Tzarina Mace-Ralph, the head chef of Below Deck Down Under, has found herself at the heart of relentless drama throughout season 3, cementing her reputation as the show’s ultimate “mean girl.” Despite her undeniable culinary talent, Tzarina’s interpersonal conflicts, both during and after filming, have painted her as a polarizing figure aboard the Katina. Her ongoing feuds, particularly with Chief Stew Lara Rigby and Deckhand Harry Van Vliet, reveal a pattern of defensiveness and sensitivity that has left her relationships with castmates fractured.
Tzarina’s Rocky Return in Season 3
Tzarina debuted in Below Deck Down Under season 2, where her culinary skills dazzled guests, but her lack of confidence often held her back. Returning for season 3 with a tougher exterior, she hoped to leave her insecurities behind. However, her past experiences with bullying made her hypersensitive to feeling excluded, especially by those she considered close. This vulnerability fueled much of the drama that unfolded, as Tzarina struggled to navigate her relationships with her crewmates.
A Falling Out with Harry Van Vliet
One of the most surprising revelations came during the May 19 episode of Watch What Happens Live, when Deckhand Harry Van Vliet disclosed a falling out with Tzarina after season 3 wrapped. Harry, known for his innocent and likable persona, had been close with Tzarina since season 2, making their conflict all the more shocking. He revealed that he reached out to Tzarina out of concern for her online commentary about the episodes, stating, “I didn’t like what I was seeing. I don’t support bullying.” Instead of engaging in a constructive conversation, Tzarina reacted by blocking him on Instagram, effectively cutting off communication. This move highlighted her difficulty handling criticism, even when it came from a friend with good intentions.
The Explos協n Feud with Lara Rigby
Tzarina’s most prominent conflict in season 3 was with Chief Stew Lara Rigby, with whom she had a complicated history from working together on a previous yacht. Their tension dominated the latter half of the season, with both accusing the other of instigating drama. Tzarina felt threatened by Lara’s growing bond with her sous chef, Alesia Harris, which triggered memories of a past betrayal when Lara had “stolen” her sous chef on their previous yacht. This led Tzarina to become possessive and defensive, lashing out at Lara with fabricated allegations about her work ethic just to provoke her.
Despite attempts to mend their relationship by the season’s end, the truce between Tzarina and Lara remained fragile. Lara continued to question Tzarina’s loyalty and character, and Harry’s recent comments suggest that Lara’s concerns may have been justified.
A Pattern of Defensiveness
Tzarina’s repeated conflicts with crewmates point to her as the common thread in the drama. While she may not intend to be the villain, her defensive reactions often escalate situations. Her history of being bullied seems to have left deep scars, causing her to perceive criticism or exclusion as personal attacks, even when they are not intended as such. This was evident in her response to Harry’s well-meaning outreach and her ongoing feud with Lara. Tzarina’s tendency to play the victim hinders her ability to collaborate effectively and maintain healthy relationships with her team.
Why Tzarina Needs a Break from Below Deck Down Under
Tzarina’s culinary prowess and occasional charm make her a compelling figure on Below Deck Down Under, but her inability to handle feedback without becoming defensive has made her the unwitting center of drama. Her talent is undeniable, but her interpersonal struggles overshadow her contributions. Until Tzarina can learn to receive constructive criticism and engage in productive conversations without retreating into defense mode, her presence on the show will likely continue to stir conflict.
For now, Tzarina’s actions—both onscreen and off—have solidified her reputation as Below Deck Down Under’s ultimate mean girl, proving that her biggest challenge isn’t in the kitchen but in navigating the complex dynamics of her crew.