After years of helping transform lives on Queer Eye, Karamo Brown is opening up about the personal struggles he says unfolded behind the scenes of the beloved Netflix series.
In a new cover story with People, Brown revealed why he chose to skip promotional appearances tied to the show’s final season and reflected on the impact that years of tension had on his mental health, sobriety, and relationships with members of the Fab Five.
Why Brown Skipped the Final Press Tour
In January, the Fab Five — Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, and Jeremiah Brent — were scheduled to promote the final season of Queer Eye with appearances on CBS Mornings and Today. But Brown withdrew at the last minute, sharing a statement about prioritizing his mental health and protecting his peace. His absence quickly sparked questions from fans as the rest of the cast continued with the press tour.
“I hope everyone remembers the main theme I have tried to teach them over the past decade, which is to focus on and protect their mental health/peace from people or a world who seek to destroy it; which is why I can’t be there today.”
Now, Brown says his decision came after years of feeling unsupported while working on the show.
“We had always come together because of the fans, but because of the work I’d done on myself, I asked, ‘If I stay quiet right now and pretend I’m sick or something, whose peace am I protecting?’” he told People.
Brown Alleges a Toxic Work Environment
According to Brown, tensions among cast members and frustrations with how concerns were handled behind the scenes weighed heavily on him throughout the series’ run.
“Everyone would just say, ‘Well, that’s just that person,’ instead of saying, ‘This behavior does not fly in a professional environment,’” he said. “It impacted me negatively, consistently.”
Production companies ITV America and Scout Productions disputed Brown’s characterization of events, saying that concerns raised during production were taken seriously and that the series maintained a respectful and professional workplace throughout its run.
“We strongly disagree with any characterization that concerns raised during the production of Queer Eye were ignored, dismissed or allowed to continue unchecked,” the statement reads. “Throughout the series’ run, any issues brought to production leadership were taken seriously and addressed appropriately.”
The Complaint Brown Says Changed Everything
Brown also addressed reports of friction between members of the Fab Five, including former cast member Bobby Berk, who departed the series after Season 8 and was later replaced by Brent.
According to Brown, one of the turning points came during the show’s earliest days when a sexual harassment complaint was filed against him in the first few weeks of filming. Brown told People that he initially believed the complaint came from a fellow cast member with whom he had developed a friendly, flirtatious rapport during casting. He later learned the complaint had been submitted anonymously by a third party.
Brown said an investigation was conducted and that he was cleared of any wrongdoing. However, he believes the incident created divisions within the group that lingered for years.
A source connected to the production disputed aspects of Brown’s account but confirmed to People that an investigation took place and that those involved ultimately moved forward with the show.
Looking back, Brown said the experience was one of several factors that contributed to strained relationships behind the scenes and left him feeling increasingly isolated during his time on the series.
While acknowledging difficult moments, Brown said he has also spent time reflecting on his own actions.
“I was hurt and would lash back out,” he admitted. “I recognize my part and how things I did impacted people.”
Brown Reveals Sobriety Relapse During Filming
One of the most personal revelations from the interview involved Brown’s sobriety journey. The television personality shared that he relapsed in 2018 while filming the show’s third season after 12 years of sobriety.
“A drink would lead to weed, cocaine, pills,” Brown said. “I wasn’t coping right, but I pretended like I was. I was so broken.”
Brown says he has since recommitted to his recovery and is sober once again.
His Mother’s Visit Became a Turning Point
The interview also confirmed earlier reports involving Brown’s mother. He said she visited the set in 2025 and overheard fellow cast members speaking negatively about him, an experience that left a lasting impact on both of them.
“The thing I know is the tears I saw in my mother’s eyes,” Brown recalled. “[She kept repeating], ‘I thought they were your friends.’”
Looking Ahead
Despite everything, Brown says he is not interested in holding onto resentment. Instead, he hopes there is room for grace and understanding among everyone involved.
“I think we all deserve a bit of grace for how we handled ourselves and one another,” he said. “We were just doing our best.”
