The popular Netflix show Queer Eye has been a beacon of positivity and transformation for over two decades. However, behind the scenes, there were moments that challenged the cast’s sense of safety and well-being. Karamo Brown, one of the show’s beloved Fab Five members, has recently opened up about one such incident that left him and his castmates terrified.
In the first season of the reboot, Brown and his fellow cast members found themselves in an unexpected and unsettling situation. What appeared to be a routine traffic stop turned out to be a staged moment designed to create drama for the show. This incident, which aired in 2018, has since sparked conversations about the ethical implications of such production decisions.
The Staged Police Incident and Its Impact
During the filming of the first season, the cast was traveling in a car driven by Brown when they were pulled over by a police officer. Only Bobby Berk, another cast member, was aware that the stop was orchestrated. The incident was featured in an episode where Cory Waldrop, the man they were helping, discussed Brown’s fear of interacting with the police as a person of color.
Brown later revealed in an interview with BuzzFeed that he had insisted on driving that morning. “That morning, I was adamant that I wanted to drive,” he said. This decision allowed a crucial conversation to take place, one that might not have happened otherwise. However, the experience was far from comfortable for Brown and his castmates.
The Real Fear Behind the Scenes
In a recent interview with People for its June cover story, Brown shared his genuine fear during the incident. “You can see, because it made it in the episode, real fear in my face and my castmates’ face because none of us know what was going on,” he admitted. The situation was particularly harrowing for Brown, who realized he didn’t have his license, was in the South, and was a Black man. “I do not feel safe right now,” he recalled thinking.
Brown claimed that the show used his race in a calculated way to create a more dramatic moment, without considering the potential impact on him. The cop’s aggressive behavior, including asking him to step out of the car, added to the cast’s terror. “It was not acting; we were all terrified because we are part of a community that has been harassed and beaten by the police,” Brown recounted. The cast included individuals from diverse backgrounds, including a nonbinary person and people from different countries, all of whom felt unsafe during the incident.
The Aftermath and Brown’s Struggles
Since the show’s final season aired, Brown has been more open about his struggles with sobriety and depression. He even skipped promoting the show alongside his castmates Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Tan France, and Jeremiah Brent, citing his experience of feeling “mentally and emotionally abused” while making the show. Brown’s decision to skip appearances on CBS Mornings and Today on January 20 highlighted his commitment to his well-being and mental health.
In his interview with People, Brown reflected on his decision to speak out. He and his castmates had always come together because of the fans, but Brown felt the need to prioritize his peace. “If I stay quiet right now and pretend I’m sick or something, whose peace am I protecting?” he asked himself. This introspection led him to share his experiences openly.
The Production Company’s Response
The show’s production company, ITV America and Scout Productions, responded to Brown’s allegations in a statement to People. “We strongly disagree with any characterization that concerns raised during the production of Queer Eye were ignored, dismissed or allowed to continue unchecked,” they said. The company emphasized that any issues brought to production leadership were taken seriously and addressed appropriately. They highlighted the respectful and professional environment fostered throughout the series’ run, including ongoing training, coaching, and support for the cast.
The producers also expressed their pride in the show’s lasting impact and the community it helped build over more than 20 years. “We remain incredibly proud of Queer Eye’s lasting impact and the community the series helped build over more than 20 years,” they stated. This response underscores the complex dynamics behind the scenes of a beloved television show.
