Queer Eye's Karamo Brown has triggered alarm among fans after abruptly pulling out of promotional activities for the show's final season this week, accompanied by emotional abuse allegations and a series of mysterious social media posts. The 45-year-old culture and lifestyle expert, a central figure in Netflix's rebooted Fab Five, cancelled multiple scheduled morning show appearances, stating he has felt "mentally and emotionally abused for years".
Cryptic Social Media Messages Fuel Speculation
In a video message read by CBS Mornings host Gayle King, Karamo explained his absence, emphasising his long-standing advocacy for mental health protection. "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," the statement revealed.
Simultaneously, Karamo has been active on Instagram, sharing inspirational clips with pointed messages that fans interpret as references to his current situation. One post declared, "sorry without action is just another form of manipulation", while another advised followers: "If someone tells you that they hurt them your response needs to be 'What's the process of repair?' Let them tell you what they need and then go do it. Stop letting people manipulate you with their sorries."
Co-Stars Express Surprise and Support
Karamo's four co-stars—Antoni Porowski, Jeremiah Brent, Tan France, and Jonathan Van Ness—appeared visibly sombre during promotional interviews, expressing surprise at his absence while offering measured support. When questioned by Gayle King about the cancellation, Antoni described their reaction as more than surprised, acknowledging that "families are complicated" in reference to their decade-long working relationship.
Jonathan Van Ness praised Karamo's decision to prioritise self-care, stating: "I'm actually really proud of him. Center what you need, do the things you need to do to take care of you—I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel like that sometimes. So, I think it's really beautiful." Jeremiah Brent emotionally emphasised the show's mission to highlight "the best of humanity", while Tan France remained largely silent during the exchange.
Alleged Origins of the Rift Emerge
Sources have reportedly revealed to TMZ that the tension originated during filming for Queer Eye's tenth season last summer. According to insiders, Karamo's mother visited the set and, while wearing headphones, allegedly overheard co-stars Antoni, Jonathan, and Tan speaking critically about her son in his absence. The conversation reportedly included criticism of some of Karamo's lifestyle choices.
After Karamo's mother relayed what she heard, an immediate feud allegedly developed between Karamo and the three co-stars, with only Jeremiah Brent reportedly maintaining a positive relationship. This alleged incident provides context for Karamo's subsequent claims of feeling abused and his decision to withdraw from promotional commitments.
Fans Rally With Support and Concern
Followers have flooded Karamo's social media with messages of support, praising his commitment to mental health boundaries. Comments include sentiments such as "love you diva!!! glad you’re prioritising your mental health rn" and "Proud of you Karamo! Do what you gotta do boo". Another supporter wrote: "Just wanted to say how much I appreciate you. The amount of joy, peace, compassion and healing you have brought to others is incredible."
This isn't the first time Karamo has concerned fans; last November, viewers expressed shock at his changing appearance during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live!, with some speculating about cosmetic procedures and comparing him to horror character Jigsaw. However, the current situation represents a more serious departure, with Karamo explicitly citing emotional wellbeing concerns.
A Decade of Queer Eye Reflection
In emotional footage recorded for the final season, Karamo described his time on Queer Eye as his "greatest joy" and a "dream come true". He reflected: "This show has given me so much hope for the impact that you can make when you continue to walk in your truth and just show up. The world can be a better place if we all just are positive, kind, loving and do the work to support each other."
The star added that the experience provided him with "a clear purpose for the rest of my life", committing to ensuring people feel "heard and seen". This makes his current withdrawal from promotional activities particularly poignant, as he models the self-care principles he has long advocated.
Personal Challenges and Priorities
Karamo's current focus on boundaries follows previous personal challenges, including his difficult decision to end a ten-year engagement with fiancé Ian Jordan in 2020. Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show at the time, he explained that pandemic-induced reflection led him to question whether the relationship supported his happiness, ultimately deciding a separation was necessary.
His latest actions demonstrate a continued commitment to personal wellbeing, even when it means stepping back from professional obligations. As Queer Eye's final season approaches, Karamo's absence from promotion underscores the complex realities behind the show's message of transformation and self-acceptance, reminding audiences that mental health boundaries sometimes require difficult choices, even for television's most prominent advocates.
