**Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness Breaks Silence on Abusive Workplace Allegations**
Jonathan Van Ness, one of the beloved members of the Fab Five from Netflix’s hit show “Queer Eye,” has finally addressed the allegations of abusive behavior and workplace tensions that have been circulating for months. The 37-year-old hairstylist and television personality opened up about the issue during a recent episode of the “Table Manners” podcast, shedding light on the emotional turmoil they experienced following the publication of a Rolling Stone exposé.
In December, the “Queer Eye” team was informed about an upcoming investigative article that would paint a negative picture of the show’s behind-the-scenes dynamics. Jonathan recalled the moment they were warned about the article, saying, “Our whole Queer Eye family had like first learned about this article in like December. ‘There’s someone who’s gonna write an investigative takedown about you that isn’t really based in reality, but can certainly have a lot of things taken out of context to make you look as bad as possible. So that could drop any day now. Just so you know.'”
The anticipation of the article’s release left Jonathan feeling like they were “walking on eggshells.” The stress and anxiety were palpable, and they admitted to avoiding social media and their phone for three weeks. “I think a lot of people were like looking for a reason to hate me or like looking for a reason to be like, ‘See, I always knew that they were a fake c–t and this is the proof,'” Jonathan shared. Despite the support from their husband, Mark Peacock, and their team, the period was incredibly challenging.
The timing of the article’s publication in March was particularly difficult for Jonathan, as it coincided with the launch of their hair care line, JVN Hair. “I think people forget no matter how famous you are you’re still a person,” they said. “That article came at like an incredibly vulnerable time, like for my hair care company, for like my whole career. It just was really rough.”
While Jonathan firmly believes that the article was “overwhelmingly untrue and done in bad faith,” they acknowledged that it prompted some self-reflection. “Even though I do believe that that article was overwhelmingly untrue and done in bad faith, there have obviously been times through my career where you’re like stressed out. Or like I may have been like elbow deep in highlights and was like, ‘No, I can’t talk about that right now.’ I know that there were times where I like could have been better.”
The reality star emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and learning to love oneself through difficult times. “I think that that article made me realize like how much I’d been put in this position of like being an expert, or being perfect,” Jonathan explained. “I’m someone who champions self-acceptance. But sometimes self-acceptance looks like having to love yourself through incredibly hard times.”
Jonathan’s response comes in the wake of a tumultuous period for the “Queer Eye” team. The Rolling Stone exposé detailed various tensions among the Fab Five, including allegations of Jonathan’s “rage issues” and emotionally “abusive” behavior on set. The article also highlighted the departure of interior designer Bobby Berk, who announced his exit from the show in November.
Berk’s departure was a significant moment for the “Queer Eye” team, as it marked the end of an era for the Fab Five. The group, which includes Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski, and Jonathan Van Ness, had been together for eight seasons, transforming the lives of countless individuals across the United States and even Japan. However, behind the scenes, the dynamics were reportedly far from harmonious.
According to the Rolling Stone article, the Fab Five’s relationships had become strained over time, with petty disputes and competition for screen time creating a toxic environment. Production sources described Jonathan as a “monster” and “nightmare” to work with, citing instances of emotional abuse and rage issues. These allegations painted a stark contrast to Jonathan’s public persona, which is characterized by warmth, charisma, and a commitment to self-love and acceptance.
Despite the challenges, Jonathan remains committed to their role on “Queer Eye” and will return for the show’s ninth season alongside Antoni Porowski, Karamo Brown, Tan France, and newcomer Jeremiah Brent. Reflecting on the experience, Jonathan shared, “I was like, ‘Oh my God, is it true? Like, am I really this bad person?’ It forced me to just like really learn how to slow down, disengage and then really love myself.”
The allegations and subsequent fallout have undoubtedly left a mark on the “Queer Eye” team. The once tight-knit group now appears to be more of a cordial working relationship than a genuine friendship. Production sources have noted that the Fab Five members no longer socialize outside of work, and tensions have made it difficult to film scenes together.
As the show moves forward, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will evolve. For now, Jonathan Van Ness is focused on personal growth and continuing to champion self-acceptance, both on and off the screen. The journey has been challenging, but Jonathan’s resilience and commitment to self-love serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find strength and healing.
Source: Rolling Stone, Table Manners Podcast
