Australian Court Convicts 'Below Deck' Star Nathan Gallagher in Absence, Issues Warrant

Key points

• New South Wales police issued an arrest warrant for 28-year-old Nathan Gallagher after he missed a court appearance in Sydney on Tuesday.
• Judge Janine Lacy convicted Gallagher in his absence for assault, choking, and common assault stemming from a December 2025 incident at a home in Melrose Park.
• Police described the incident as involving Gallagher covering the victim's mouth and nose and later wrapping his hands around her neck, causing her to be unable to breathe.
• Gallagher is believed to be offshore, and authorities warned the public not to approach him if spotted in the Ermington or Melrose Park areas.
• Bravo confirmed that 'Below Deck Mediterranean' Season 11 wrapped production before the December incident and stated the network does not plan to work with Gallagher in the future.

Background

Gallagher, from Burtonport, Ireland, previously faced a bench warrant in Ireland for an alleged assault in 2022. He later joined the cast of 'Below Deck Mediterranean' Season 9. In August 2026, he issued a statement to Rolling Stone acknowledging 'mistakes' but arguing that the public had not heard the full story, citing video footage and messages as evidence. The current incident involves his former partner and cast member Gael Cameron, who attended the recent court hearing to give evidence.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and Global News report that police are seeking public assistance to locate Gallagher, who is believed to be offshore. The Sydney Morning Herald provides detailed court documents describing the physical assault, noting that Gallagher was convicted in absentia. Global News highlights that Gallagher was charged with three specific offenses, including intentionally choking a person without consent. While NBC and Global News focus on the current warrant and police appeal, the Sydney Morning Herald emphasizes the judge's reasoning for issuing the warrant due to the 'serious nature of the offences' and the fact that Gallagher had fled the country. All sources agree that Gallagher has publicly denied the full extent of the allegations, claiming he has evidence to contradict the victim's account, though no outlet has verified the existence or content of this video footage.

Why it matters

The case highlights the legal consequences for reality television stars involved in domestic violence incidents and the international jurisdictional challenges when defendants flee. It also impacts the production of 'Below Deck Mediterranean,' as Bravo has explicitly ended its working relationship with Gallagher, potentially affecting future seasons and the careers of other cast members involved in the incident.

What to watch

Australian authorities are actively searching for Gallagher to execute the arrest warrant. If located, he will face sentencing for the domestic violence charges. The outcome may also influence legal proceedings in Ireland, where he has an outstanding warrant from a 2022 incident. Gallagher's future in the reality television industry is likely over, as Bravo has stated it will not work with him again.