Runway at OUTzone

Jack: Dating, HIV, and The Everyday Woman

December 12, 2007

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There’s this moment in the episode where you’re torn about it, and then you take Tim into the hall. What was that conversation like?
Well basically, I’m working on my outfit, and what happens with a bacterial infection is that it spreads really quickly, so initially it was just localized on my face. I was like, you know, looking ugly on TV isn’t my number one dream, but I can deal with that. And I mean, I worked really hard to get to this point. I auditioned twice. I’m not a women’s wear designer. I made a whole portfolio. I made all these dresses. I’m not going home if I can prevent it. But then I got to a certain point where … I’m malformed for one, and two -- once the infection gets advanced enough, it gets systemic and then you start to feel bad.

So I’m in the challenge, I’m worried about my face, they’re filming me. I can’t concentrate on my outfit. Then you start to make stupid mistakes. I’m like, “I can’t, this is not going well.” And then I also had to take into consideration the rest of the cast. If it’s contagious, is it safe? And so as much as I really didn’t want to, I just, finally Tim came up to me and said … he was reviewing, you know he comes by to review everyone’s outfit, and he’s like “So Jack, how’s that going?” and I’m like “Listen, I’m gonna need to talk.” And so we went into the lounge and obviously he can see by looking at me that I have some issues going on and I just think for the benefit of myself and the cast I have to withdraw ‘cause I just, it’s not a good place for me to be here right now. I need to take care of this and I don’t think it’s safe for me to be here. So, I was crying, and it was not cute, but had to go.

So, what were the next few days for you like? After you left?
I actually – I announced it to the cast. Everyone cried, and then I literally dropped my scissors and went to th hospital. I was in the hospital for five days, and I had to have an IV of a really hardcore antibiotic -- twice a day for five days. The good thing about this is that if you catch it quickly enough, it goes away as quickly as it comes. It was weird, as soon as they give you the antibiotic, you kinda feel fine. I was kinda sitting in the hospital like “Ugh, I’m bored.” And they did actually have to go in, and a plastic surgeon cut open the inside of my mouth because they had to drain all the stuff. It was really hardcore. For about a month afterwards I had a little bit of nerve damage actually. I could feel a little tingling in my face, but that’s all gone now.

So then, I think I came back about a week later just to do my exit interview stuff. … When you see me talking on the show, in the upcoming episode, when my face is not swollen, that’s after I’ve already come back from the hospital. I kinda just want that to be clear just because I know a lot of people are saying, “I hope you’re OK.” I know a lot of people think the show happens in real time. But just so it’s clear – I’m fine.

What did you think about the stuff that had come out in the press before the show launched?
I was actually super-pissed. My reaction was “Oh shit” – I didn’t want them to think it was me who said anything. I mean why would I want that information to come out? They didn’t, luckily, no one knew who I was at that point, so it wasn’t interesting fodder, so it died really quickly. It still comes up. It came up from time to time. So, I don’t really understand …

So you won the Tiki Barber challenge. How’d that go?
It was great. I do have a background in menswear, but the crazy thing for everyone, (or at least the thing that everyone’s getting a lot of grief for it) is tailoring is completely different in menswear. And you just don’t really see all the work that has to go into the product that we make, and they say on TV time we have two days, but what the public doesn’t take into consideration is that we have to eat, we have to go to the bathroom, we have to go shopping at Mood, which takes two hours.

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Comments

Whitney wrote:

The hottest guy on project runway season 3 and the cutest guy on top chef season 3 getting together, I love it. I'm gonna miss jack being on the show, he was a great designer and a great personality but at least he is healthy.

Carol Davis wrote:

Jack, I'm so happy to see you're okay now. I was really sorry you had to leave the show,you were one of my favorites.I know something fabulous will come from your exposure in Project Runway.

adam wrote:

Jack...I find you to be a personal pilar of inspiration for me. I have been HIV for 9 years now and low and behold when the first episode of this season came on I found that you had the exact same tattoos on your elbows! Right down to the same dimentions. I hope that you know that you are an inspiration to me and hopefully to every gay man and woman on the planet to come on to a primetime show and air your "laundry" for the world to learn from and grow with. I would have wished that you would have made it much longer in the competition as you were clearly a force to be reconed with. You live as an example for people around the globe, both straight and gay . This is the first time I have ever written anything online or in any other form to a celebrity in thanks of their "entertainment outing" and I will never forget what you have done for me and my will to live, love, and persue my dreams and aspirations. I wish you all of the love and positive light that I can wish for, and I can only hope that someday I can be the leader that unknowlingly have been to me.

Health, Love, Happiness, and Prosperity for a Bright and Unending Future.

Adam T Smith

Rob wrote:

I almost cried when I saw Jack leave. He was the one I wanted to win. Jack will go places and I wish him luck. Inspiration to everyone

Eduardo wrote:

Hey Jack, i felt bad when you left the show but we all understand, i also wanted you to be the winner this season, but i guess i have to change my winner, i think it's between Christian or Rami, he is hot also...well, i know that you are ok now, and where do you hang out in the city, i love posh, and G bar....good luck and see you soon. my friend..

Eduardo.

Jane wrote:

Love Project Runway & Top Chef ~ Just happy to hear Jack is doing better now. He is so talented.

todd wrote:

i cannot express the gratitude that i feel ---at your display of grace dignity and courage. you are a shining example of what every gay man should aspire to be ----not to mention your @#$%ing hot!

Jonathan wrote:

Jack~

As Bravo propmoted further instalments of Project Runway, I began to dread the episode that showed you breaking down, and further causing
the entire cast to brake down in tears. It goes without saying we're all sad you're gone!

