Peter Hunziker’s racist post-controversy explained

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

Before Bravo let Peter go, he made a few inappropriate comments to the women on board. He constantly referred to Malia as “sweetheart“, which he didn’t appreciate because he was the boss and he was below him in the yacht rankings. Peter was also creepy towards Second Stew, for which he was uncomfortably beaten by Chief Steward Bugsy Drake. He didn’t give in, despite Bugsy’s dismay. Peter was problematic from the start, and a racist the message was just the nail in the coffin.

Bravo fired Peter from Below Deck Med for the racist message

He was fired during the show’s run

In June 2020, when Deck Med season 5 aired, Bravo and 51 Minds got Peter fireda production company that produces Below decks, after a racist and misogynistic post resurfaced on his Instagram account. Right after the picture surfaced and was talked about online, Bravo took action, firing Peter immediately and posting an Instagram explanation as to why. “Below Deck Mediterranean’s Peter Hunziker has been fired for his racist post. Bravo and 51 Minds edited the show to minimize her appearance in subsequent episodes“, Bravo the account wrote at the time.

While the comments section was filled with fans happy to see Peter get the firing he deserved after posting something inappropriate, many wondered why he was still featured in the episodes. It’s likely that these episodes had already aired and there wasn’t much Bravo could do about it at the time. Onward, though Deck Med season 5, Peter was no longer featured in the season.

Peter apologized for the racist message

He took responsibility

About six weeks after Peter’s post had resurfaced and he was fired Deck Med, he apologized 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 understand how painful the images and symbolism are, and with a deeper look I realize that the short text written in the meme is offensive.” He went on to say he was deeply sorry to anyone he hurt or hurt and that he”always supported completely equal rights and equal opportunities for ALL people.”

Although Peter apologized for his wrongdoings, he was never involved Deck Med or Below decks franchising in general. It was great that Peter saw where he went wrong, but his return would have been a bad sight online. Peter wasn’t even invited to the event Deck Med season 5 reunion.

What has Peter been up to since appearing on Below Deck Med?

Peter has been through some ups and downs

Ever since you got fired Deck Med season 5, Peter is back in the public eye, but remains low-key. He has an Instagram account that he has been updating more since his controversial firing. After filming the show Peter continued to work on boats in Florida and apparently spent more time with family and friends.

However, in 2023 Peter revealed that he is going through some health issues. Although Peter has not delved into his health problem, it has something to do with his spine or back area. Even Jessica More, his ex Deck Med season 5 costar, sent her sweet messages in several Instagram posts, wishing her well.

Even in 2024 Peter has continued to consistently update his Instagram accountt. At the end of 2023 Peter started posting a lot more with his sonwhich he mentioned Deck Med season 5. She spent more time with him in 2024. Peter had mentioned in a recent Instagram post that she wasn’t able to see her son as much earlier, likely due to his sailing career. Now that Peter has a job closer to his son, he sees him much more often.

Peter also has a new job after his appearance Deck Med. He currently drives boats for a living and his Instagram bio reads Body by PeteHunz, likely a personal training program. However, Peter also has a Linktree in his bio that leads to his OnlyFans page, which is also where he makes his living.

Will Peter ever return to the franchise?

He will probably never come back

As for Peter’s career Below decks franchise, it’s likely over for good. After his racist message four years ago, it would be a bad idea for Bravo to bring him back to anything Below decks series. Although Peter seems to have learned his lesson and become a better person, viewers would not appreciate seeing him on the show again.

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

Although Peter went through a lot after his racist post controversy Below deck, the Mediterranean Sea, he has apparently moved on from his mistake. Although Peter deserved to be fired, he clearly wants to put the past behind him and focus on improving himself. This does not mean a return to the franchise, as Peter will likely never return to reality TV again.

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