Too little too late? Nearly six weeks after Bravo announced that it was cutting ties with Below Deck Mediterranean‘s Peter Hunziker, the reality star has spoken out.
“A little over 3 months ago, someone sent me a meme on social media and I thoughtlessly reposted it,” the deckhand posted via Instagram on Monday, July 27. “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 all those I have hurt and offended, please know that I am genuinely sorry. I have always supported equal rights and equal opportunities for ALL people. Be safe, stay well, and always think before you post. With love, Pete.”
The network announced its decision to fire Hunziker, who joined the show in season 5, on June 17, posting the news via Instagram after he shared an offensive meme that featured a Black woman in shackles.
“Peter Hunziker of Below Deck Mediterranean has been terminated for his racist post,” Bravo wrote at the time. “Bravo and 51 Minds are editing the show to minimize his appearance for subsequent episodes.”
On July 18, the reality star spoke out during an interview with Bravo Confessionals. “It affected me personally. It affected my emotions and I’m learning a lot,” he said about being cut from the show. “In life, you get hit sometimes [and] you’ve gotta get back up. … I will make a comeback and it’s going to be bigger and better.”
Hunziker was one of many reality stars fired over the last few months due to racially charged comments. Bravo cut ties with Vanderpump Rules‘ Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni due to their comments. Additionally, MTV fired Dee Nyguen from The Challenge, Taylor Selfridge from Teen Mom OG and Alex Kompothecras from Siesta Key.
The cast of Vanderpump Rules have since apologized, as have Nyguen and Selfridge.
