Jonathan Van Ness has slammed shocking reports that they were mentally “abusive” on the set of “Queer Eye,” calling them “not based in fact,” nearly four months after the story was first published.
“I think a lot of people were looking for a reason to hate on me, and to say, ‘Look, I always knew they were fake motherfuckers and here’s proof,'” says the reality TV star, who uses “they/he/she” pronouns. “Table Manners with Jesse and Renee Ware” podcast Tuesday.
“My family was incredibly supportive of my husband and the team, but I went three weeks without looking at my phone or accessing social media.”
Van Ness, 37, said she and her “Queer Eye” co-stars first learned about the investigative profile in December 2023, and claimed much of the information collected was taken out of context “to make them look as bad as possible.”
“I think people forget that no matter how famous you are, you’re still a human being,” the TV personality added.
“That article came out at a really vulnerable time for my hair care company and for my career in general. It was really hard.”
In March, Rolling Stone magazine published a scathing exposé accusing Van Ness of having “rage issues.”
Seven production sources who spoke to the outlet alleged that the hairstylist’s behind-the-scenes behavior contributed to rifts within the original Fab Five, with Van Ness verbally abusing staff members.
“He didn’t want to share the spotlight with anyone, and at times things got so bad that he couldn’t even film scenes with certain members of the Fab Five,” the source said, referring to Van Ness’ co-stars Tan France, Antoni Porowski, Karamo Brown and Bobby Berk, who has already left the show.
Others called Van Ness a “monster,” a “nightmare” and a “disgrace.”
“[There’s] “When they get angry there is a genuine sense of fear around them – it’s like a cartoon that oozes out of them,” one source explained.
“It was tense and scary,” they continued, noting that Van Ness was a “yeller” who would explode at least once a week. Another source said there was always “tension” on set, especially with Van Ness.
“When he comes on set and is in a bad mood, everything changes,” they explained. “He is very difficult to work with in any capacity.”
The allegations stand in stark contrast to Van Ness’ public image, which has made her a fan favorite among viewers of the Netflix hit.
“Jonathan is an all-round eccentric, incredibly warm, incredibly charismatic and has the ability to make anyone feel really special when they’re noticed,” a source said.
“But at least once a day, you need to yell at someone. It may be something small, but there’s always someone to point it out, blame you and make you the villain of the day.”
Another production source called it “hypocritical” that the Cosmopolitan cover star has been a pioneer on the transgender rights issue.
“He wants to do good in the world, but he thinks a lot of it is hypocritical,” the source said.
“There’s a clear distinction between the principles and values that Jonathan publicly advocates for, which are really centred around having warmth, love and compassion for other people.
“There’s a real contrast between that and the way they generally treat the people closest to them. It’s the exact opposite of what this person is being promoted and paid to do.”
Burke, who was the show’s design expert, announced he would be leaving the series in 2023 after eight seasons and acknowledged there had been tension between him and France, 41, afterwards.
But the British fashion designer disputed claims in the Rolling Stone article that he campaigned to have Burke fired in order to give the job to his friend, Jeremiah Brent.
But France is not the only country trying to poke holes in the scandalous report.
Several former contestants, who have been referred to as “local heroes,” have defended Van Ness, claiming that she was always a “cheerful, nice person” on set.
Queer Eye, which first aired in 2018, will return for a ninth season set in Las Vegas.
