Jonathan Van Ness, the beloved grooming expert from Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” has recently addressed serious allegations about his behavior on set. Accusations surfaced in a Rolling Stone article, where sources described Van Ness as “emotionally abusive” and having “rage issues.” These claims reportedly created tension among the Fab Five, leading to Bobby Berk’s decision not to return for another season.
In a recent episode of the “Table Manners” podcast, Van Ness opened up about the impact of these allegations. “One thing it taught me was that I had been getting so much self-esteem from social and my job,” Van Ness said. “I think a lot of people were looking for a reason to hate me or looking for a reason to be like, ‘See, I always knew that they were a fake cunt, and this is the proof.'”
The 37-year-old credited his family, husband, and team for their unwavering support during the backlash. He recalled avoiding social media for three weeks, stating, “Anytime I tried to dip my toe in, I would immediately see something that was so intensely hurtful. I think people forget no matter how famous you are, you’re still a person.”
Van Ness explained that the article came at an “incredibly vulnerable” time for his hair care company and career. “It just was really rough,” he admitted. Despite believing the article was “overwhelmingly untrue and done in bad faith,” Van Ness acknowledged that there have been moments in his career when he could have handled stress better. “I may have been elbow-deep in highlights and was like, ‘No, I can’t talk about that right now!'”
Reflecting on his past, Van Ness said, “I know that there were times when I could have been better. But I think also being a survivor of abuse and talking about everything I’ve talked about, I internalized it so badly. I was like, ‘Oh my god, is it true? Am I really this bad person?’ It forced me to really learn how to slow down, disengage, and then really love myself. Sometimes, loving yourself just looks like feeling your feelings. I just had to be sad for a minute.”
The Rolling Stone article, published in March, included testimonies from four anonymous “Queer Eye” production sources and three former colleagues. They described Van Ness as a “nightmare” and a “monster” who is “demeaning” and emotionally “abusive.” One source claimed that Van Ness would “explode” frequently while filming, creating an “intense and scary” atmosphere. “When he comes on set, everything changes if he’s in a bad mood,” the source explained, adding that “working with him is very difficult in any capacity.”
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Van Ness remained silent on social media, sharing unrelated content instead. However, in a recent Instagram post, he included a defiant caption with a series of photos and images. “Doesn’t matter what they say, the jealous games that people play… name that tune,” he wrote, referencing the song “Our Lips Are Sealed” by The Go-Go’s.
Some fans used the post as an opportunity to press Van Ness further about the allegations. One commented, “By not addressing the allegations of bullying, these posts come off as a huge [middle finger emoji]…” Another wrote, “By not addressing the diva and bullying rumors this seems just petty.”
The last image in Van Ness’s Instagram post was a photo of all five members of Queer Eye’s Fab Five, including new addition Jeremiah Brent. Brent will join the show in the next season, replacing Bobby Berk, who announced his departure in November last year.
Part of the Rolling Stone investigation included allegations that Tan France “campaigned” to have Berk replaced by his friend, Brent. However, France shot down the claim in an Instagram video, declaring that Berk’s departure had “nothing to do with” him trying to get Brent hired. France added that he did not put Brent up for the job; rather, Brent was selected because “they were the best person for the job.”
The most recent season of “Queer Eye,” season eight, is the last to feature Bobby Berk. Jeremiah Brent will take his place from season nine onwards.
Van Ness’s comments on the “Table Manners” podcast mark the first time he has publicly addressed the allegations. He emphasized the importance of self-love and the support of his loved ones in navigating this challenging period. “It forced me to really learn how to slow down, disengage, and then really love myself,” he said.
As Van Ness prepares to return for “Queer Eye” season eight, the allegations and their fallout serve as a reminder of the pressures and scrutiny faced by public figures. Despite the challenges, Van Ness remains committed to his work and personal growth, hoping to move forward with the support of his fans and loved ones.
Source: Rolling Stone, Table Manners Podcast, Instagram
