Queer Eye star Karamo Brown has dramatically withdrawn from scheduled television appearances, alleging he has felt "mentally and emotionally abused for years" by certain colleagues. The 45-year-old television personality cancelled multiple morning show interviews this week, leaving his co-stars to face awkward questions about his conspicuous absence during promotional activities for the show's final season.
The Alleged Origins of the Rift
According to sources speaking to entertainment outlet TMZ, the roots of this conflict trace back to an incident during filming of Queer Eye's tenth season last summer. Brown's mother reportedly visited the set and was provided with headphones that allowed her to overhear conversations between co-stars Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, and Tan France when her son was not present.
Insiders claim that during these conversations, the three cast members were speaking critically about Karamo Brown, including commentary about some of his lifestyle choices. Brown's mother subsequently relayed what she had heard to her son, which allegedly sparked immediate tension between Brown and the colleagues in question.
Tuesday's Dramatic Television Appearances
The situation came to a head on Tuesday when Brown pulled out of two planned television appearances with his Queer Eye colleagues. First, he cancelled a scheduled interview on CBS Mornings, where host Gayle King addressed his absence directly with the remaining four cast members.
"We call it a 'Fab Five' but one of the Fab Five is not here," King told viewers before reading a portion of Brown's statement. "I hope everyone remembers the main theme I have tried to teach them over the past decade, which is to focus on and to protect their mental health and peace from people or a world who seek to destroy it; which is why I can't be there today."
Awkward On-Air Moments
King revealed that Brown's assistant had indicated the star was "worried about being bullied," prompting her to ask the assembled cast members for their response. The resulting exchange was notably tense and cryptic, with Porowski describing their surprise at the cancellation and referring to their "Queer Eye family" as "complicated."
Jonathan Van Ness offered a more philosophical response, stating: "I think one thing that I was so honored to learn from Karamo during my time - just like he said in that package - we have to meet people where they're at. And he has taught people to center what they need. And I'm actually really proud of him."
Brown's Video Statement and Allegations
Later that same day, Brown also withdrew from an appearance on NBC's Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, instead submitting a video statement. In the recording, he reiterated his claims of emotional mistreatment, stating he "has felt mentally and emotionally abused for years" without specifying individuals.
"Just like the themes of this season, I'm modeling what I believe is most important, which I want to remind you all, love yourselves and protect yourselves," Brown said in the video. "That's why I'm here at home and not there."
Noticeable Omissions
Significantly, while Brown thanked the show's crew and Netflix executives in his statement, he made no mention of his four co-hosts. This omission further fueled speculation about the depth of the rift within the Fab Five.
The Current State of Relationships
According to reports, Brown's relationships with Porowski, Van Ness, and France have deteriorated significantly following the incident involving his mother. Only Jeremiah Brent, the newest member of the Fab Five who joined the cast more recently, appears to remain on good terms with Brown.
The situation has cast a shadow over promotional activities for Queer Eye's tenth and final season, which begins streaming this month. The show, rebooted for Netflix eight years ago with a new Fab Five, has built its reputation on positivity and transformation, making these allegations of behind-the-scenes conflict particularly striking.
Representatives for Brown, Porowski, Van Ness, France, Brent, and Netflix have been contacted for comment regarding these allegations and the reported tensions within the popular reality television ensemble.
