Fashion mentor and Project Runway series star Tim Gunn (72) revealed the reason he has lived a celibate life for 43 years.
Gunn recently appeared on comedian Chelsea Handler's podcast and said that in 1982, when he was 29, the betrayal of a partner he had dated for nine years changed his life.
Gunn recalled, "There was someone I dated seriously in Washington, D.C., for nine years. I loved deeply and would have done anything for them." But one night while watching the TV drama MASH together, the partner told him, "I can't take it anymore. Get out," and confessed that they had cheated with many people.
The fact that this happened during the early spread of AIDS made the shock even greater. Gunn said, "It felt like he had pronounced a death sentence on me." For the next 10 years he got an HIV test every six months, and fortunately the results were negative, he said.
This experience also left a deep mark on his life afterward. Gunn admitted, "Whenever there was a chance I might become serious with someone, that memory would rush over me like Niagara Falls and the desire would disappear."
In the end, he has remained single and celibate for 43 years. He said calmly, "At first I had to adjust, but now I don't want a different life."
Meanwhile, Gunn also revealed the reason he is no longer participating in Project Runway.
He said, "To be honest, I wasn't invited. The producers told me, 'they don't want me,'" he said. He worked with longtime host Heidi Klum for 16 seasons, but he will not join season 22 (scheduled for release in 2026).
Gunn reacted coolly, saying, "At first it was shocking, but I was part of 19 seasons and I have an Emmy trophy. I have no complaints."
He served as a professor at Parsons School of Design from 1982 to 2007 and gained worldwide fame after joining Project Runway in 2004. His candid confession is causing fans' sorrow over the fashion icon known for his calm, warm mentoring.
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