Karamo Brown, the mental health expert from Netflix's Queer Eye, has broken his silence about the fallout with his co-stars and disclosed a relapse during the show's third season. The 44-year-old did not appear alongside his fellow Fab Five members for a press segment promoting the final season in January, instead sending a statement about protecting his mental health.
In an interview with People, Brown claimed he had drawn boundaries with some co-stars due to a toxic dynamic that included alleged bullying and unchecked behaviour by executives and production members. He said the situation escalated when his mother overheard negative comments about him on set in 2025, leaving her in tears and prompting him to speak out.
Brown also revealed that he relapsed in 2018 after 12 years of sobriety, turning to alcohol, weed, cocaine and pills. He described feeling depressed and trapped, despite portraying positivity on the show as a mental health advisor. He noted that he felt no hostility towards co-star Jonathan Van Ness, praising his personal growth.
Production companies ITV America and Scout Productions denied allegations of a toxic culture, stating that any concerns raised were taken seriously and addressed appropriately. They emphasised that they fostered a respectful and professional environment throughout the series' run.