It never hurts to hear praise, especially when praise is trully deserved; however I also know that your physical physique and stunning good looks has nothing to do with your clearly amazing talent. It has been inspiring to see
the little you were able to show on Project Runway, as well as, reading your current news, and checking out your own personal web page. I know you're going to continue to have great success, love, and oppurtunity in your life. So all I wish you is plenty of peace! Thank you for your smile, your humor, and unbelievable strength!
Lastly, Seattle wants you back! BE happy!

-J

Sami wrote:

JAAAAACK!!! marry me.

christie wrote:

hiii I'm happy to see that you're great you had a fan here from Puerto Rico and I feel bad to see you crying that way and when you left I feel awful hope to see hear from you soon love you bye

Christian Minnicks wrote:

Hey Jack;

Wanted to congrats you on your blooming relationship with Dale. I am a HIV neg man in wonderful relationship with my partner who happensto be HIV+. We have been together forover 2 years and we are going strong.
I wish you the best with Dale. I wish you could have stayed longer on the show. You have a great eye for fashion and I look forward to seeing your clothing line coming out soon.

Best of luck in Everything;

Christian

Courtney wrote:

I hated to see Jack go, but his reasons for it were sound. I glad he's healthy and happy now. If he'd been able to, I think he would've gone on to win it. He's done some great work, and there's only bigger and better things in his future!

Jerry wrote:

Hey Jack & Dale


Evelyn M. DeArmond wrote:

Jack,

I was very sorry to see you leave, you were and are a very talented young man no matter what happens in your life. I hope that you will have an opportunity to come back on a future Project Runway. I am sure that you will be fine, but I was also glad to see that you took responsibility to take care of your body. We only have one body and we need to take care of it when we hurt. So take care, keep up the good work and know that there are people out there praying for you to stay well and to be a successful Fashion Designer.

Evelyn

Gregory wrote:

Oh man! That's kinda awesome!
I seriously cried when you left the show. You were sooooo awesome! I am actually watching that episode right now and I'm scared to watch that part again. And yet, I almost cried again. I came so close for a tear to go down my face.

Anyway, I love how it's my two favorites I think that is just kinda awesome. I wish you luck with your future!

A most amazing fan,
Gregory (from Maine, baby!)

debrarae wrote:

Jack,

As a person who has lost one too many friends from HIV/Aids, you are and continue to be an inspiration to me.

I am happy that you found true love.

I have no doubt that you will continue to do great as a designer.

Hang in there, and know you have alot of people who admire, and respect you for both your courage and your talent.

Lorenzo wrote:

I am so happy to hear you have found happiness and have rebounded from your health scare. I had a similar infection in my leg and had mega-antibiotics for 5 days. Only being poz for 3 I was scared and uninformed. Thanks to your personal style & integrity you have shown what a true talented man can do in life. Good luck and happy holidays.

Sabrina wrote:

I was shocked to see Jack leave, but in the end, it was best for him to get medical help. I'm glad everything is better, Jack. You were a favorite of mine on Project Runway. You are very talented, and I know you're going to make it big.
All the best,
Sabrina

Robinson wrote:

I want jack back on the show. He was the best designer on the show. I wonder where can i get some of his clothes. Jack you are the best and keep trying for another season cause in my eyes and millions of people more you are the winner. Winner in many ways.!!!!
Love you . Get well

kim wrote:

oh my god, i am so excited for the two of you. i think that both of you were my favorites and its just too exciting.

Jim wrote:

I just wanted to comment on something I read in Jack's interview about the show appealing mostly to gay men, women, and some straight boyfriends of women who say they watch the show to please their girlfriends....Well he may be right about that I can't really say...BUT I can say this as a straight man who is married with children...Project runway has become one of my favorite shows to watch...And this season was the best ever. I really like Laura Bennet from a previous season as well....But the talent level this season was phenomenal!! The top 4 were all soooo incredibly creative and innovative....and impeccable craftsmen and craftswomen!! In the end I thought Christian and Jillian were the strongest with Chris Marsh coming in right behind them....Rami is also very talented...I really loved the candy paper dress he made! I love Christian's humility on the final and his aknowledgement of the talent of his competitors...They all seemed to have tremendous respect for one another and I sensed a great deal of camaraderie between them that was very special....I hope that they will all remain good friends now? Great show and awesome finale!!....This from a straight guy too Jack!

Jim wrote:

One more thing I forgot to mention in my last post (BTW I'm the straight guy who loves Project Runway in case you forgot lol)....I am very sorry that you had to leave the show early Jack! I think you are an awesome designer and a really great guy. I also really loved your three looks in the Its Sew Not Over competition. I also really love Top Chef as well and Dale was one of my favorite contestants last season....He was such a humble guy that had such great talent!....He really came on strong when it counted too. Its great to find ut that you too are now a couple....You are both great guys with lots of artistic talent...I wish you guys both the very best!!

Zara wrote:

why do you have such a problem with chris march? I always thought you seemed like the nicest guy but everything I've read from you since the show aired has you making some snarky comment about it not being "fair" that they brought back chris? why the stick up your a$$ son? you were gone, someone had to come back, he struck me as a nice guy and talented designer who was very humble and honest about being LUCKY to get a 2nd chance...so why can't you just chill and be cool...because I liked you a lot more before you started shooting you mouth off about "fairness" in a situation where I don't really think you are in a place to comment on what production should have done since you yourself said that for yours and other saftey you HAD to leave. Get over it. Bitter much?

Mare wrote:

Jack,

I was sorry that you left the show early and I hope you return next season.I am glad that you are healthy now. To be honest though, you are a total distraction. When you are on the screen I can't concentrate on anything else. I would like to see your face in person because I cannot believe God's handiwork. Genius!!!! What a face.

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