Joey Graceffa Says Amazing Race Experience Was “Truly Traumatizing”

YouTuber and author Joey Graceffa says his time on The Amazing Race was far more difficult than it appeared on screen, describing the experience as “truly traumatizing” due to pressure from production related to his sexuality.

In an interview with Out magazine published in March 2026, Graceffa reflected on his appearances in Season 22 (2013) and Season 24 (2014) of the long-running reality competition series. While he said the race itself was enjoyable, he described the behind-the-scenes environment as stressful and, at times, emotionally overwhelming.

Graceffa alleged that during filming, a producer pressured him to come out as gay on camera. At the time, he had not publicly shared his sexuality and said he was not ready to do so under those circumstances.

“I’ll come out if you write me that $1 million check at the finish line,” he recalled telling the producer, framing the moment as both uncomfortable and inappropriate.

He explained that the period in his life was already “fragile,” as he was still coming to terms with his identity. Being encouraged to reveal something deeply personal for the sake of a storyline added what he described as a lasting emotional toll.

Graceffa ultimately came out publicly in 2015 on his own terms. He released a music video titled “Don’t Wait,” followed by a vlog called “Yes I’m Gay,” both of which were widely viewed online. He said the support he received from his YouTube audience played a key role in giving him the confidence to share his identity openly.

Since then, Graceffa has expanded his career beyond digital content into writing. He is currently promoting his latest book, The Twelve, released in early 2026. The novel draws on supernatural themes and is inspired in part by American Horror Story: Coven, centering on witches connected to zodiac signs.

Neither CBS nor representatives for The Amazing Race have publicly responded to Graceffa’s claims as of now.