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'Below Deck' Season 8: Why was James Hough not fired for sleeping with Elizabeth Frankini? Fans slam 'sexism'

Fans were surprised that Elizabeth was let go because she slept with James but he got to keep his position. Some thought it was a sexist thing to do

Elizabeth Frankini and James Hough started a whirlwind romance on My Seanna, which didn't end well. She was into him but for him, it may have been a one-time thing. They hooked up a few times and went out on a date once. The sexual tension was palpable and so, it wasn't surprising when they got together. 

After a few drunken makeout sessions at the tub, the couple finally decided they should take their "relationship" to the next level. They were sleeping in James and Isabelle "Izzy" Wouters' cabin when the latter walked in on them and asked if they could take their romance elsewhere. Eventually, Izzy had to shift rooms because she felt it was too much for her. 

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This incident was followed up by a guest room hookup, which eventually led to Elizabeth's firing. Francesca said that it was disrespectful and a "final straw" for her. Elizabeth pleaded to stay but the chief stewardess' mind could not be changed. However, this happened after both Francesca and Eddie Lucas warned them about being so open and obvious about their relationship. They said that boatmances are not frowned upon but it shouldn't get in the way of team dynamics.

Meanwhile, fans were surprised that Elizabeth was let go because she slept with James but he got to keep his position. Some thought it was a sexist thing to do. 

"Why is James not fired for sleeping in the guest cabin if that was the final straw against Elizabeth #BelowDeck," a fan commented, while another shared: "Completely sexist that only @bettabird was fired if the guest cabin was the last straw like Francesca said. James has gotten comments about his work ethic and attitude and a talking to about their relationship. Disappointing misogyny."

"Francesca fucked up the mahi. Francesca fucked up the condiments. If sleeping in the guest cabin was the issue James should be fired too. #BelowDeck," a user pointed out. "James & Elizabeth slept in the guest cabin, but only the woman got fired. Francesca is sick and dark sided #BelowDeck," a fan tweeted.

"#BelowDeck has sunk to a new low where a male, James & Elizabeth, both sleep in guest quarters but SHE gets fired. Just like how they persecuted #Rhylee this show sucks. Chauvinist much??" a fan asked, while another wrote: "#BelowDeck Elizabeth gets fired because she did the nasty with James in an unused guest room? Remember when the deck crew destroyed a $10K bathroom monitor and still kept their jobs? Francesca’s just pissed she’s not getting any."

'Below Deck' Season 8 finale aired on Monday, February 15, on Bravo at 9/8c. For more information, check your local listings.