'Project Runway' Star Tim Gunn Had an 'Awful' Reason Behind His Four Decades of Celibacy
Tim Gunn has remained celibate for 43 years after his partner's infidelity led to a painful breakup and fears of HIV, profoundly affecting his personal and professional life.
- On the Feb. 19 episode of Chelsea Handler's 'Dear Chelsea' podcast, Tim Gunn, 72, said he has been celibate for 43 years following a breakup.
- Gunn said the split began when his nine-year relationship with his partner, a coworker, ended in bed as his partner said 'I have no patience for you any longer' while watching M*A*S*H.
- Following the breakup, Gunn recalled that he drove to his Rock Creek Parkway apartment, hyperventilated, and experienced self-pity, then turned to unbridled anger fearing a death sentence, and was tested every six months for ten years for HIV with a clean result.
- He later acknowledged that the breakup prompted him to move to New York and adjust to living alone, which he now embraces, after not being asked back for the July 2025 Project Runway reboot.
- His account joins other celebrity conversations because Gunn told People on Feb. 20 that he has been celibate for more than four decades, shaping his decisions.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Tim Gunn explains why he's been celibate for 43 years
The fashion guru and "Project Runway" alum called the lifestyle choice "a bit of an adjustment," but says he now "wouldn't have it any other way."Tim Gunn in Pasadena, Calif., in 2020 Kevin Mazur/GettyTim Gunn knows what he wants — and doesn't want.The fashion maven and Project Runway alum has been celibate for 43 years, a lifestyle choice he opened up about on a recent episode of the Dear Chelsea podcast.Joking that the full story would "keep a…
Project Runway Star Tim Gunn Explains Why He Hasn’t Had Sex in 43 Years
Photo Credit: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images Tim Gunn has opened up about his celibacy. Speaking on a podcast this week, the former Project Runway host revealed the emotional reason he has not had sex for over four decades. Tim Gunn has maintained celibacy for over four decades Photo Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez via Getty Images While appearing on Chelsea Handler’s Dear Chelsea podcast, Tim said this week that a previous relationship is t…
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