Key Takeaways:
– “Queer Eye” cast member Tan France rebuts accusations of pushing for co-star Bobby Berk’s dismissal.
– France speaks out against allegations of “mean girl” behavior in an Instagram video statement.
– He asserts his friend Jeremiah Brent landed his new role on the series purely on merit.
– Berk confirms a personal tension with France, unrelated to the show.
France Refutes Rumours
Tan France, the fashion guru from the Netflix series “Queer Eye,” has recently found himself combating allegations of bad behavior. A recent Rolling Stone article claimed that France had purposefully pushed for the dismissal of his co-star Bobby Berk, potentially to bring in his friend, Jeremiah Brent, as a replacement. France, however, has responded swiftly.
On his Instagram platform last Friday, the fashion expert strongly disputed the assertions made by the magazine, calling them unfounded gossip that has steadily been spreading.
“My former colleague getting fired had nothing to do with me trying to get my friend hired,” France denied in a brief video statement.
A Fair Casting Process Unveiled
France went on to give an insight into the casting process for “Queer Eye,” refuting any suggestions that he had maneuvered Brent into the open position left by Berk.
“Netflix and the production companies did a full on casting,” France disclosed. “I didn’t put my friend up for the job. They ended up getting it because they were the best person for the job.” France reiterated his happiness for his friend’s success but maintained he did not have any hand in Berk’s departure.
Berk’s Departure: More Than Meets the Eye?
Berk announced his departure from “Queer Eye” back in November, after being part of the groundbreaking program for eight seasons. He took to social media to express his heartfelt feelings about leaving the show.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that season eight will be my final season on ‘Queer Eye,’” described Berk in his post. His decision surprised the castmates, who were under the impression that the whole team would bow out after season 8.
Moreover, in a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Berk hinted at a personal disagreement with France. However, he was quick to clarify that it had nothing to do with the show or his exit.
An Inside Look at Alleged Tensions
Adding fuel to the fire, the aforementioned Rolling Stone article suggested that friction existed not only between Berk and France but also with another cast member, Jonathan Van Ness. The article cited three anonymous sources who shared that France and food expert Antoni Porowski had supposedly “campaigned to replace Berk with interior designer and friend Jeremiah Brent.”
However, France has challenged these reports head-on. He pinned the blame on unfounded rumors persistently circulated on gossip blogs, and roundly dismissed the so-called “mean girl antics.”
“So from the horse’s mouth: I’m telling you that that’s not at all how it went down,” France concluded on his Instagram post. He encouraged any doubters to scrutinize the circumstances further.
As the dust settles on this soap opera within a reality show, fans are sure to remain on the edge of their seats, awaiting the next chapter in this unfolding saga of ‘Queer Eye’. Meanwhile, France remains firm in his declarations, refuting claims of any ‘behind-the-scenes’ manipulation. How this situation evolves remains to be seen.