TL;DR

• Karamo Brown skipped a TODAY interview with the “Queer Eye” cast before the final season premiere.
• His assistant said he has felt “mentally and emotionally abused for years.”
• Karamo said he is prioritizing self-protection and mental health.
• The remaining cast expressed surprise but support for his decision.
• The show’s 10th and final season launches amid unexpected tension.

Karamo Brown Drops Out of ‘TODAY’ Interview, Says He’s Been ‘Emotionally Abused’ for Years

Fab Five Meets a Not-So-Fab Rift

Just one day before the legendary makeover series Queer Eye launched its tenth and final season, fans got a plot twist they never expected: culture expert Karamo Brown was a no-show for the cast’s TODAY interview—and he says he’s been “mentally and emotionally abused for years.”

Brown’s absence stunned viewers and co-stars alike. Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Jonathan Van Ness, and Jeremiah Brent arrived on set ready to reflect on a decade of glow-ups and heart-to-hearts, only to reveal that Karamo had pulled out at the last minute. According to TODAY’s Sheinelle Jones, the show received an email from Karamo’s assistant explaining that, on the advice of his therapist, he would not attend in order to “protect himself and his peace.”

That’s not minor tea, darling—that’s a boiling kettle.

Karamo Speaks… From Home

Karamo did send a recorded message, which began warmly enough—praising the hosts on their new show and thanking fans for ten seasons of support. But then came the underlying truth: he wasn’t there because he needed to “love and protect” himself, hinting at years of emotional strain behind the scenes.

“This new season is going to be amazing,” he said in the video, “but just like the themes of this season, I’m modeling what I believe is most important… That’s why I’m here, at home, and not there.”

He then thanked the crew, fans, and Netflix executives for the platform that launched him into global stardom.

The Cast Reacts—With Shock and Support

If the other Fab Five members were expecting drama, they hid it well. Porowski admitted they were “a little surprised,” but emphasized their support for Karamo’s choice. France echoed that sentiment, reminding viewers that while the five hosts may have been the faces of the show, the heart of Queer Eye has always been the heroes they helped each week.

“We’re here to honor the legacy of a decade,” Porowski said, stressing that whatever Karamo is going through, the cast stands behind his right to take care of himself.

France took the opportunity to reflect on the series’ impact: “The show was never about us… And I think the legacy of the show is such positivity and beauty.” He credited Karamo as an integral part of that legacy, even amid the newly revealed tension.

Netflix declined to comment on the situation, leaving fans to wonder what happened off-camera—and how long Karamo’s alleged emotional turmoil has been simmering.

Behind the Glow-Up: The LGBTQ Community and Mental Health

Queer Eye has long been praised for its emotional honesty, but Karamo’s revelation highlights a more complicated truth: even the mentors can struggle. For LGBTQ fans, his admission resonates deeply. Many queer people are conditioned to present resilience and radiance even while navigating pain—both personal and systemic.

Karamo’s choice to publicly prioritize his mental well-being sends a powerful message: setting boundaries is not betrayal; it’s survival. And in a media landscape where queer talent often shoulders the burden of representation, stepping back can be the bravest move of all.

The End of an Era—with Unresolved Questions

As the Fab Five prepare to hang up their hair gel, French tuck, and grooming kits, the unexpected fracture adds poignancy to the show’s final season. Queer Eye spent a decade preaching self-love, vulnerability, and authenticity. Karamo’s absence forces the industry—and the audience—to grapple with what that looks like when the cameras aren’t rolling.

If anything, his decision reminds LGBTQ viewers that protecting one’s mental health is not just allowed—it’s essential. And sometimes the real makeover happens off-screen.