Updated: February 23, 2026
The drama surrounding Ben Below Deck ex fiance has fans buzzing, especially with recent revelations from the Below Deck franchise shaking things up. There are two prominent “Bens” in the Below Deck world: deckhand Ben Willoughby from Below Deck Season 10 and 11, known for his boatmances, and chef Ben Robinson from Below Deck Sailing Yacht and Below Deck Down Under, who recently opened up about his broken engagement.
But the query likely points to Chef Ben Robinson’s ex-fiancée, as he had an actual fiancée (not just a girlfriend or boatmance). His split from Kiara Cabral has been making headlines in 2026, with emotional confessions on Below Deck Down Under Season 4. Let’s dive into the details of this high-seas heartbreak.
Table of Contents
Who Is Ben Robinson’s Ex-Fiancée?
Chef Ben Robinson, the charismatic and talented chef who’s appeared across multiple Below Deck series, got engaged to Kiara Cabral in 2023 after dating for over three years. The couple seemed solid—Ben even proposed romantically, and they planned a big wedding. Kiara, who has a significant age gap with Ben (he’s in his 40s, she’s in her late 20s/early 30s), was part of his life off-screen during his yachting career.
However, things fell apart. In September 2024, Ben announced on Instagram that they had decided to go their separate ways and cancel the wedding. He kept the reasons private at first, but in early 2026 episodes of Below Deck Down Under Season 4, he got candid—tearfully revealing the painful truth behind the split.
The Shocking Reason Behind the Breakup
Ben shared that he called off the engagement after discovering betrayal. He tearfully told producers he “caught her—she had been seeing one of my friends for a very long time.” This infidelity allegedly involved a long-term affair with someone close to him, which shattered his trust. He also mentioned spending around $50,000 on wedding preparations that never happened, adding to the emotional and financial sting.
Ben described the experience as making him “lack faith in humanity” at times, and it’s clear the wound is still fresh even in 2026. He noted that friend Kate Chastain had early doubts about the relationship, calling her a “human lie detector.”
Kiara has pushed back against these claims in rare public statements (including TikTok videos around February 2026), denying infidelity and saying Ben’s version is “100% false.” She claims she ended things due to his behavior, citing issues like narcissism and trauma. The back-and-forth has kept fans debating who’s telling the full story.
Key Details at a Glance
Here’s a quick table summarizing the key facts about Ben Robinson and his ex-fiancée:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Ben’s Full Name | Ben Robinson (Chef) |
| Ex-Fiancée | Kiara Cabral |
| Engagement Year | 2023 |
| Relationship Length | Over 4 years before split |
| Breakup Announcement | September 2024 (Instagram post) |
| Wedding Cost Mentioned | $50,000 spent on preparations |
| Alleged Reason (Ben’s Side) | Infidelity with a friend (long-term affair) |
| Kiara’s Response | Denies cheating; cites Ben’s behavior as cause |
| Latest Update | Ben discussed it emotionally on Below Deck Down Under S4 (2026) |
Lessons from the High-Seas Heartbreak
Ben’s story highlights how even picture-perfect relationships can hit rough waters, especially in the high-pressure yachting world. Public breakups like this come with extra scrutiny, and both sides have shared their truths—reminding us that there’s often more than one perspective.
As of February 2026, Ben is focusing on his career comeback on Below Deck Down Under, channeling the experience into personal growth. He’s single (no confirmed new relationship), and fans are rooting for him to find smoother sailing ahead.
Conclusion
The saga of Ben Below Deck ex fiance—Chef Ben Robinson and Kiara Cabral—shows how love on (and off) the yacht can be as unpredictable as the sea. From a dreamy engagement to a painful betrayal revelation, it’s a reminder that fame doesn’t shield anyone from heartbreak. Whether you’re Team Ben or curious about both sides, this story has kept Below Deck fans hooked. If new updates drop, we’ll be watching—yacht drama never truly ends! What do you think caused the split? Drop your thoughts below.