Jussie Smollett and Karamo Brown are dating, according to a source who confirmed the relationship to PEOPLE.
The confirmation came after TMZ published photos of the Empire actor, 44, and the former Queer Eye star, 45, together in Los Angeles on Monday, June 29. In one photo, Smollett reached toward Brown’s chin while the two were out for a walk.
The sighting landed at the same time Brown was speaking publicly about a serious relationship. On the Tuesday, June 30 episode of Carlos King’s Reality with the King podcast, Brown said he is “dating a celebrity” and is “100 percent sure” about the person, though he did not mention Smollett by name.
PEOPLE reported that representatives for Brown and Smollett were contacted for comment. Neither man has released a formal joint statement about the relationship.
Brown Said His Relationship Is Serious, But Did Not Name Smollett
Brown told King that he had “met my equal” and became emotional while describing the relationship. “It’s powerful when you meet someone who you feel 100 percent safe with, you feel 100 percent secure with, who you can just trust with your heart,” he said, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Brown said the relationship was not casual. “We are deep in love,” he said, adding that he believes the person he is dating could become his husband and “forever person.” He also said the two are not hiding from public view, but are trying to limit outside commentary on the relationship.
“It’s not like we’re hiding. We go out, we do whatever. We’re together, we hold hands everywhere,” Brown said. He added that once the public becomes involved, “I just want to protect what I’m doing.”
The Los Angeles Outing Included Lunch, Errands and a Hike
TMZ reported that Smollett and Brown spent much of Monday together in Los Angeles. According to the outlet, the day included lunch with Brown’s mother, errands and a hike through Runyon Canyon.
TMZ described the outing as an all-day date and said the two were not hiding their affection. PEOPLE also noted that the two were photographed together on a stroll in Los Angeles.
Brown Recently Defended Smollett After Harlem Pride Criticism
The dating confirmation followed Brown’s public support for Smollett after 50 Cent criticized the actor’s Harlem Pride performance. PEOPLE reported that Brown commented on the rapper’s Instagram post, saying he had attended the Pride event and that Smollett “killed it.”
Brown also criticized the use of a short clip from the performance, writing that it came from a longer show. TMZ later posted another clip showing Brown introducing Smollett before a performance and calling him someone he respects and loves deeply.
Both Men Had Previous Public Engagements
Smollett’s most recent public relationship was with actor Jabari Redd. TMZ reported on June 4 that Smollett and Redd had ended their engagement nearly a year after Smollett proposed, with a source telling the outlet the split was amicable.
Smollett and Redd had been dating since at least 2022, according to PEOPLE. They also starred together in The Lost Holliday, which Smollett wrote and directed.
Brown was previously engaged to Ian Jordan. PEOPLE reported that Brown said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2020 that the engagement had ended after 10 years together and that the split was amicable.