Nathan Gallagher, a familiar face from the popular Bravo series Below Deck Mediterranean, has opened up about a difficult chapter in his life involving his father.

In the episode that aired on Monday, January 26, Nathan showed support for his fellow crew member, Victoria SanJuan, as she grappled with her emotions over ex-boyfriend Joe Bradley’s open interest in their colleague, Kizzi Kitchener. Spotting Victoria alone on the swim platform, Nathan approached her and offered a comforting hug after noticing her distress.

“I’m fiercely protective of my loved ones, whether it’s friends, family, or my sister,” Nathan shared during a confessional. “I asked my dad to leave our house when I was just 15 because I felt the need to protect my mom.”

As the season progressed, Nathan confronted Joe about his behavior, expressing his disappointment. Despite Joe’s attempts to repair their friendship, the season concluded with the two still at odds.

The Below Deck franchise is no stranger to drama, but some incidents have left a lasting impact. One memorable moment occurred during season 7, when chief stewardess Kate Chastain and bosun Ashton Pienaar had a frightening altercation after a night of drinking, resulting in Ashton throwing a punch.

“I have grown since last season and I can see the distance it has created,” Nathan shared in a January episode. “To see him down the same s*** time and time again shows me that he has no consideration for anyone apart from himself. I just think it might be time to move on from that kind of friendship.”

Nathan and Joe worked together on season 10, becoming fast friends before reuniting this season. As Below Deck Med continued to air this season, Joe hinted that he was no longer in touch with Nathan when he exclusively told Us Weekly in November 2025 he has “yet’ to meet Nathan and Gael Cameron‘s baby.

“But from what I’ve seen on social media, he looked absolutely stunning,” Joe said about the couple’s first child, who was born in June 2025. “Don’t get me wrong, I did try to send a few messages to Nathan.”

Joe noted that Nathan is likely “busy at the moment.”

“He’s a dad and he could be on a boat somewhere — I’m not too sure,” he added. “We’re just not really socially inclined [and] we don’t really speak but for what I’ve seen, what a gorgeous little baby that is.”

As soon as you step foot on a Below Deck Mediterranean charter yacht, you’re guaranteed one thing: a whole lot of drama. Throughout its Bravo run, crew members like Captain Sandy Yawn, Hannah Ferrier, Malia White and more have been know to butt heads with each other — all with the purpose of delivering a […]

At the time, Joe reflected on working with Nathan again.

“Having Nathan as my boss was nice to see because you can see a person grow. But don’t get me wrong, you do see a very different side of Nathan this season. If you’re a bit more organized, things will work out better,” Joe teased to Us. “He’s the boss so I am going to respect his position.”

Joe recalled not wanting to “step on any toes” after joining Bravado.

“I want to be there. I want to be there for a dear friend and respect a professional position regardless of who it is,” he continued. “So was I nervous? Not one single bit. I just want to be there for someone. That’s my take on it.”

Elsewhere in Monday’s season finale, Nathan and Gael were seen together with their son as the boson prepared to return back to work — on next season of Below Deck Med.

Below Deck Med is currently streaming on Peacock.