TV
Published March 5, 2024, 6:50 PM ET
“Queer Eye” star Jonathan Van Ness reportedly refused to work with some of her co-stars, according to a Rolling Stone exposé published Tuesday.
“He never wanted to be in the spotlight with anyone,” a member of the show’s production team claimed to the outlet. “There were times where we couldn't even film scenes with certain members of the Fab Five together because it got so bad.”
The source noted that there was also “absolutely tension between” stars Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France and Antoni Porowski, but that Van Ness was the main culprit.
Jonathan Van Ness reportedly refused to work with some of her co-stars on Queer Eye. jvn/Instagram “He never wanted to be in the spotlight with anyone,” a member of the show’s production told Rolling Stone in an exposé published Tuesday. jvn/Instagram “There were times where we couldn't even film scenes with certain members of the Fab Five together because it got so bad,” the insider continued. ILANA PANICH-LINSMAN/NETFLIX
This claim was supported by a statement from another production employee, who said that the 36-year-old hairdresser's mood often determined the atmosphere of the entire set.
“When he comes on set, everything changes when he's in a bad mood,” the person claimed. “Working with him is very difficult in every way.”
At least three other people described Van Ness, who identifies as non-binary, as an emotionally “abusive” person with “anger issues,” while others told Rolling Stone they acted like a “monster,” a “nightmare,” and “degrading.”
Rolling Stone reported that three production sources said the hairdresser, who identifies as non-binary, has “anger issues.” jvn/Instagram Others called them a “nightmare” to work with. jvn/Instagram
Another person close to the production claimed there was a “real sense of fear around them when they get angry.”
“It's almost like a cartoon where it's oozing out of them,” the person further claimed. “It’s intense and scary.”
And while Netflix executives reportedly held at least one meeting with Van Ness about her concerning behavior, they reportedly continued business as usual when they returned to set.
Another source told Rolling Stone that Van Ness' mood often determined the overall mood of the set. jvn/Instagram “When he comes on set, everything changes when he’s in a bad mood,” they claimed. jvn/Instagram
A representative for the TV personality did not immediately respond to Page Six's request for comment on the allegations.
Despite the unpleasant comments about Van Ness, a source who previously worked with them told Rolling Stone that they can sometimes be a joy to be around.
“Jonathan is a person who unites many people and has the ability to be very warm, very charismatic and make you feel very special when someone gives you their attention,” they noted.
They added: “But at least once a day they would have to shout at someone. “It may be something small, but there will always be someone to point it out, blame them and make them the villain of the day.”
Netflix reportedly met with Van Ness at least once about her behavior. armchairexppod/Instagram Van Ness reportedly hasn't changed his tune. Instagram/jvn
Rolling Stone's revelation isn't the first time the cracks in the popular Netflix series have been highlighted.
In January, Berk, 42, revealed he had been feuding with France, 40, behind the scenes.
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“Tan and I had a moment,” he told Vanity Fair. “There was a situation and it was between Tan and me and it has nothing to do with the show.”
“It was something personal that was brewing – and nothing romantic, just to be clear,” he added.
“Queer Eye” premiered in 2018. ILANA PANICH-LINSMAN/NETFLIX While the Fab Five seemed to have a close relationship back then, the reality is different. ILANA PANICH-LINSMAN/NETFLIX
However, they appear to have put their drama behind them, as Berk said he and France “hugged” at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys on January 7.
At this point, Berk had already announced his departure from “Queer Eye” after eight seasons to pursue other projects.
Raising further questions about the group's dynamic, Brown, 43, revealed in November 2023 that he, Berk and Van Ness were not invited to Porowski's bachelorette party.
“Their relationships have definitely changed since season one,” a production member explained. ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection “Essentially it was a group of people who got together in their mid-thirties and were told they were best friends,” another insider claimed. ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
Although the Fab Five appeared to be best friends in the show's early seasons, a production insider told Rolling Stone that they led “very different lives.”
“Their relationships have definitely changed since season one,” another production member explained.
“As in all workplaces, over time you become closer to some people and further away from others.”
Bobby Berk announced his departure from “Queer Eye” in November 2023. ILANA PANICH-LINSMAN/NETFLIX He previously admitted to having a fight with Tan France. ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
Another production source said fans shouldn't be at all surprised by the broken bond.
“Essentially it was a group of people put together in their mid-thirties who were told to be best friends. But people don't expect 'Queer Eye' to be that,” the insider revealed.
“That's exactly what it was: a manufactured boy band with big personalities, some of whom were favored and others not, and then finally [things] became really toxic.”
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