“Queer Eye’s” Karamo Brown Reveals He Secretly Relapsed on Alcohol and Drugs During the Show: ‘I Was Not an Angel’ (Exclusive)

In a revealing interview with PEOPLE, Karamo Brown, known for his role as a cultural expert on the hit Netflix series *Queer Eye*, has opened up about his struggles with substance abuse during the filming of the show’s third season. This marks the first time Brown has publicly acknowledged that he relapsed after maintaining twelve years of sobriety.

Brown candidly shared that the pressures and strains within the show’s environment played a significant role in his descent into addiction. He described experiencing feelings of depression amidst what he termed a “toxic” atmosphere, compounded by tensions with some members of the Fab Five, the show’s ensemble cast. “I was depressed,” he admitted. “It felt shameful because I was teaching people that they could be better, but in my own life, I was trapped.”

His relapse in 2018 was influenced by the stressors he faced on set, including strained relationships with fellow castmates, which intensified due to bullying and a lack of accountability among certain production members. Although Brown’s reality was one of struggling with his demons, he sought refuge in substances. “It was: ‘I’m stressed from work, meet me at a bar for a drink,’” he explained, recounting how one drink spiralled into the use of other drugs.

A significant moment in Brown’s life came in 2006 when he learned he had fathered a son, Jason, now 29. This revelation prompted him to commit to sobriety, stating, “The minute I saw [Jason], something in me healed.” He credited his son with saving his life, emphasising that the burden of parenthood gave him a clearer sense of purpose.

Following the reboot of *Queer Eye* in 2018, the series quickly established itself as a cultural phenomenon, garnering twelve Emmy Awards throughout its run. However, as the show gained fame, internal dramas began to emerge. A pivotal incident occurred early in filming when a sexual harassment complaint was filed against Brown, leading to division within the group and to a climate of suspicion.

While Brown claims he had a “fun and flirty” relationship with a fellow cast member during the show’s casting process, he was later cleared of any wrongdoing. He later discovered that the complaint originated from an anonymous third party, leaving the Fab Five fractured. “It broke us,” he said, acknowledging a palpable divide that affected their dynamic.

Amidst the tensions, Brown did not shy away from admitting his own faults. He described moments when his hurt turned into hostility, affecting his relationships with co-stars. He acknowledged that navigating the highs and lows of fame, alongside the relentless pressure imposed by the production team, contributed to a climate that was difficult to manage. He recalled how an executive bluntly told him, “You are not a star,” instilling a deep-seated fear of job insecurity.

Despite these challenges, Brown maintained a brave façade for much of the production. He found solace in the transformations taking place on the show, which inspired him to endure the hardships. The production companies behind *Queer Eye*, ITV America and Scout Productions, have since stated that they disagree with Brown’s portrayal of the show’s working environment and emphasised their commitment to addressing any raised concerns during production.

Brown ultimately confronted his substance use again after a troubling incident involving a guest at his home, which served as a crucial wake-up call. “Since that day, I’ve not had a single drink, cocktail — nothing,” he affirmed. His dedication to sobriety has strengthened further with the impending arrival of his grandson, saying, “I’m making sure that I’m healed not just for me, but also for them.”

Currently, Brown is an advocate for sobriety, promoting a message that embraces life without substances. He attends a 12-step programme and is eager to share with others the joys and fulfilment that come with sobriety. As he looks towards the future, Brown remains hopeful about the impact he can have on the next generation.

For those who may be struggling with similar issues, resources are available, including the SAMHSA helpline. Brown’s journey reflects not only a personal struggle but also a broader message about the importance of addressing mental health and addiction. The latest issue of PEOPLE, featuring the full story, hits newsstands this Friday.