The production team’s decision to keep the cameras rolling is so important. Not only did they provide vital evidence (in the event that the incident went to court), but they also empowered viewers to see for themselves. In doing so, they’ve unleashed a vital conversation about sexual consent – and it’s something that women have been shouting about for years.
Towards the end of the previous episode, Margot had made it clear to Luke that she wanted “to go to bed” by herself. She was accompanied to her cabin by fellow crew member Aesha Scott, who assured her that she wouldn’t let “any drunkenness” lead Margot to get “taken advantage of.”
The next episode saw Aesha temporarily leave the cabin to deal with a power outage. Luke then appeared to make a beeline for Margot’s cabin, where he was seen entering the room wearing only a towel around his waist. He is then seen climbing into her bed. When the production team turns on the light and asks him to leave, Luke – who is naked by this point – gets out of bed, tells the crew to “fuck off”, and slams the door.
Essentially, Luke appeared to see an opportunity, and he took it. Many women have found themselves in the same situation as Margot, seemingly being taken advantage of by someone they trusted. It’s not a rare experience, which made it all the more vindicating when such problematic behaviour was immediately called out on Below Deck Down Under.
The episode also challenged the idea that if a woman is drunk, she is essentially ‘asking for it’. While alcohol is often a linked risk factor, it was Luke who was held accountable, not alcohol.
One of the most shocking elements of the episode was the victim-blaming rhetoric shown by crew member Laura Bileskalne. In response to Luke being fired for sexual misconduct, she said to Margot, “He’s a funny guy; I don’t think he meant anything bad. He wouldn’t rape you or anything.”
Laura was also accused of inappropriate behaviour after massaging another crew member, Adam Kodra – even going as far as to climb on top of him when he was clearly uncomfortable. The idea that men will always consent to sexual attention or advances is a harmful rape myth, and thankfully, it was called out.
The ship’s captain, Jason Chambers, let her go, saying, “Adam feels uncomfortable with some moments out, and he’s tried to say no. You’ve not listened to him and his boundaries to be set.” He further highlighted how the victim-blaming language she used around Margot was inappropriate, saying, “For you to go to Margot and say that, it shows you have not listened to a word I’ve said about boundaries, and shown little respect and empathy to Margot.”
Lauren has reportedly since apologised on her Instagram account, which is currently set to private.
The Below Deck Down Under producers provided a masterclass in talking about consent and, in doing so, have provided a textbook example for viewers to follow if they’re ever in a similar situation.
Everyone should be making notes.
GLAMOUR has reached out to Bravo TV for comment. Luke Jones has yet to make a statement about the incident. This article will be kept updated.
For more information about reporting and recovering from rape and sexual abuse, you can contact Rape Crisis on 0808 500 2222.
If you have been sexually assaulted, you can find your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre here. You can also find support at your local GP, voluntary organisations such as Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, and Victim Support, and you can report it to the police (if you choose) here.
For more from Glamour UK’s Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.