Tumi Mhlongo shared some honest opinions on her Below Deck Mediterranean co-stars Kyle Viljoen and Natalya Scudder. The 28-year-old South African woman was a standout star on Below Deck Down Under. Therefore, she secured a Chief Stew’s job on Sandra “Sandy” Yawn’s yacht. Unfortunately, Tumi didn’t get the warm welcome she had hoped for. Instead, she got into a major argument with Temp Chief Stew Natalya, which led the two to feud. To make matters worse, fellow South African crew member Kyle instigated their differences, leading to even more drama in Below Deck Med season 8.
Recently, Tumi appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, discussing her real feelings about Kyle, Natalya, and their on-screen issues. She answered various questions, letting everyone know what she thought about the drama. Andy asked Chief Stew how she felt about Kyle relaying their private conversations to Natalya, and she immediately responded by sharing her views.
Tumi said, “I think Kyle just wanted my job.” The South African reality star claimed that her Below Deck Med co-star wanted to get promoted to Chief Stew, so he fueled her feud with Natalya.
Does Below Deck Med’s Tumi Envy Kyle & Natalya’s Friendship?
Tumi then answered some of Andy’s rapid-fire questions about Natalya and Kyle. The popular host asked, “What is one thing about [Natalya’s] dynamic duo friendship with Kyle that you envy?” The young Chief Stew coldly responded, saying, “None of it.” Andy then asked what Tumi thinks about Natalya’s positive traits. She replied, “She just got energy. Like, she’s got a good work ethic.” Tumi also said she wouldn’t mind working with Natalya for another season if they get along. She added, “Oh, if we got along, we would kill the [table]scapes.”
Tumi and Natalya’s feud had multiple layers. However, it is hard not to think that Natalya was the main cause of the issues. During Below Deck Med season 7, the second Stew had major problems with her former Chief Stewardess, Natasha “Tasha” Webb. This time, she had differences with Tumi that started with a minor disagreement about the arrangement of dishes. In both seasons, Natalya has been the common denominator in the on-screen drama. She’s infamous for insubordination, which always causes tension among crew members. Hopefully, Natalya will improve her behavior while there’s still time.
Natalya isn’t the only person who deserves the blame during Below Deck Med season 8. Tumi and Kyle are equally responsible for pushing the second Stew and making her uncomfortable. The new Chief Stew was too bossy to Natalya when she joined the crew in episode 2. She was also wrong to gossip about professional issues with Kyle, letting him know about the first argument. Kyle was also extremely unprofessional in instigating the problems. He caused Natalya to feel like Tumi would get her fired from Below Deck Med, worsening her feelings for the South African Chief Stew.
Below Deck Mediterranean airs Mondays at 9 p.m. EDT on Bravo.
