Is Karamo Brown Dating Jussie Smollett?

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Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Getty Images

Well, here’s a celebrity coupling I didn’t see coming. Former Queer Eye member Karamo Brown seems to be dating Jussie Smollett. Yes, that Jussie Smollett — the Empire actor who was convicted of falsely reporting a hate crime in 2022 (the ruling was overturned in 2024). On Tuesday, TMZ published photos of the duo walking around L.A. and affectionately touching each other’s faces. In an interview with podcaster Carlos King the same day, Brown seemingly confirmed the rumors.

“I am dating a celebrity,” Brown said, though he didn’t name Smollett. “It’s not like we’re hiding it. We go out. We hold hands everywhere.”

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Brown went on to tell King that he was “100 percent sure” that the mystery man was the one, noting that they are “deep in love.” The only reason Brown refrained from naming his partner outright, he explained, was because he wanted to protect their relationship from “comments.” “I’ve met my equal, and it is powerful when you meet someone who you feel 100 percent safe with, you feel 100 percent secure with,” he added. “We are protecting the love we have because I do believe this is going to be my husband … I believe this is going to be my forever person.”

While the couple haven’t officially confirmed reports of their relationship, Brown was also spotted supporting Smollett during his performance at Harlem Pride over the weekend. And after 50 Cent posted a clip mocking Smollett’s dancing, Brown leapt to his defense. “I was at this PRIDE event and Jussie killed it,” he commented. “Fuck off for using one clip from the entire 30 min show to try bring someone down!”

Brown, of course, has been dealing with a media storm of his own after airing out long-simmering tensions on the set of Queer Eye and accusing his castmates of bullying. At least it sounds like Brown and Smollett have found some peace together. Happy Pride, I guess!