deckhand on Below Deck Mediterranean season 5 but was immediately cut from the show after a racist post resurfaced online. Those who’ve watched the season may remember Peter as a bit of a misogynist, as he always believed he was the best on the deck team since he was the lead deckhand. The bosun at the time, Malia White, quickly caught on to Peter’s disrespect and immediately demoted him from lead to regular deckhand, replacing him with fan favorite Below Deck Med cast member Alex Radcliffe.




Before Peter was let go by Bravo, he made a few inappropriate comments toward the women onboard. He would constantly refer to Malia as a “sweetheart,” which she didn’t appreciate, seeing as she was the boss and he was below her in terms of yacht rankings. Peter was also creepy toward Second Stew turned Chief Steward Bugsy Drake by uncomfortably hitting on her. He would not give up despite Bugsy being put off by him. From the start, Peter was problematic, and the racist post was just the nail in the coffin.


Peter’s Journey On Below Deck Med Season 5

He Wasn’t Liked From The Start

Bravo


Peter was new to the franchise when he arrived as a deckhand on Below Deck Med season 5. At first, Peter got along with most of his team, especially fellow deckhand Alex. The two became fast friends and, side note, are still friendly as of November 2024. Despite his close friendship with Alex onboard, Peter often butted heads with Bosun Malia. He always got under her skin for how he spoke to her in a patronizing way, so much so she deported Peter from Lead Deckhand to regular deckhand; she had Alex replace him.

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Malia isn’t the only woman who had an issue with Peter. Bugsy also didn’t love the way Peter spoke to her. He would often flirt with Bugsy even though she showed zero interest in him. Lara Flumiani, a stew on board who didn’t last more than a few episodes, was the only woman on board who seemed to actually like Peter. However, Jessica More, another stew, did become close with Peter after the show wrapped filming. They even follow each other Instagram as of November 2024.


As if Peter wasn’t problematic enough, his racist post was the nail in the coffin. While he didn’t get fired from the show while filming, he was fired mid-way through the season while it was airing. It’s shocking that it actually took this post to get him fired as he already showed troubling behavior on-screen. Nonetheless, after over four years, Peter has moved on from his time as a Below Deck Med star.

Peter Was Fired By Bravo From Below Deck Med For Racist Post

He Was Fired While The Show Was Airing


In June 2020, while Below Deck Med season 5 was airing, Peter was fired by Bravo and 51 Minds, the production company that produces Below Deck, after a racist and misogynistic post on his Instagram account had resurfaced. Right after the image had come to light and was being talked about online, Bravo took action by firing Peter immediately and posting an Instagram explaining why. “Peter Hunziker of ‘Below Deck Mediterranean’ has been terminated for his racist post. Bravo and 51 Minds are editing the show to minimize his appearance on subsequent episodes,” the Bravo account wrote at the time.

While the comment section was filled with fans happy to see Peter receive the firing he deserved for posting something inappropriate, many were wondering why he was still being shown in episodes. It’s likely these episodes had already aired, and Bravo couldn’t do much about it at the time. However, moving forward in Below Deck Med season 5, Peter was no longer shown in the season.

Peter Apologized For Racist Post

He Took Accountability

Pete Hunziker Captain Sandy Below Deck Med


Around six weeks after Peter’s post had resurfaced and was fired from Below Deck Med, he issued an apology on his Instagram account. Peter wrote (via People), “A little over 3 months ago someone sent me a meme on social media and I thoughtlessly reposted it […] I now realize how painful the imagery and symbolism is and, upon deeper consideration, I realize that the implicit bias that exists in the brief text written in the meme is offensive.” He continued to say that he was deeply sorry to anyone he hurt or offended and that he “always fully supported equal rights and equal opportunities for ALL people.”

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Even though Peter apologized for his wrongdoings, he was never on Below Deck Med or the Below Deck franchise in general. It was great that Peter saw where he went wrong, but having him return would have been a bad look on the network. Peter wasn’t even invited to the Below Deck Med season 5 reunion.

What Is Peter Up To Since Appearing On Below Deck Med?

Peter Has Been Through Some Ups And Downs

Peter Hunziker from Below Deck Med in red polo on deck talking in confessional

Since getting fired from Below Deck Med season 5, Peter has returned to the public eye but remains lowkey. He has an Instagram account that he’s been updating more since his controversial firing. After filming the show, Peter continued to work on boats in Florida and seemingly spent more time with family and friends.


However, in 2023, Peter revealed he was going through some health issues. While Peter hasn’t gone into depth about what his health issue is, it has something to do with his spine or back area. Even Jessica More, his former Below Deck Med season 5 costar, sent him sweet messages on several of his Instagram posts wishing him well.

Even in 2024, Peter has continued to be consistent with updating his Instagram account. At the end of 2023, Peter began posting with his son a lot more, who he mentioned on Below Deck Med season 5. He has continued to spend more time with him in 2024. Peter had mentioned in a recent Instagram post that he wasn’t able to see his son as much before, likely due to his yachting career. Now that Peter has a job closer to his son, he sees him much more often.

Peter has a new job as well since appearing on Below Deck Med. He currently drives boats for a living and has Body by PeteHunz in his Instagram bio, likely a personal training program. However, Peter also has a Linktree in his bio, which leads to his OnlyFans page, where he also makes a living from.


Will Peter Ever Return To The Franchise?

He Will Likely Never Return

As for Peter’s career in the Below Deck franchise, that is likely over for good. After his racist post from four years ago, it would be a bad look for Bravo to bring him back to any Below Deck series. Even though Peter seems to have learned his lesson and has become a better person for it, viewers wouldn’t appreciate seeing him on the show again.

However, even if Peter was asked back, he would definitely turn down the opportunity. Peter went through some health issues since appearing on the show, and it seems like he is still dealing with them. Plus, Peter has a great job, and he can see his son more often. This is all he’s ever wanted, and he wouldn’t want to give that up for a reality TV role.


While Peter went through a lot following his racist post controversy on Below Deck Mediterranean, he has seemingly moved on from his mistake. Even though Peter deserved the firing, he clearly wants to put the past behind him and focus on bettering himself. This doesn’t mean a return to the franchise, as Peter will likely never return to reality TV again.


Below Deck Mediterranean

is available to stream on Peacock.

Sources: Bravo/Instagram, People, Peter Hunziker/ Instagram



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