In a surprising turn of events on Below Deck, crew tensions are reaching new heights as Diana Cruz, the second stew, accuses Chef Cloyce of “stealing” her job. Diana, who has always been vocal about her dedication to her role, is now feeling sidelined and frustrated as Chef Cloyce begins to step into areas she believes are strictly her responsibility. The allegations center around Chef Cloyce’s increasing involvement in guest services and his close interaction with guests, leaving Diana feeling like her work is being overshadowed.

Diana claims that Chef Cloyce’s actions are not only infringing on her duties but are also creating a confusing dynamic on the yacht. Traditionally, the chef’s role is confined to the galley, where they focus solely on food preparation and presentation. However, Chef Cloyce appears to be going beyond his culinary responsibilities, taking it upon himself to handle tasks that would typically fall under the stewardess’s purview. From organizing dinners on deck to personally delivering meals and engaging with guests in ways that are usually reserved for the stews, Cloyce is definitely breaking the mold—and it’s not sitting well with Diana.

The tension between the two has been simmering for some time, but it hit a boiling point during a recent charter when Chef Cloyce took charge of an elaborate dinner setup. Diana, who prides herself on delivering the ultimate luxury experience for guests, felt that Cloyce was encroaching on her territory, and she wasn’t shy about letting the rest of the crew know. She reportedly vented to other stews and even the captain about her frustration, claiming that Cloyce’s actions were making her feel “undermined” and “unnecessary.”

From Chef Cloyce’s perspective, however, his intentions might be less sinister than Diana perceives. Known for his charismatic personality and hands-on approach, Cloyce has won the hearts of many guests with his willingness to go the extra mile. For him, the boundaries between his role and that of the stewardess may not seem as clear-cut, especially if he believes his actions enhance the guests’ experience. Cloyce has built a reputation for being passionate and thorough, which often translates into him wanting control over how his culinary creations are presented and enjoyed.

While some crew members sympathize with Diana and understand her frustration, others seem to view the conflict as a misunderstanding. To them, Chef Cloyce’s actions are simply part of his enthusiastic approach to his job, and they believe he means no harm. However, Diana sees this differently—she feels that by stepping into her role, Cloyce is not only disrespecting her but also breaking the chain of command that ensures smooth operations on the yacht. The tension between them has started to impact the mood among the rest of the crew, who now find themselves caught in an uncomfortable position between the chef and the second stew.

The captain, who is responsible for maintaining harmony onboard, may soon have to step in and mediate the situation if it continues to escalate. While conflict between the chef and stews isn’t uncommon on Below Deck, Diana’s claim that her job is being “stolen” has brought a unique twist to the season, creating a compelling storyline that leaves viewers wondering if the two can find common ground.

As the season unfolds, fans are left eagerly waiting to see if Diana and Chef Cloyce will resolve their differences or if the tension will continue to rise. Will Diana’s sense of professionalism lead her to confront Chef Cloyce directly, or will the captain need to establish clearer boundaries? One thing’s for sure: with Diana’s strong personality and Chef Cloyce’s passionate approach to his craft, this is shaping up to be a dramatic season filled with intrigue, tension, and high-stakes power dynamics.