Captain Sandy has slammed rumours she sacked Below Deck steward Camille Lamb over 'favouritism', admitting she "stands by" her decision.
The problematic crew member was fired during last week's episode after she was caught drinking on the job, breaking the number one rule.
Every captain in Below Deck history opens by telling all staff that one thing they can't do is get drunk with charter guests or allow drink to affect their job.
Following boozy parties and explosive arguments with her co-workers, Camille was asked to leave the boat by Captain Sandy following complaints from chief stew Fraser Olender.
While most viewers agreed with the captain's decision to remove Camille, some accused Sandy of "favouritism" on-board her Bravo boat.
Below Deck's Captain Lee teases Kate's return and praises 'best chief stew ever'"First and foremost, I don't fire people unless I have the facts, and, secondly, I don't fire people out of favouritism or non-favouritism," she said in a new interview.
Speaking of axing Camille, she said: "I stand by it, I fire people because if they're the one singular thing where everything else is evolving around them, that's the problem I have to eliminate."
It's not all bad blood off ship, though. According to Captain Sandy, the pair only recently reunited at a charity event with her fellow co-stars.
"I did a fundraiser for the maritime industry and she showed up," Sandy told E! news. "A lot of Below Deck people showed up that I didn't even invite.
"I thought that's pretty awesome, because they love the maritime industry."
Addressing the sacking, Sandy said: "Sometimes people just walk through life and think what they're doing is OK just because they've never been properly taught.
"I was that person until someone showed me, but I had to be willing to listen and to remain teachable."
Speaking in the recent episode, Sandy said: "She's the common denominator in all of this. Great girl, great personality, but at the same time, we have to do what's best for the boat."
Camille was ordered to the bridge before being asked to leave. "I'm letting you go this morning," Sandy told a confused-looking Camille.
Clearly not seeing it coming, the stew said: "Oh my god, no! Really?"
Below Deck crew's salary per month - and staggering amount they make from tipsBelow Deck continues Mondays on Bravo and Hayu.