NEED TO KNOW
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Karamo Brown revealed he relapsed with alcohol and drugs while filming season 3 of the show. «Queer Eye» .
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Brown explains how tensions with some of his co-stars on the Fab Five set and pressure from producers contributed to his difficulties.
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He decided to give up alcohol again after a frightening shock that happened a year and a half ago.
Over the course of 10 seasons of the show Queer Eye Karamo Brown exuded positivity as he helped "heroes"—ordinary people chosen for emotional, life-changing transformations—as a culture and lifestyle expert.
But behind the scenes, as he struggled with what he describes as a toxic atmosphere on the show, "I was depressed," he tells PEOPLE in the cover story of this issue, which goes on sale Friday. "I was ashamed because I was teaching people they could be better, but in my own life, I was trapped.".
He claims tensions with his Fab Five co-stars, exacerbated by bullying and unchecked inappropriate behavior from executives and crew members, contributed to his relapse during the show's third season in 2018 after 12 years of sobriety. (In a statement, the show's production companies, ITV America and Scout Productions, said they "categorically disagree with any assertion that concerns raised… were ignored, dismissed, or allowed to continue unaddressed.").
«It was hard for me not to face my demons and what I was going through on the show. Queer Eye »"," he says. "It was like, 'I'm stressed about work, let's meet at the bar for a drink.' Drinking led to marijuana, cocaine, pills. I couldn't cope, but I pretended I could. I was so broken.".
Karamo Brown at her home in Los Angeles for PEOPLE. Photo by Filicia J.L. Mann.
Earlier in 2006, Brown decided to quit drinking after learning he had a son, Jason, now 29, after he received court papers for child support arrears.
«"The moment I saw [Jason], something inside me healed," Brown says. "I realized my purpose.".
With the support of Jason's mother, Brown, a school friend who had already achieved some success thanks to his participation in the MTV reality show «"The Real World: Philadelphia" »", within a few months received full custody of the child.
«"My son saved my life, 100 percent," he says. "His existence made me realize there's more to life.".
However, in the following years, Brown found it difficult to stay sober.
When the series (a reboot of the 2000s series) premiered on Netflix in 2018, it became an instant hit, winning 12 Emmy Awards and 40 nominations during its run.
But as quickly as the Fab Five's fame grew, so did their drama. Brown says he and his castmates Jonathan Van Ness, 39, Tan France, 43, Antoni Porowski, 42, and Bobby Berk, 44 (who left the show after eight seasons and was replaced by Jeremiah Brent, 41, in 2024) separated after a sexual harassment complaint was filed against him within the first few weeks of filming.
Karamo Brown and Bobby Berk in the first season of "Queer Eye." Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Brown claims he and one of the "Fab Five" cast members—whom he declines to name publicly—had a "fun and flirtatious" relationship during the show's casting process. Brown, who claims he was cleared of wrongdoing, initially blamed his colleague for filing the complaint, but later learned that an anonymous third party was responsible.
«"It broke us," he says of the group. "We all realized there was a rift between us.".
(A source inside the production team disputes Brown's "characterization of events," but confirms that an investigation was conducted and says "all parties wanted to move forward with the show.")
Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, and Tan France. Photo: Gavin Bond/Netflix
Brown's relationship with France and Van Ness, who previously denied allegations of emotional and verbal abuse on set in 2024, was particularly strained, according to multiple sources.
«"Jonathan was often vocal about his frustrations," explains a source familiar with the cast's dynamics. "Others were more likely to create tension behind the scenes.".
Brown tries not to portray himself as innocent. "There were moments when I was hurt, and I responded in kind," he says. "I understand my role and how my actions affected people. I was no angel.".
According to Brown, the strained relationships between the "Fab Five" members was fueled by the extreme pressure they faced. In the show's early days, he recalls, one senior executive bluntly told him, "You're not a star. I'm taking you out tomorrow.".
Karamo BrownCredit: Phylicia J.L. Mann
Fearing retaliation, Brown says he kept up the good work for years because he'd long dreamed of being on television and changing his family's life. Besides, "when I saw the changes happening thanks to the five of us, I thought, 'Honey, okay, I can do this.'".
In a statement, the show's production companies, ITV America and Scout Productions, said: "We strongly disagree with any assertion that concerns raised during filming Queer Eye , were ignored, dismissed, or ignored. Throughout the series' run, any concerns raised with the production management were taken seriously and addressed appropriately. The production team consistently fostered a respectful and professional environment for the cast and crew, including ongoing training, mentoring, and other support, maintaining clear rules and procedures throughout the production process.".
They added: "We remain incredibly proud of the long-lasting impact the series has had. Queer Eye and what a community he helped shape over more than 20 years.".
Karamo Brown at her home in Los Angeles for PEOPLE. Photo by Filicia J.L. Mann.
Overcoming difficulties, Brown again resorted to the use of psychoactive substances.
«"After a couple of beers, I could smoke weed with you all night and not be able to function properly," he says. "I could take a pill with you and be euphoric, thinking I was, even though I wasn't. I could use cocaine to keep the party going and feel like I was part of something bigger, even though I wasn't. Now I try to explain to people that it's not the substance itself, but the underlying feelings you're not focusing on.".
A year and a half ago, Brown experienced a terrifying wake-up call when a guest had an adverse reaction to a substance consumed at his home. At that moment, Brown began praying and promised that if everything went well, he would quit drinking.
«"Since that day, I haven't had a single drink, a cocktail, or anything," says Brown, who follows a 12-step program and regularly attends meetings. "I want to show people that giving up alcohol can be a very enjoyable experience.".
Karamo Brown at her home in Los Angeles for PEOPLE. Photo by Filicia J.L. Mann.
His resolve to stay sober was strengthened when he learned Jason was expecting his first child in the fall.
«"On this journey, I'm trying to heal not only for myself, but for them as well," says the enthusiastic "grandmother." "Now two generations will be looking up to me.".
Read more from Karamo Brown in the new issue of PEOPLE, which goes on sale Friday.
If you or someone you know has a substance abuse problem, please contact SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, emotional stress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat on the website 988lifeline.org 24/7, 7 days a week.
Read the original article on People.