Bravo, the U.S. television network behind the hit show "Below Deck," has terminated its relationship with reality TV personality Nathan Gallagher after he fled Australia to avoid court proceedings for a violent assault on his co-star and former girlfriend, Gael Cameron.
The 28-year-old Irish national failed to appear in court in New South Wales, where he was due to face charges stemming from a sustained and violent attack on Ms. Cameron, the mother of his infant son. Judge Janine Lacy convicted Gallagher in his absence and issued an arrest warrant.
Police facts presented to the court revealed that Gallagher attempted to strangle and suffocate Ms. Cameron on Boxing Day night last year at their Sydney apartment. The court heard that their six-month-old child was present during the incident. Gallagher was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, and intentionally choking a person without consent.
Gallagher, who was granted bail after a night in police custody on December 27, had his bail conditions require him to be of good behavior, not approach Ms. Cameron or prosecution witnesses, and not consume alcohol or drugs. However, the conditions did not include surrendering his passport or preventing him from leaving Australia, a standard practice for defendants with international ties.
Ms. Cameron, 29, attended the court hearing, but Gallagher was absent. His mugshot was published online the day after his conviction.
Gallagher has featured as a superyacht bosun in the most recent three seasons of "Below Deck Mediterranean." As production for the season that began airing in June wrapped before his arrest and charges in December, there are no immediate plans to remove him from episodes already being broadcast.
A Bravo spokesperson confirmed the network's decision, stating, "Bravo does not plan on working with Nathan in the future." The network reportedly severed ties with Gallagher after Tuesday's court proceedings and news of the outstanding arrest warrant.
In addition to the warrant in Australia, court documents revealed another arrest warrant has been issued for Gallagher in Ireland since April of last year, related to a charge of assaulting a man. Gallagher, described in court as "currently offshore," faces potential penalties of up to five years imprisonment for each of the choking and assault offenses if he returns to or is extradited to New South Wales. He could also face additional charges for allegedly breaching bail.
While the Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on individual cases, they stated that all visa holders must meet legislated requirements, and action is taken when a visa holder no longer meets character criteria, which may include visa cancellation.
Gallagher had previously insisted in a statement to Rolling Stone magazine that he had been unfairly shamed and that individuals had not heard the "full story." Ms. Cameron, however, appeared in court to give evidence against him.