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Jonathan Van Ness Reflects on “Devastating” Anger Allegations During Queer Eye Filming
Television personality Jonathan Van Ness has described a “devastating experience” following accusations of exhibiting anger issues on the set of the popular Netflix show, Queer Eye. The media attention surrounding these reported anger allegations significantly impacted Van Ness, prompting a period of intense introspection and reevaluation.
Impact of Rolling Stone Exposé
In a recent episode of the “How to Fail” podcast, Van Ness, 38, addressed the fallout from a March 2024 Rolling Stone article. “I went through something so hard at the beginning of last year, which was this Rolling Stone article,” Van Ness stated. He characterized the experience as “devastating,” revealing that it challenged his sense of self-acceptance, which he realized was heavily reliant on external validation from social media and professional achievements.
The Rolling Stone exposé featured claims from several Queer Eye production team members accusing Van Ness of displaying rage. At the time, the celebrity hairstylist issued a declaration refuting these allegations as “overwhelmingly untrue.”
Reevaluating Self-Validation and Mental Health
Van Ness elaborated on the personal impact of the accusations during the podcast appearance. “My sense of self-acceptance and self-love was so rocked by that experience that such an intense depression [amounted]— just so many experiences that got brought out to the surface that I never saw coming,” Van Ness confessed. This challenging period led to a profound reassessment of their career, public image, and the source of their self-worth. “It made me rethink so much of my career, so much of how I come across in public and, ultimately, it really did teach me that validation has to come from inside.”
Van Ness emphasized the detrimental nature of seeking external approval: “If I was relying on it from other people, media [or other] parasocial relationships, it will leave you a hollow shell of yourself. It was so traumatizing.”
Defense of Public Persona
Speaking with podcast host Elizabeth Day, Van Ness reiterated their denial of the anger allegations. They affirmed that their on-screen persona in Queer Eye genuinely reflects their personality. “Who you see on Queer Eye is who I am and there’s so much more,” Van Ness asserted, acknowledging the pressure to consistently embody this public image. “I was always scared because I was like, ‘I don’t know if I could live up to this version all the time.’ There are times when I’m, like, snapping or short and I need to work on it. It’s a process I’ve been working on for 37 years.” Van Ness also shared past insecurities, admitting, “There was a time when I didn’t know what my life would look like.”
Despite these past challenges, the Netflix star shared a positive outlook on their current state of mind, stating, “I feel better than I did in a long time.”
Navigating Divisive Environments and Personal Safety
Beyond personal validation, Van Ness also discussed the challenges of living authentically in a politically polarized society. They shared their experiences living in Texas, where they moved during Queer Eye season 6 and decided to remain with their spouse, Mark Peacock. “I live in Texas. I went there for Queer Eye season 6 and then my husband and I decided to stay,” Van Ness explained. They noted a perceived increase in societal tension in recent years, observing, “It’s gotten worse — even in the last four years. Like, I don’t wear heels to dinner there.”
Van Ness expressed concerns about safety in public, particularly when diverging from social norms. “According to Van Ness, if they do wear stilettos to a restaurant, they need to ‘think about where the exits are.'”
Safety Concerns and Societal Issues
Expanding on these concerns, Van Ness elaborated, “I can’t run as fast if I’m in a heel. It’s our community, but it’s also gun violence [and] just violence, period. It’s just weird. I still love America but wish we could get it the f*** together.” These remarks highlight Van Ness’s broader reflections on personal safety and societal issues in the current American landscape alongside the personal challenges related to the Queer Eye controversy.