Tell it like it really is. Rachel Hargrove‘s time on Below Deck left a lasting impression — but it was her offscreen behavior that has kept viewers talking.
The star chef was a standout in the cast when she joined Bravo’s hit series in 2019. At the time, Rachel’s cooking and witty comebacks made her a topic of discussion amongst the crew and the fans. Rachel shocked everyone during season 8. Her concerns about the COVID-19 epidemic inspired her to leave the boat in front of a charter.
Bravo personality Bravo explained her thoughts after she returned shortly after her dramatic departure. “I didn’t really want to leave Captain Lee hanging,” she told Entertainment TonightIn January 2021. “I just needed a breather and needed to walk off and take a second. I was overwhelmed by everything going on. This was one the most insane. [preference] sheets I’ve seen in my life. And then, I’m running as a sole chef? But it really was, I didn’t want to disappoint him.”
Rachel, who made headlines for saying “eat my cooter” on her way out, noted that she was struggling with personal issues as well. “It’s a lot of stress when you got all those cameras in your face constantly,” she added.
Former chief stew Kate ChastainAfter working with Rachel in the past, she weighed in on the situation. “I wasn’t surprised,” she said on Andy Cohen Live: See What Happensat the time. “When we worked together, years and years ago, I think she quit at least three times — but came back the next day.”
Rachel’s coworker Eddie LucasHowever, she was less thrilled by her antics aboard the boat. “The crew nights out are supposed to be about the crew. Have some fun, have drinks, and come together as a crew,” the first offer detailed during a December 2020 episode of the show. “It went fine at first but then once enough of the sauce got into Rachel, she becomes a different person. It’s rude and classless.”
The Below Deck alum said he didn’t tell Rachel his issues because he wasn’t sure what her reaction would be. “If I did that, I was afraid she would just pack up and leave. I don’t want to lose our chef that we desperately need because of me,” he added.
Captain Lee said that he was only informed about the situation when the first episodes began airing. “Well, I was surprised, to say the least, and I thought it could have been handled better,” the captain shared during a joint interview with Rachel on WWHLJanuary 2021. “But I’ve seen a lot worse behavior from other chefs that have been on board my vessels. Well, I didn’t condone it. Like I said, I’ve seen way worse.”
Rachel supported her decision throughout filming of the series. “For me, grudges mean that I would actually have to care and give significance to that issue or that individual. I don’t,” the TV personality, who returned for season 9, exclusively told Us Weekly in October 2021 about her feud with Eddie. “Also if you work in restaurants and in kitchens, my behavior is nothing different than anybody else’s. It’s just a little bit extra emphasized.”
Scroll on for a breakdown of Rachel’s most controversial moments: