The Fab Five on Netflix’s Queer Eye almost had a very different dynamic, according to chef Stuart O’Keeffe. O’Keeffe claimed that during the casting process for the show, he was initially chosen to be part of the Fab Five alongside Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown, Tan France, and Bobby Berk. He was set to handle the culinary aspects of the makeover show instead of Antoni Porowski. However, one month after the alleged casting, O’Keeffe had not received an official contract or details about filming dates.
According to O’Keeffe, he was later informed to come in for another round of auditions with studio executives at Netflix. Subsequently, he was removed from the Fab Five, and Porowski was brought in to replace him. O’Keeffe expressed disappointment in the way he found out about being replaced, stating that he learned of the recasting through Instagram, which he described as a 'really s—ty' way to discover he was no longer part of Queer Eye.
Since its premiere in 2018, Porowski has been the resident “food guy” on Queer Eye. However, after seven seasons of the docuseries, rumors of behind-the-scenes drama began to surface. Bobby Berk announced in November 2023 that season 8 would be his last, citing offscreen conflicts with his costars as the reason for his departure. Interior designer Jeremiah Brent will be taking Berk’s place for the upcoming season 9.
Subsequently, Jonathan Van Ness faced accusations of mistreating crew members and fostering a toxic work environment. Van Ness has not publicly addressed the allegations at this time. The show's production company has not publicly commented on O’Keeffe’s version of events regarding his initial casting and subsequent replacement on Queer Eye.
