Queer Eye star Karamo Brown has become the center of a major cast controversy as Netflix’s hit reality series launched its final season last week, according to reports. Sources say a hot mic incident involving fellow cast members—and Brown’s own mom—has led to a notable rift among the Fab Five.
What Sparked the Tension?
The dispute reportedly began during filming of Queer Eye Season 10 in Washington, D.C., when Brown’s mother, Charmaine, visited the set and was given production headphones. While Karamo stepped away briefly, co-hosts Antoni Porowski, Tan France, and Jonathan Van Ness were allegedly overheard making negative comments about Brown, including remarks about his personal choices. Charmaine later shared what she heard with her son, which sources say triggered an immediate fallout.
Brown has severed professional ties with Porowski, France, and Van Ness and publicly unfollowed them on social media. He only remains close with fellow host Jeremiah Brent, according to People.
Pulling Out of Press and Mental Health Citing
The conflict came into the spotlight when Brown abruptly skipped promotional interviews for the new season, notably a CBS Mornings appearance with his co-stars. His team said he was advised by his therapist to “protect his peace” and that he feared being “bullied” if he appeared with the others. In a separate video message, Brown encouraged fans to watch the finale season and thanked the show’s crew and supporters—without mentioning his cast mates.
Cast Reactions and Public Statements
Meanwhile, Porowski, France, and Van Ness responded publicly with measured empathy, acknowledging that long-term working relationships can be “complicated” while wishing the show and Brown well. Brent also spoke about the impact the show has had on him and expressed support for its legacy.
However, Bobby Berk, who left Queer Eye after eight seasons, recently made a subtle but pointed comment about the ongoing cast drama involving Brown by posting and then deleting a TikTok featuring the song “My Kink Is Karma.” He also responded to a fan that he “rode off into the sunset in silence,” seemingly acknowledging his feelings about how the show’s final season and Brown’s absence from promotional interviews have played out. Berk has since deleted his TikTok amid wider backlash over the app’s privacy issues, and his reaction adds another layer to the public tension surrounding Brown’s decision to skip press events to prioritize his mental health.
Why Fans Are Talking
The story has sparked intense online discussion, with fans debating professionalism, mental health, and how long-running TV shows manage off-camera conflict. Some viewers say the alleged remarks could damage the Queer Eye “family” image, while others point out cast dynamics often shift over years working together in high-pressure environments.
