Reveals: Karamo Brown Skips Morning Shows Over Abuse Claims

Introduction

Karamo Brown, 45, pulled out of several high-profile morning-show interviews on Tuesday, Jan. 20, citing years of mental and emotional abuse. The move stunned his Queer Eye co-stars, who responded live on air and on the show’s own platforms.

At a Glance

• Brown’s Reason: Mental and emotional abuse, therapist advice to protect himself.
• Cast Reaction: Surprise, support, and praise for Brown’s self-care decision.
• Brown’s Message: Encouraged fans to keep watching the 10th season and thanked crew, fans, and Netflix executives.
• Why It Matters: Highlights ongoing tensions within the long-running reality series and underscores the importance of mental-health advocacy.

Why Karamo Brown Skipped the Shows

On the morning of Jan. 20, CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King announced that Brown had withdrawn an hour before the interview aired. In a statement released to the press, Brown said:

> “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.”

Brown explained that he had “felt mentally and emotionally abused for years,” and that his therapist had advised him to protect his peace by staying home.

Key Points

• Brown is an original member of the show.
• He has been vocal about mental-health advocacy for a decade.
• The decision was made just before the scheduled appearance.

Cast Reactions Live

The remaining cast members-Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Jonathan Van Ness, and Jeremiah Brent-were asked on air about Brown’s absence.

> “Surprised is a fair understatement,” Porowski, 41, shared. “I will say, our Queer Eye family, we’ve been doing this for almost a decade – which is pretty wild to believe – and families are complicated and we’re definitely not excluded from that. But I think two things can exist at the same time. And while that is definitely true, we’re also here to showcase these incredible heroes we have and really honor the legacy of this past decade of our lives and all these wonderful heroes that we’ve had the blessing of getting to meet and have conversations with.”

Brent added a heartfelt note:

> “My experience in this group has been transformative. To see the way that they move through the world, the way that they have taught me so much about life and friendship and love. I have felt safe and supported by the people up here.”

During the Today segment, Porowski said:

> “I think, definitely a little surprised, but at the same time, look, we’re so sorry that he’s not here. We fully support, I think as a collective unit, him taking care of himself and I think to echo what he’s saying, we’re here to honor the legacy of a decade, which is so wild to think about and all the heroes we’ve helped. And to just really put a spotlight on the incredible heroes we have this season in D.C.”

France, 42, noted that the show “was never about us,” adding that he was “so proud” of the team’s work.

Van Ness, 38, praised Brown’s decision:

> “It is so difficult – I think both of you can identify – when you’re on a show and you’re just relentlessly working, it is so difficult to center what you need and how to take care of yourself. And he’s been teaching people how to take care of themselves on Queer Eye for almost 10 years. And I’m actually so proud of him for centering what he needs to do and taking care of himself. It’s not easy and that’s not an easy statement to make and I’m really proud of him for doing that. Obviously, we wish that he was here, but I am really proud of him for doing what he needs to do for what’s best for himself.”

Brown’s Video Message to Fans

Brown sent a video to Today explaining his absence. In the clip, he repeated the mental-health theme and urged viewers to stay safe:

> “Just like the themes of this season, I’m modeling what I believe is most important, which I want to remind you all, love yourselves and protect yourselves. That’s why I’m here at home and not there.”

He continued to thank the production team, fans, and Netflix executives:

> “I want to shout out to the crew. I want to shout out to the fans. I want to shout out to the executives at Netflix.”

Brown did not thank his co-stars in the message.

Background on Cast Tensions

The Queer Eye cast has faced drama before. In 2023, Bobby Berk announced his exit after eight seasons. A 2024 interview with Vanity Fair revealed personal friction between Berk and Tan France, which Berk described as “nothing romantic, just personal.” The cast’s history of interpersonal conflict has been documented in past episodes and media reports.

What It Means for Queer Eye

Brown’s decision underscores the growing focus on mental-health issues within the entertainment industry. The show’s producers have not released a statement, but the cast’s public support suggests a united front. The 10th season, set to premiere soon, will continue to highlight personal growth and community building, even as one of its original members steps back.

Key Takeaways

• Brown cited mental and emotional abuse as the reason for skipping interviews.
• The cast publicly expressed surprise and support.
• Brown’s video emphasized self-care and thanked the crew, fans, and Netflix.
• The show’s history of tension may influence future dynamics.
• The episode will still air, featuring the rest of the cast’s efforts to showcase heroes.

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Timeline of Events