Bobby Berk Shares His Thoughts on Karamo Brown Missing Interviews Amid Queer Eye Cast Tension

Bobby Berk and Karamo Brown in January 2020.
Credit:

Amy Sussman/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Queer Eye star Karamo Brown opted out of several live interviews on January 20, stating he felt “mentally and emotionally abused for years.”
• His former costar Bobby Berk publicly supported Brown after his decision to forego promotional appearances for the final season of Queer Eye.
• Berk announced his departure from the series in 2023 and now hosts his own HGTV show titled Junk or Jackpot?

Bobby Berk has expressed his solidarity with Karamo Brown following the latter’s recent withdrawal from press engagements related to the final season of Queer Eye. Brown, 45, opted out of several interviews scheduled for January 20, citing a history of feeling “mentally and emotionally abused” throughout his career, as reported by PEOPLE.

Initially slated to appear on morning shows with his castmates, including Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Jonathan Van Ness, and Jeremiah Brent, Brown decided to step back shortly before the events took place. This decision reportedly stems from an incident during filming that affected his relationships with his colleagues.

In a show of support, Berk, 44, commented on Brown’s recent Instagram post on January 22, where Brown mused about overcoming personal challenges. Berk responded with heart emojis, conveying his admiration and friendship. He later indicated he had no resentment towards fans who chose to watch Queer Eye‘s final season, which premiered on January 21.

The choice to withdraw from media engagements was described by an insider as a measure taken by Brown to protect his mental health. According to the source, Brown’s mother overheard comments about him during filming, which, while not intended as gossip, led to a rift with his fellow cast members.

During one of the interviews Brown skipped, CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King read a prepared statement from him. “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 from people or a world who seek to destroy it; which is why I can’t be there today,” the statement emphasized.

Brown’s assistant later informed CBS Mornings that he was worried about being bullied, reinforcing his decision to remain absent from the promotional activities.

In a statement shared with Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, Brown revealed that he has “felt mentally and emotionally abused for years” and was advised by his therapist to prioritize his mental well-being by not attending the press engagements.

Although Berk and Brown seem to maintain a positive relationship, Berk once addressed criticism related to the timing of his announcement about his HGTV series Junk or Jackpot?, which came a day after the conclusion of Queer Eye. He clarified that the announcement date had been pre-planned and was coincidental.

“I have to say, I swear on my mother’s life, my show announcement date was set,” Berk stated. “No, this was planned. Show announcements don’t happen on a whim.” Despite denying any ill intent, he acknowledged that some, including Brown, had perceived it as poorly timed.

‘Queer Eye’ cast in January 2018.

Rob Kim/Getty

Berk, who was a key member of the original Fab Five, confirmed his exit from the show in 2023. Following his departure, Jeremiah Brent was announced as his replacement. Sources indicated that Berk’s parting was amicable and not reflective of any underlying issues with his castmates.

A close source affirmed, “Bobby’s departure is unrelated to relationships with his castmates. The parting was amicable.” Nevertheless, Berk later acknowledged during a 2024 interview that there had been personal conflicts within the team.

Reflecting on past tensions, Berk remarked on a particular incident with France, clarifying that it stemmed from personal differences rather than any romantic implications. “We became like siblings — and siblings are always going to fight,” he said, sharing his philosophy on handling such disputes.