Jonathan Van Ness has described the conclusion of Netflix's hit series Queer Eye as "bittersweet," while also addressing the reported tensions among the cast, stating that "we all have varying relationships."
The popular TV personality's comments come as the show, which saw its final season released earlier this year, wrapped up amidst controversy surrounding cast member Karamo Brown.
The 39-year-old comedian and hairstylist rose to prominence as part of the "fab five" on Queer Eye, alongside Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, and Bobby Berk, who was later replaced by Jeremiah Brent. The series garnered widespread acclaim for its heartfelt makeovers and life transformations across the US.
However, the show's ending was reportedly marred by a fallout after Brown opted out of the press tour. His absence, which surprised his fellow cast members, was later attributed to a need to focus on and protect his mental health, as stated in a message shared with CBS Mornings.
Speaking to the Press Association about the state of relationships within the group, JVN remarked: "I think between the people that have been on the cast, we all have varying relationships – some of us are closer, some of us are not so close. I think that’s also okay. So yeah, that’s where we are on that."
Reflecting on Queer Eye's nearly decade-long run, JVN expressed mixed emotions, describing its end as "bittersweet" but also conveying excitement to "explore new things" and "see what life has to offer."
They added: "That was such an incredible ride and it’s memories and experiences that I just treasure forever. It’s part of why I can even tour and come to the UK. Bittersweet is the best way I can say it. I’m so grateful. I loved making the show and it was so special in such a special time. I am also ready to experience new things and explore new things and keep growing and keep seeing what life has to offer. So I think bittersweet is the best way to say."
JVN is now preparing to bring their stand-up comedy show, “Hot & Healed”, to the UK, kicking off in London on 17 May, followed by dates in Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, and Glasgow. They revealed the new show would be "a lot queerer and a lot raunchier" than their work on Queer Eye.
The comedian elaborated on the show's themes, explaining: "It’s breaking down the last two years of my life, publicly, politically, and I think what ‘Hot & Healed’ is about is what I think we need to do as a collective to heal through the tumult of what we are surrounded in right now. In 2024, I was unfortunately featured in this $220 million pro-Trump ad campaign. You can imagine that that was pretty devastating for me, to be that motivating, to scare so many people to want to vote for Trump. What we’re healing from is the violence of the gender binary, from misogyny, from ageism, from fat phobia."
JVN also highlighted the therapeutic power of comedy, particularly its ability to introduce "levity" to otherwise challenging subjects. "Stand-up comedy really is about making light of the things that would otherwise make you cry," they said. "I’m excited to show people that this theme, that I always come back to in my writing and in my comedy, is that life does have grief and sorrow right next to jubilation and hilarity and community and connection, can be all right next to each other, and that’s okay."
Looking forward to the tour, JVN praised British audiences, calling them "the most amazing crowds. So warm, so involved. Just very loud and fun, and it’s just really fun shows." They jokingly concluded: "I will also potentially be applying for asylum. We’ll see how this week goes."
Tickets for “Hot & Healed” are currently on general sale.
