‘Queer Eye’ Newcomer Jeremiah Brent Discusses His Relationship with Bobby Berk Following His Replacement
Jeremiah Brent might be stepping into Bobby Berk’s previous position as the interior design expert on “Queer Eye,” yet the two have never interacted in person.
Brent, who is set to make his first appearance in the Season 9 premiere on December 11, discussed his relationship — or lack thereof — with Berk during an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” this week. Berk’s exit from the series was marked by significant drama in 2023.
When a viewer inquired if Brent had received any guidance from Berk before joining “Queer Eye,” Brent replied, “I’ve never met him.”
Host Andy Cohen expressed surprise over Brent and Berk’s unfamiliarity, prompting Brent to clarify his statement.
“I think we participated in a panel together once. I’m not trying to be shady. We’ve never met … Never spoken,” he elaborated.
“However, I hold a great deal of respect for what he achieved during his time here and the contributions he made,” Brent added, noting his marriage to fellow interior designer Nate Berkus.
When Cohen asked whether Brent had communicated with Thom Filicia, the interior design expert from the original “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” series in the early to mid-2000s, Brent confirmed they had. “But I adore Thom Filicia. Thom Filicia’s fantastic,” he said.
“But you also love Bobby,” Cohen responded.
“Yes, I love everyone!” Brent quickly replied, which elicited laughter from the audience.
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Brent’s debut on “Queer Eye” comes just over a year after Berk announced his exit in November 2023.
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Following Berk’s departure from the series, fans observed that he unfollowed Tan France, the show’s style expert, on Instagram, which led to speculation about a fallout between the former co-stars.
The discussion intensified after Berk spoke with Vanity Fair in January 2024.
“Tan and I had a moment,” Berk revealed to the publication. “There was a situation, and that’s between Tan and I, and it has nothing to do with the show.”
He further explained, “It was something personal that had been brewing —and just to clarify, nothing romantic.”
“Should I have unfollowed Tan? No,” Berk admitted. “Maybe I should have just muted him. But that day, I was upset, and that’s the conclusion of it. We became like siblings — and siblings are always going to clash.”
Berk mentioned that both he and France attended the Emmys that month and “embraced each other.”
After Rolling Stone reported in March 2024 that Berk left the show following claims that France and Antoni Porowski allegedly pushed for his replacement with Brent, France responded to the claims through an Instagram selfie video.
“My former colleague being fired had nothing to do with me trying to get my friend a job,” France stated in the video.
“Netflix and the production companies conducted a full casting process. I didn’t get my friend the job — they earned it because they were the best candidate for the position,” he continued.
“I believe they’re going to be amazing on the show, but I was not responsible for getting them hired by removing someone else,” he concluded. “So, straight from the horse’s mouth, I assure you that’s not how it transpired. That’s all I’ll say on the subject.”
