‘Queer Eye’s’ Karamo Brown launches Kē wellness app with AI clone

Karamo Brown, best known for delivering heartfelt pep talks on Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” is stepping into the wellness and artificial intelligence space with the launch of his new app, Kē. The app arrives after Brown spent 18 months focusing on his own personal transformation, covering areas like fitness, nutrition, meditation, sobriety, relationships, and personal growth. Now, he aims to guide users through similar journeys.

Kē provides a comprehensive suite of tools for self-improvement. Its personalized fitness plans adapt to the equipment and schedule a user already has. Nutrition guidance comes through meal suggestions based on ingredients users already have at home. An AI chatbot allows users to request adjustments to both workout and meal plans, making the experience highly customizable. Each exercise is accompanied by a guided instructional video to promote proper form.

On the mental wellness side, Kē includes a meditation library with videos tailored to specific emotions, helping users address stress and anxiety. A community section connects users in supportive groups around shared experiences, such as sobriety or general wellness discussions.

What truly distinguishes Kē is its “AI Karamo” feature. Users can interact with a digital clone of Brown, asking questions and receiving real-time advice delivered in his voice. This clone is powered by AI startup Delphi, which draws from a vast library of Brown’s content, including interviews, podcast episodes, and other recordings, to ensure authenticity. (Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger also uses Delphi for his own digital replica.)

“My best friend and sister to this day still talk to the AI clone when they can’t get hold of me,” Brown shared with TechCrunch.

Brown’s move reflects a broader trend of celebrities embracing AI. Stars like Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine have partnered with ElevenLabs to license their voices for digital replicas. However, many public figures also voice concerns about the unauthorized use of their likenesses and the potential for fans to form unhealthy, one-sided attachments to AI chatbots.

Brown is careful to clarify that Kē is not designed to replace human connection. “If someone is struggling with a sensitive issue, it can direct them toward appropriate resources and remind them to seek support from real people in their lives… At the end of the day, this is meant to be a tool that helps people reflect, learn, and grow, and it’s not a substitute for human connection,” he said.

Regarding how often users can chat with his digital twin, Brown noted, “People can talk to it as much as they need. That said, the goal isn’t to keep users talking to the AI indefinitely. It’s designed to help people make progress in their lives.” He also confirmed that human oversight and safety measures are in place to keep interactions appropriate. (Users should be aware that conversation data is shared with Delphi, so sharing sensitive personal information is not recommended.)

Brown admitted his own initial skepticism about AI. “When AI first started becoming part of the conversation a few years ago, I was honestly pretty skeptical. But the technology has evolved significantly, and what changed my perspective was seeing how thoughtfully companies like Delphi have approached it.”

Looking ahead, Delphi plans to introduce agentic capabilities to Kē, allowing the AI to perform tasks on users’ behalf. For example, if AI Karamo suggests a workout adjustment, it could eventually go into the “My Plan” tab and make that change automatically.

Kē is available now on iOS and Android. The subscription costs $14.99 per month after a 3-day free trial.