Story perspectives

Jussie Smollett and Karamo Brown Spotted Together in LA

7/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Actor Jussie Smollett and TV personality Karamo Brown were spotted together in Los Angeles on Monday, June 29, lunching with Brown’s mother and hiking Runyon Canyon.
A paparazzi photo captured Jussie Smollett cupping Karamo Brown’s chin in a brief PDA moment.
Sighting follows Jussie Smollett’s breakup with fiancé Jabari Redd, comes after Karamo Brown’s engagement to Carlos Medel ended in 2025, and references Jussie Smollett’s 2021 hate-crime conviction overturned in 2024.

History

Historical Context

April 30 1997, Ellen’s “Puppy Episode” aired on ABC, drawing about 42 million viewers and sparking advertiser boycotts and right-wing protests while GLAAD organized nationwide watch parties. The backlash established a template for intense scrutiny of LGBTQ appearances on TV, a pattern echoed in 2024 when Jussie Smollett’s conviction was reversed and he dined with Karamo Brown, reviving the same media frenzy.

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Story summary

Actor Jussie Smollett and TV personality Karamo Brown were spotted together in Los Angeles on Monday, June 29, lunching with Brown’s mother and hiking Runyon Canyon.
A paparazzi photo captured Jussie Smollett cupping Karamo Brown’s chin in a brief PDA moment.
Sighting follows Jussie Smollett’s breakup with fiancé Jabari Redd, comes after Karamo Brown’s engagement to Carlos Medel ended in 2025, and references Jussie Smollett’s 2021 hate-crime conviction overturned in 2024.

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