Karamo Brown's Queer Eye co-stars are shocked after he pulled out of promotional appearances for the show to protect his "mental health".

The culture and relationship expert was due to appear on multiple morning shows alongside his castmates Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Jonathan Van Ness and Jeremiah Brent but opted out with a statement about protecting his peace.

CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King revealed Karamo had pulled out an hour before his scheduled appearance on Tuesday's (01.20.26) show and shared his statement, which read: "I hope everyone remembers the main theme I have tried to teach them over the past decade, which is to focus on and to protect their mental health/peace from people or a world who seek to destroy it; which is why I can't be there today."

CBS Mornings posted on X: "Brown's assistant told CBS Mornings that the expert was worried about being bullied."

Antoni said on the show: "Surprised is a fair understatement. I will say, our Queer Eye family, we've been doing this for almost a decade - which is pretty wild to believe - and families are complicated and we're definitely not excluded from that. But I think two things can exist at the same time."

Jeremiah, who replaced Bobby Berk on the show in season nine, added: "My experience in this group has been transformative. To see the way that they move through the world, the way that they have taught me so much about life and friendship and love. I have felt safe and supported by the people up here."

Brown told Today with Jenna Sheinelle that he "has felt mentally and emotionally abused for years," and was advised by his therapist "to protect himself and his peace by not attending".

He added in a video message: "Just like the themes of this season, I'm modelling what I believe is most important, which I want to remind you all, love yourselves and protect yourselves. That's why I'm here at home and not there."

Jonathan said: "It is so difficult - I think both of you can identify - when you're on a show and you're just relentlessly working, it is so difficult to [focus on] what you need and how to take care of yourself. And he's been teaching people how to take care of themselves on Queer Eye for almost 10 years. And I'm actually so proud of him for taking care of himself. It's not easy and that's not an easy statement to make and I'm really proud of him for doing that. Obviously, we wish that he was here, but I am really proud of him for doing what he needs to do for what's best for himself."