Tim Gunn Reveals 43-Year Celibacy After Betrayal by Co-Worker Partner

The former "Project Runway" judge opens up about the emotional devastation that led to his decades-long abstinence from romantic relationships.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Tim Gunn, the renowned fashion consultant and former "Project Runway" judge, has revealed that he has been celibate for 43 years following a shocking betrayal by a former partner who was also his co-worker. Gunn recounted the emotional devastation of discovering his partner's infidelity, which led him to undergo regular HIV testing for a decade and ultimately shaped his decision to remain single and celibate.

Why it matters

Gunn's candid revelations about his personal life and the lasting impact of the betrayal he experienced provide a rare glimpse into the private challenges faced by public figures. His story has sparked discussions about the emotional trauma of infidelity and how it can influence one's willingness to pursue new romantic relationships.

The details

Gunn described the end of his nine-year relationship as emotionally devastating, recounting how his partner told him they had "no patience for [him] any longer" and asked him to leave while they were watching "M*A*S*H" together. The ex-partner admitted to being intimate with numerous other people while Gunn had remained faithful. The betrayal led Gunn to undergo regular HIV testing for 10 years, ultimately receiving a clean bill of health, but the memories of the incident continued to influence his willingness to pursue new romantic relationships.

  • Gunn and his former partner were in a relationship for nearly a decade.
  • The relationship ended abruptly in 2026 when Gunn's partner told him to leave.
  • For 10 years following the breakup, Gunn underwent HIV testing every six months.

The players

Tim Gunn

A renowned fashion consultant and former judge on the reality TV series "Project Runway".

Gunn's former partner

Gunn's co-worker who betrayed him by being unfaithful during their nine-year relationship.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We had no patience for [him] any longer" and asked him to leave.”

— Gunn's former partner (M*A*S*H)

“The force of Niagara Falls" whenever he has been tempted to engage in a serious relationship.”

— Tim Gunn, Fashion consultant (Dear Chelsea podcast)

What’s next

Gunn continues to collaborate with his former "Project Runway" co-judge Heidi Klum as executive producers and stars on the reality fashion series "Making the Cut" on Prime Video.

The takeaway

Gunn's story highlights the profound and lasting impact that betrayal and emotional trauma can have on an individual's personal life and willingness to pursue new relationships. His openness about his celibacy and the reasons behind it provide a rare and insightful look into the private challenges faced by public figures.