Antoni Porowski Addresses Queer Eye Drama, Talks New Show Best of the World
Antoni Porowski, star of the recently concluded Netflix series “Queer Eye,” is promoting his new National Geographic show “Best of the World With Antoni Porowski,” which premieres June 7 and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Four months after the end of the Emmy-winning reboot, Porowski says he is still “left with more questions than answers” regarding the behind-the-scenes drama that emerged during the show’s final seasons. That drama included co-star Karamo Brown unexpectedly pulling out of a “CBS Mornings” segment in January, citing years of mental and emotional abuse, which added to tension stemming from a 2024 Rolling Stone investigation that alleged emotionally abusive behavior by co-star Jonathan Van Ness (Van Ness denied the allegations). Porowski says he was sad the controversy distracted from honoring the cast and crew who worked on the show, but refuses to let the ending overshadow what he calls the truthful messaging of the series. He is currently in touch with only “some” former cast members, declining to name them, and expressed admiration for Jeremiah Brent’s refurbished Portuguese farm. “Best of the World” features Porowski traveling to Mexico City, London, Paris, and New York City, exploring food and culture. The London episode ends at a drag bar, which Porowski described as “beautifully chaotic.”
What’s reported
Antoni Porowski hosts and executive produces “Best of the World With Antoni Porowski” for National Geographic; it premieres June 7 and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Porowski says he is “left with more questions than answers” about the “Queer Eye” ending, four months after the show concluded.
Karamo Brown pulled out of a “CBS Mornings” segment in January due to fears of bullying, stating he felt “mentally and emotionally abused for years.”
A 2024 Rolling Stone investigation alleged emotionally abusive behavior by Jonathan Van Ness, who denied the allegations.
Porowski said he feels the drama served as a distraction from honoring the many people who worked on the show.
The “Queer Eye” reboot began airing in 2018 on Netflix; the core fab five were Porowski, Van Ness, Brown, Tan France, and Bobby Berk (replaced by Jeremiah Brent in Season 9).
Porowski is only in touch with “some” of the cast and was impressed by Brent’s Portuguese farm refurbished with husband Nate Berkus.
Production on “Queer Eye” Season 10 wrapped in Washington, D.C.; roughly three months later Porowski began filming “Best of the World.”
Porowski’s previous National Geographic entry was “No Taste Like Home With Antoni Porowski” (2025), and he also hosted Netflix’s “Easy-Bake Battle” (2022).
The London episode of “Best of the World” ends at an electric drag bar; Porowski described the experience as “beautifully chaotic” and yelled so much he lost his voice.
“Queer Eye” won the GLAAD award for best reality program in 2019.
Porowski stated the fab five were cast as complete strangers; he only knew of Van Ness from “Gay of Thrones.”
Conflicting accounts
The article reports that Karamo Brown stated he felt mentally and emotionally abused for years, leading him to pull out of a “CBS Mornings” segment. A 2024 Rolling Stone investigation alleged emotionally abusive behavior by Jonathan Van Ness, who denied the allegations.
Open questions
What specific questions Porowski is left with about the “Queer Eye” situation.
Which cast members Porowski remains in touch with beyond those he mentioned.
Key figures
Antoni Porowski: Host and executive producer of “Best of the World With Antoni Porowski,” former star of “Queer Eye.”
Karamo Brown: Former “Queer Eye” co-star who pulled out of a “CBS Mornings” segment citing abuse.
Jonathan Van Ness: Former “Queer Eye” co-star, subject of Rolling Stone investigation’s allegations (denied).
Tan France: Former “Queer Eye” co-star.
Bobby Berk: Original “Queer Eye” co-star replaced in Season 9.
Jeremiah Brent: Replaced Bobby Berk in Season 9.
Nate Berkus: Jeremiah Brent’s husband, helped refurbish Portuguese farm.
Sources: Variety
