Karama Brown “can no longer stay silent about how often [he] was made to feel like an outsider” on the “Queer Eye” set.
The reality star spoke to People in an interview published Tuesday about the final straw that led to his bombshell decision not to do press with his fellow cast members in January.
The 45-year-old, who appeared in 10 seasons of the reboot alongside Jonathan van Ness, Antoni Porowski and Tan France, confirmed reports that his mom overheard cast members trash-talking him on set.
Brown recalled his mother telling him so with “tears in her eyes” as she repeated, “I thought they were your friends.”
The outlet confirmed that van Ness, France and Porowski were among those allegedly gossiping about their co-star.
Reps for van Ness, Porowski, Berk and France did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.
When Brown made headlines for pulling out of the Season 10 promotional tour earlier this year, he shared a cryptic statement about “protect[ing his] mental health/peace from people … who seek to destroy it.”
At the time, he pointed out, “If I stay quiet right now and pretend I’m sick or something, whose peace am I protecting?”
Brown, who felt “depressed” and “trapped” while filming, opened up on Tuesday about experiencing behavior that “does not fly in a professional environment” that “impacted [him] negatively, consistently.”
Multiple sources told People his dynamic with van Ness and France was especially strained.
“Jonathan was someone whose frustrations were often expressed openly,” the insider explained. “Others were more likely to create tension behind the scenes.”
Brown, however, gushed over van Ness’ recent “growth,” saying, “The work I have seen Jonathan pouring into himself is commendable and inspiring. … I respect him for how he’s currently moving through life.”
He confessed, “There were times I was hurt and would lash back out. I recognize my part and how things I did impacted people.”
Brown claimed cracks started to form when he was accused of sexual harassment by an anonymous third party, which “broke” his “fun and flirty” relationship with his co-stars and “divide[d]” the group.
While Brown claimed to have been cleared of wrongdoing, a source disputed this, confirming an investigation was conducted and “all parties wanted to move on with the show.”
An insider confirmed to People that the series was “toxic as hell” behind the scenes — and Brown claimed a senior executive once threatened to “get rid of” him amid creative differences.
The show’s production company ITV America and Scout Productions, however, “strongly disagree[d]” with Brown’s characterization.
“Throughout the series’ run, any issues brought to production leadership were taken seriously and addressed appropriately,” read a statement to the outlet. “Production consistently fostered a respectful and professional environment for the cast and crew — which included ongoing training, coaching and other support for the cast — maintaining clear workplace policies and practices throughout filming.”
When rumors swirled in January about the cast’s rift, Porowski subtly addressed the drama in an Instagram post.
“It’s not about how or even that it ended — the journey of it all was the part I’ll hold close to my heart,” the 42-year-old told his social media followers.
When a fan blasted the backstage “mess” going on, Porowski wrote, “Authenticity is about being honest about the complexities of life and knowing two things can exist at the same time.”
Bobby Berk — who left in Season 8 and was replaced by Jeremiah Brent — cheekily promoted his own HGTV show as speculation swirled.
The 44-year-old “Junk or Jackpot?” star, notably, confirmed in 2024 that he had feuded with France, 43 — but denied, “for the most part,” that butting heads with the fashion designer had anything to do with him leaving.
“Queer Eye” feuds aside, Brown revealed elsewhere in Tuesday’s cover story that he relapsed in 2018 and struggled with his sobriety for years.
He is now sober, gushing, “I’ve not had a single drink, cocktail — nothing.”
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