I used to love JVN but recently unfollowed them after they posted what I can only describe as promotion for weight loss injections. I’m not blaming anyone individually for wanting to lose weight. After all we live in a society where we constantly get the message that being thin is the only way. But to proudly share how unhappy and ugly you felt when you were bigger and how fantastic these injections have been in a climate that is so fragile, when it feels like we’ve taken a thousand steps back when it comes to body positivity and fat people already feel so betrayed by all the people who turned their backs on them the second Ozempic chic became the new trend, is wild to me. Especially from someone who is so politically aware and constantly preaches inclusivity and kindness. It’s disappointing but not surprising how that’s only the case as long as your inclusive message doesn’t have to include fatness 🥲
I find this a hard topic - do audiences have a right to a perfect, sincere and authentic personality? The fab five are a product and what they sell isn‘t some special skill (like an opera singer) or a touchable product (like a sculptor). It‘s basically their persons, is it not? They put on a professional show with it, but I would think, it is next to impossible to be completely morally pure and authentic behind it (or being able to be sane). Why are you so disappointed? It‘s a show, these are real people, you have no right to their „authenticity“ - it‘s not as if they are your friends (or they murdered a baby, I‘d draw a line there).
i think it’s important to remember that queer eye was bigger than these ppl (it was making gay men palpable for homophobes if we’re being honest) and they didn’t know each other in real life so of course it was an act. they all cop to that, saying they didn’t get to know each other until later. i think it’s unfair to expect someone’s public persona to be perfectly happy all of the time. jonathan has faced a lot of critique some rightful (their use of AAVE) and some not (homophobia, transphobia) which might relate to their unbalanced emotions behind set. i think they are the most hated of the group because of their proximity to femininity. i think no celeb can match their “ellen” persona, and it’s never surprising to me.
I remember watching the first season of QE and being surprised at how they treated their “heroes.” They seemed pleased to openly mock their lack of style or worldliness. In subsequent seasons they fixed the error, playing gently with their subjects, coming off as wholly selfless sweethearts — but they gave themselves away from the git-go.
I went to see one of their shows last year. It was very funny, open, honest & acidic but agree there was definitely a warmth lacking. Not exactly insincere but just… something missing
It was very interesting to hear about JVN’s early life & various troubles, not that it excuses bad behaviour now, but I wonder how that had impacted them.
I read their books, podcast, and followed their journey but the ozempic announcement was too much for me. Too inauthentic after preaching body positivity for so long. I had to unfollow after that.
I have to say, going to uni in London at 18 after growing up in the country was a baptism of fire for me, life life’d and I learnt quickly that people aren’t always what they seem. I like to think now at 36 that I am super intuitive when it comes to people and I have always had this nagging feeling about them, but like that, who am I to say anything, I don’t really know them and haven’t met them obviously, but I tend to agree LC, it’s a vibe I get.
I’ve known JVN since middle school. They have been unfailingly warm, kind, and open even when faced with horrendous bullying and violence that would crush anyone’s spirit. It’s so sad to hear them being talked about this way, but very on brand for them not to spend a second defending themselves. That how they have always been.
Have never seen the show, didn't read the piece in "Rolling Stone," barely know who he is, but somehow you've made me feel invested in what happens next.
There is such a line between working with someone to improve the health of their lives and mocking someone’s appearance and lifestyle. I don’t think the whole cast have crossed that line a few times. I don’t think anyone is surprised that this leaks into their personal lives / off-air personas too!
I used to love JVN but recently unfollowed them after they posted what I can only describe as promotion for weight loss injections. I’m not blaming anyone individually for wanting to lose weight. After all we live in a society where we constantly get the message that being thin is the only way. But to proudly share how unhappy and ugly you felt when you were bigger and how fantastic these injections have been in a climate that is so fragile, when it feels like we’ve taken a thousand steps back when it comes to body positivity and fat people already feel so betrayed by all the people who turned their backs on them the second Ozempic chic became the new trend, is wild to me. Especially from someone who is so politically aware and constantly preaches inclusivity and kindness. It’s disappointing but not surprising how that’s only the case as long as your inclusive message doesn’t have to include fatness 🥲
SAME!
Literally same! That's when I hit unfollow
I don’t know who any of these people are
I find this a hard topic - do audiences have a right to a perfect, sincere and authentic personality? The fab five are a product and what they sell isn‘t some special skill (like an opera singer) or a touchable product (like a sculptor). It‘s basically their persons, is it not? They put on a professional show with it, but I would think, it is next to impossible to be completely morally pure and authentic behind it (or being able to be sane). Why are you so disappointed? It‘s a show, these are real people, you have no right to their „authenticity“ - it‘s not as if they are your friends (or they murdered a baby, I‘d draw a line there).
The Ellen effect- don’t make nice your “thing” if you’re actually a raging B.
i think it’s important to remember that queer eye was bigger than these ppl (it was making gay men palpable for homophobes if we’re being honest) and they didn’t know each other in real life so of course it was an act. they all cop to that, saying they didn’t get to know each other until later. i think it’s unfair to expect someone’s public persona to be perfectly happy all of the time. jonathan has faced a lot of critique some rightful (their use of AAVE) and some not (homophobia, transphobia) which might relate to their unbalanced emotions behind set. i think they are the most hated of the group because of their proximity to femininity. i think no celeb can match their “ellen” persona, and it’s never surprising to me.
I remember watching the first season of QE and being surprised at how they treated their “heroes.” They seemed pleased to openly mock their lack of style or worldliness. In subsequent seasons they fixed the error, playing gently with their subjects, coming off as wholly selfless sweethearts — but they gave themselves away from the git-go.
I should clarify— I’m referring to all of the cast here, not just JVN.
I went to see one of their shows last year. It was very funny, open, honest & acidic but agree there was definitely a warmth lacking. Not exactly insincere but just… something missing
It was very interesting to hear about JVN’s early life & various troubles, not that it excuses bad behaviour now, but I wonder how that had impacted them.
I was very sad to see Bobby go, he seems sweet.
I think unfortunately the answer is yes.
I read their books, podcast, and followed their journey but the ozempic announcement was too much for me. Too inauthentic after preaching body positivity for so long. I had to unfollow after that.
I have to say, going to uni in London at 18 after growing up in the country was a baptism of fire for me, life life’d and I learnt quickly that people aren’t always what they seem. I like to think now at 36 that I am super intuitive when it comes to people and I have always had this nagging feeling about them, but like that, who am I to say anything, I don’t really know them and haven’t met them obviously, but I tend to agree LC, it’s a vibe I get.
I’ve known JVN since middle school. They have been unfailingly warm, kind, and open even when faced with horrendous bullying and violence that would crush anyone’s spirit. It’s so sad to hear them being talked about this way, but very on brand for them not to spend a second defending themselves. That how they have always been.
Say it isn't so!
Have never seen the show, didn't read the piece in "Rolling Stone," barely know who he is, but somehow you've made me feel invested in what happens next.
There is such a line between working with someone to improve the health of their lives and mocking someone’s appearance and lifestyle. I don’t think the whole cast have crossed that line a few times. I don’t think anyone is surprised that this leaks into their personal lives / off-air personas too!
Gotta love well reasoned, thoughtful pieces