The snapshot
Karamo Brown appeared to confirm a new relationship during a podcast interview this week, days after photos showed him holding hands and getting close with Jussie Smollett in Los Angeles. The “Queer Eye” star called his partner his “forever person” but did not name him directly.
The moment
Brown, 45, joined the June 30 episode of the “Reality With The King” podcast and shared details about his current relationship, describing it as serious and committed. According to Us Weekly, Brown said, “I am dating a celebrity. It’s not like we’re hiding it. We go out. We hold hands everywhere.”
The comments came shortly after TMZ published photos of Brown and Smollett, 44, hiking near Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles and running errands together around the city. In one image taken on June 29, Smollett was photographed brushing his hand along Brown’s chin. TMZ reported on June 30 that the two are dating.
Brown did not name Smollett during the podcast conversation, but he made it clear the relationship is significant. According to Us Weekly, he said, “I’m 100 percent sure. I’ve met my equal. It is powerful when you meet someone who you feel 100 percent safe with, you feel 100 percent secure with. Who you can just trust with your heart because you know they are a great human being.”
The take
Brown’s decision to discuss the relationship publicly, while still protecting his partner’s name, reflects a careful approach to something that clearly means a great deal to him. His language was emotional and certain, describing someone he believes will be his husband. That level of openness is notable for Brown, who has been more reserved about his romantic life in recent years.
The timing also adds complexity. Smollett announced his engagement to Jabari Redd in June 2025, and TMZ reported earlier this month that the engagement ended in May. If Brown and Smollett are together now, the relationship appears to have developed quickly after that split.
Receipts
Confirmed:
- Karamo Brown discussed a serious relationship on the June 30 “Reality With The King” podcast
- Brown and Jussie Smollett were photographed together in Los Angeles on June 29
- Brown said he is dating a celebrity and described the relationship as serious and committed
- Smollett announced his engagement to Jabari Redd in June 2025
- Brown’s most recent public relationship was with photographer Carlos Medel, which ended in February 2025
Unverified/Reported:
- TMZ reported that Brown and Smollett are dating
- TMZ reported that Smollett and Redd ended their engagement in May
- Brown’s podcast comments are widely interpreted as referring to Smollett, though he did not name him
Backstory (for casual readers)
Karamo Brown is best known as the culture and lifestyle expert on Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” where he has appeared since the show’s 2018 reboot. He is also a television host, author, and advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. Brown was previously in a long-term relationship with Carlos Medel, which ended earlier this year after nearly four years together.
Jussie Smollett is an actor and singer who gained widespread recognition for his role on the Fox series “Empire.” His career was significantly affected by a 2019 legal case in which he was accused of staging a hate crime attack against himself. Smollett was convicted of disorderly conduct in 2021, though he has maintained his innocence and continues to appeal the case.
Smollett publicly announced his engagement to Jabari Redd in June 2025, posting about the proposal on Instagram. That engagement reportedly ended just weeks ago.
What’s next
Brown has not publicly confirmed Smollett’s identity as his partner, and neither man has commented directly on the nature of their relationship. Brown emphasized during his podcast appearance that he and his partner are choosing to keep the relationship as private as possible out of respect for what they are building together.
According to Us Weekly, Brown explained, “We don’t want comments. We are protecting the love we have.” He also said, “Once the public gets involved, they want to comment.”
It remains unclear how long Brown and Smollett have been together or whether they will address the relationship more openly in the future. Brown’s public comments suggest he is committed to protecting the relationship from outside scrutiny while still acknowledging its importance in his life.
When someone chooses to speak about love this openly without naming the person, does that make the relationship feel more serious or more uncertain?
Sources:
Comments