Tan France Opens Up About Leaving the UK for a Happier Life in the U.S.

"Queer Eye" star Tan France is revealing the personal reasons behind his move to the United States, explaining that the discrimination he faced due to his Pakistani roots in the UK made him feel like a "second-class citizen." Despite his rise to fame, he says the mistreatment didn't change, prompting him to seek a better life in America.

During a candid conversation at the Sundance Film Festival's Sunrise Collective panel, France shared how the constant use of the offensive slur "Paki" weighed heavily on him. He recalled how, even after achieving fame through "Queer Eye," he thought things would improve when he returned to England, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

One story stood out for France. While visiting his mother in Manchester, he decided to take a bus ride for old time's sake, but the trip turned unpleasant when he was immediately targeted with the same derogatory insult he'd faced before becoming famous.

In typical Tan fashion, he clapped back with his signature sass, but the experience reminded him why he ultimately chose to make the U.S. his home. He made it clear that the hate came from a vocal minority, and most Brits are incredibly kind. Still, the painful encounters left him proud of his Pakistani heritage, which he proudly embraces, especially in his new role in Hulu’s South Asian comedy, Deli Boys.

France now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his husband, Rob France, and remains outspoken about his journey to find happiness and acceptance.