Karamo Brown says honesty has brought him peace after one of the most difficult chapters of his career.
The television personality shared that his life has changed for the better after publicly discussing his experience behind the scenes of Netflix’s Queer Eye. Brown said opening up about years of alleged toxicity has connected him with people who related to his story and inspired a new sense of purpose.
Speaking at The Hollywood Reporter’s Social Impact Summit in Los Angeles, Brown reflected on the response he has received since his June cover story. In that interview, he detailed the emotional toll he says came from longstanding conflicts surrounding the hit series.
“I feel good,” Brown said. “It just feels like life is better now, you know what I mean? And to know that me speaking my truth has allowed me to now find people who recognize themselves in my story and to help them, it’s been amazing.”
Brown said the reaction extended far beyond support for him personally.
He explained that many people reached out because they identified with putting others first while neglecting themselves.
“My life has changed in the best way because I found my community, and I’ve actually given [them] a name. They’re called, ‘My Keepers.’ And it’s these people who always keep everything together, keep the peace, keep the friendship alive, the family together, but they don’t keep themselves at the top of their priority list,” Brown said.
Finding Purpose Through Vulnerability
Brown said his willingness to be transparent unexpectedly created a new community.
“We connected because that’s what I was doing for so many years,” he said. “And so the fact that now I have this community, I’m supporting them. It all came from my PEOPLE Magazine cover and people saying, ‘My gosh, thank you for speaking your truth.’”
The comments follow months of public discussion surrounding the final season of Queer Eye.
Earlier this year, Brown revealed he skipped several promotional appearances because he felt he needed to prioritize his mental health. He later alleged that years of bullying and unhealthy workplace dynamics affected his well-being while filming the Emmy-winning series. Brown also acknowledged making mistakes himself but said speaking openly was necessary for his healing. Producers have disputed portions of Brown’s characterization of events, saying concerns were addressed appropriately.
During the summit, Brown emphasized that protecting mental health sometimes requires difficult choices.
“Mental health and what we’re doing starts with us,” Brown said. “It starts with you. It’s a self thing. One of the things that saved my life was the day I decided that I was going to give up what I love to get what I deserved.”
Looking Ahead With Gratitude
Brown also spoke about the positive developments in his personal life.
He said he is looking forward to becoming a grandfather after his son announced he is expecting a baby boy later this year. Brown joked that he prefers the nickname “Grandzaddy” over the traditional alternatives.
The television host said he believes persistence has carried him through difficult seasons.
“I would say just life, you know? My career’s good. My relationships is good. I’m about to be a grandfather,” Brown said.
“I’ve done the work, and things are working out very well, and I’m just excited,” he continued. “I think that’s the thing. If people know you don’t give up, it’s gonna work.”
Brown’s remarks signal a new chapter following the conclusion of Queer Eye, which ended its 10-season run earlier this year. While the series became known for its uplifting transformations, Brown said his own transformation came from choosing transparency over silence.
For Brown, speaking candidly about painful experiences has reshaped both his outlook and his future. Rather than dwelling on past conflicts, he says he is focused on the community he has built and the opportunities that honesty has created.