Below Deck Mediterranean's Captain Sandy Yawn discussed a past feud with bosun Malia White. Sandy recently received some criticism for comments she made about Malia's sexuality. Sandy explained where the two seem to stand now and provided her perspective on Malia's career path. Malia first began working with Sandy in season 2 before returning to work with Sandy once again in season 5.
Captain Sandy and Malia seemed to have a good relationship during Below Deck Mediterranean season 2 when Malia joined the show as a deckhand. However, trouble arose between the two after a fan purchased a cameo in which Captain Sandy said that Malia might "secretly be a lesbian." Upon finding out about the cameo, Malia responded, explaining that she isn't a lesbian but believed that her sexuality shouldn't have been speculated on regardless of whether or not that was the case. Captain Sandy, who is a lesbian herself, apologized and agreed with Malia that she should not have been discussing someone else's sexual orientation regardless of the context. The two seem to have made up since the incident, though some fans aren't convinced the waters are as smooth as Captain Sandy seems to suggest.
Captain Sandy recently revisited the situation with Malia. When asked if the situation was still tense between the two, Captain Sandy seemed confident in telling US Weekly that the situation was not tense at all. She claimed that Malia is aware that the video in which Captain Sandy speculated about Malia's sexual orientation appeared worse than it was due to editing, saying "I showed her the real video. It was edited." Captain Sandy added that she had meant no harm by the comments, saying "it was a joke, you know what I mean?" and assured audiences that she spoke with Malia "immediately" to clarify the situation.
Malia had previously expressed that although she was aware that the comments weren't made maliciously, she wished that Captain Sandy had been more thoughtful about her comments and that she felt she had to ignore her feelings about the situation to move forward the show. Captain Sandy seems to believe that Malia's ability to set aside the drama is a quality that makes her a good fit for the role of captain, saying "this is how I know she'll make a great captain...she sees like, she understands," adding that Malia "resets. That's why she'll make a great captain. She doesn't buy the bull****." Captain Sandy's experience as a motivational speaker seemed to shine through as she stated that she is "proud of [Malia]," adding that she believes Malia is "on a career path" and "is focused." Despite the reassurance that the situation had been resolved, some fans were uncertain, one calling Captain Sandy "shady," another saying that Captain Sandy is "going overboard to sell [Malia]" and that they are "not buying it."
While some fans don't seem to believe that the Cameo drama is truly water under the bridge for the two Below Deck Mediterranean crew members, it seems as though Captain Sandy is finished discussing the matter for the time being. While Malia seemed upset by the situation in the beginning, it seems as though she has been able to put it all aside. It is unclear whether or not tensions between Malia and Captain Sandy will bubble to the surface in the future, but one thing the two remain to be on the same page about is the prioritization of their jobs over personal drama.
Source: US Weekly/YouTube