Fatal brawl leads to arrests
Former reality television participant Joao Franco and his brother Carlos were arrested in Turkey following an altercation in the resort city of Bodrum that left a 17-year-old dead, according to the Associated Press.
The brothers were intoxicated and allegedly began swearing, which sparked an argument with shop owners on Saturday evening, CTV News reported. During the subsequent physical fight, teenager Muhammet Koyabakan fell and hit his head on the ground, according to Global News. He was transported to a hospital where he died on Monday.
Footage of the incident shared by NBC News shows a man appearing to be Franco trying to de-escalate an argument before it erupts into a brawl. The video also depicts Franco and his brother in handcuffs being escorted by police officers.
The brothers are Portuguese nationals who were raised in Zimbabwe, according to Global News. News reports did not specify the formal charges against them.
Brothers claim self-defence following Bodrum arrest
During police questioning, the brothers said that they were attacked and acted in self-defence, according to the Demiroren News Agency, a private Turkish outlet cited by Global News. They denied hitting Koyabakan.
Page Six reported that the duo was taken to Bodrum Courthouse and placed in prison while awaiting next steps. Representatives for the police, prosecutor, and courthouse in Bodrum did not respond to inquiries, and representatives for Bravo declined to comment.
Bodrum is a popular port city on the Aegean Sea frequented by wealthy yacht owners, with billionaires such as Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos having visited in recent years, according to CTV News.
Franco appears on several reality television shows
Franco, 36, has appeared as a yacht bosun on multiple seasons of Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Down Under, as well as The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, as reported by Global News. On social media, he describes himself as a superyacht captain.
The arrest occurs months after another Below Deck bosun, Nathan Gallagher, missed a court appearance in Australia, resulting in an arrest warrant, according to Global News. Gallagher was arrested in December 2025 following an alleged domestic violence incident involving Gael Cameron, with whom he shares a son born in June 2025.
Bodrum Altercation Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the incident involving Joao Franco take place?
The altercation occurred in the resort city of Bodrum, Turkey, following a dispute outside a local shop.
What happened to the teenager involved in the Bodrum fight?
Seventeen-year-old Muhammet Koyabakan fell and hit his head during the fight, was taken to a hospital, and died on Monday, according to local media reports.
Are the Franco brothers facing specific charges?
News reports have not specified the formal charges against Joao and Carlos Franco, though local reports state the brothers told police they acted in self-defence.
What television shows has Joao Franco appeared on?
Franco appeared on Below Deck Mediterranean, Below Deck Down Under, and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
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