The Queer Eye franchise has caught more heat as its own crew member chose to stand up against exploitation, accusing Netflix and Scout Productions of workplace mistreatment.
The feel-good Netflix reality show’s production company has found itself at the heart of several accusations from different people.
The controversies started to pour in as Bobby Berk announced his exit after Queer Eye Season 8. Fans speculated that Bobby didn’t leave the show on good terms and blamed the production company for underpaying its stars.
Later the Season 8 hero, Doreen Ketches, publicly accused the team of mismanagement and destroying her property during filming. Now a crew member is taking a stand against Scout Productions and Netflix.
Queer Eye Production exploits crew’s desire to make good TV
Queer Eye production crew member posted on Reddit calling out Scout Productions and Netflix. The moderation team on the Reddit discussion board verified the identity of the poster as someone who had indeed worked on the set of the show.
They wrote: “I have worked on Queer Eye for almost every season. The production company that makes Queer Eye, ITV/Scout has always paid way less than any other show I’ve ever worked on because they know we are all just so happy/grateful to be working on a show that does good in the world that we will accept less pay just to be a part of it.”
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They explained that the crew members were forced to pay for their own travel and lodging while traveling across states for filming. After the NOLA security threat during Season 8, the company had to cut down costs to increase security.
The crew member informed fans that most of the pay cut didn’t happen from Fab Five’s budget but from the pockets of the hard-working crew.
When asked for specific names from the company, the crew member said, “It’s the whole company, not just one individual. I assume it starts with Netflix and trickles down.”
One viewer commented: “Idk if it’s the right word but greenwashing is so icky and so widespread now. Everything is framed in terms of doing good, helping people, eco-friendly, yada yada. It’s so obviously fake as to be insulting at this point. Like, yes, Queer Eye is a feel-good show but it’s as much a money grab as any other series. Just look at all the shows and products the fab5 have launched since queer eye started.”
Fans expressed that everything was so messy that it was best to give up on Queer Eye entirely. Some even revealed a desire for a full reboot with a lesbian cast.