Project Runway’s Tim Gunn, 72, reveals the shocking reason he has been celibate for 43 years

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Tim Gunn, known for his time on Project Runway, shared that a painful experience led him to choose celibacy for the past 43 years.

The 72-year-old fashion consultant shared on Chelsea Handler’s podcast that a past infidelity led him to stop having sex when he was 29.

When Gunn learned his partner of many years – his only romantic partner – had been unfaithful, he felt devastated, especially given it happened during the frightening early years of the AIDS crisis.

He described a nine-year relationship in Washington, DC, with someone he loved very much and for whom he would have done anything.

I’ll never forget that night, not ever. We were curled up in bed, watching MASH*, and out of nowhere, he just… said it. He told me, so coldly, that he was completely done with me. He said he didn’t have the patience for me anymore and wanted me to just… leave. It completely shattered me.

I moved out of the apartment we shared after living with him for years. I had to stop what I was doing because I was having a panic attack. I felt terrible, caught up in blaming myself and feeling sorry for myself.

I had worked with this person, so I knew I wouldn’t completely lose touch with him. He confessed that night he’d been having many casual relationships, while I had always been devoted to him, Gunn explained.

He was my first and only sexual partner. It was 1982, right when AIDS was first becoming known. I initially felt sorry for myself, but that quickly turned into intense anger, because I feared he had exposed me to a potentially fatal disease.

Gunn explained that he was tested for HIV every six months for a decade, and was relieved to always receive negative results.

However, the experience marred any chance of future sexual intimacy for Gunn. 

Whenever I even thought about getting seriously involved with someone, these memories would flood back, overwhelming me and instantly killing any romantic interest.

He admitted it took some getting used to living alone and choosing to abstain from sexual activity, but now he wouldn’t change it for the world.

I first discovered Tim Gunn when he appeared on Project Runway back in 2004. Hosted by Heidi Klum, he quickly became my favorite part of the show! He wasn’t a judge, but a mentor to the designers, and I always admired how calm and encouraging he was. Plus, who could forget his famous line, ‘Make it work!’? It really became his signature, and it’s stuck with me ever since.

On Thursday’s podcast, James Gunn explained he wasn’t asked to continue with the show and is therefore no longer involved.

‘I’ll be perfectly transparent about it. I wasn’t invited to the party,’ he said.

My agent contacted the producers. They confirmed Heidi was on board, but we hadn’t received any information about Tim. The producers then told us they weren’t interested in him.

Gunn initially described the news as ‘devastating,’ but quickly added that he believes everything happens for a reason. He expressed gratitude for the show’s impressive 19-season run, especially the 16 seasons he shared with Heidi, and noted he’s proud to own an Emmy award. Ultimately, he said he has no complaints.

Last year, the show was renewed for season 22, which is set to debut in 2026. 

I’ve always admired Professor Gunn – he was such a fixture at Parsons School of Design for over two decades, starting in 1982. He really shaped the fashion design program, leading it as chair from 2000 until 2007, when he then took his incredible talent to Liz Claiborne as their chief creative officer. It was a fantastic career move for him!

After becoming well-known on Project Runway, Tim Gunn hosted two additional shows: Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style on Bravo and Under the Gunn on Lifetime.

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2026-02-23 05:48