Karamo Brown Skips ‘Queer Eye’ Interview And Offers Explanation

“Queer Eye” cast member Karamo Brown was noticeably absent during cast interviews, leaving his fellow hosts Jonathan Van Ness, Antoni Porowski, Tan France, and Jeremiah Brent to promote the 10th season of their Netflix makeover series.

While the decision came as a shock to the cast members, Karamo Brown explained his absence via a written statement.

A day before the premiere of “Queer Eye” on Netflix, the cast members got together to promote the 10th season. However, only four of the five were present.

On “CBS Mornings,” anchor Gayle King shared a statement from Brown explaining why he wasn’t there. “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/peace from people or a world who seek to destroy it. Which is why I can’t be there today,” King read. She also added that, according to Brown’s assistant, he was worried about “being bullied.”

The “Queer Eye” host also missed an appearance on “TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle,” sending an email that read, “Karamo has felt mentally and emotionally abused for years, and he has been advised by his therapist to protect himself and his peace by not attending.”

The rest of the cast wasn’t aware that Brown wouldn’t be joining them for their interviews, and despite their shock, they stayed composed while sharing their reactions with King and the “CBS Mornings” audience. Porowski said, “surprised is an understatement,” adding that their “Queer Eye” family has been together for a decade and “families are complicated.” Meanwhile, Van Ness lauded his co-host for deciding to do what was best for him. “I take my hat off to him for doing that today,” he said.

On “TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle,” Porowski shared that they, as his co-hosts and friend, “fully support” Brown for choosing to take care of himself by not taking part in the interviews. To shift the attention to the show instead of Brown’s non-attendance, France said that “Queer Eye” was not about the five hosts but about the heroes that they showcase in the series.

It seems Brown wasn’t the only one who had issues with his fellow castmates. Former “Queer Eye” Bobby Berk, who was replaced by Brent in Season 9, departed from the show after feuding with France. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Berk unfollowed France on Instagram, which ignited speculations.

Berk set the record straight in an interview with Vanity Fair, assuring fans that while he and France “had a moment,” they “will be fine.” “There was a situation, and that’s between Tan and I, and it has nothing to do with the show,” he added. Apart from that, Berk also decided to leave the show when their first contract expired in 2022. He had already made plans for his future and when Netflix decided to offer a new contract, he was the only cast member to not re-sign the contract.

The first season of ‘Queer Eye’ aired in 2018, and the 10th season will be its last. In an interview with “TODAY” last year, Brown shared his thoughts about why he felt it was time for the show to end. He’s looking forward to new opportunities on the horizon and said that it was time to move forward after 10 seasons. “I’m excited for that chapter to close. Not because I don’t love the show and I didn’t love what we did, but I am ready for what’s next,” Brown shared.

“Queer Eye” isn’t Brown’s only series; he also has his own talk show, “Karamo,” which debuted in 2022. In it, the talk show host tackles a range of topics, including family issues, infidelity, challenges in parenting, and others. “Karamo” executive producer Kerry Shannon was all praise in an interview with Deadline, saying, “Karamo’s natural ability to connect with our guests and help them find a path to healing makes the show feel genuine and relatable.” “Karamo” is currently in its fourth season.