Jonathan Van Ness splits with Wilco Froneman, says ‘cheaters never prosper’

Jonathan Van Ness and Wilco Froneman before the pair split up late in 2018

Jonathan Van Ness has announced his breakup with partner Wilco Froneman.

The Queer Eye star wrote “cheaters never prosper” while revealing his split from the rugby player on Instagram on December 30, according to Us Magazine, before deleting that phrase and relying instead on lyrics from Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next.”

Next to a half-naked photo of himself, Van Ness told his 2.7 million followers: “She taught me love, she taught me patience, how she handles pain, that s**t’s amazing.

Jonathan Van Ness announcing his split with Wilco Froneman on Instagram

Jonathan Van Ness used Ariana Grande lyrics to reveal the breakup (jvn/instagram)

“I’ve loved and I’ve lost but that’s not what I see because look what I found ain’t no need for searching, rounding out my 2018 with a very gorg THANK U NEXT. #selflove ️‍ ️‍ ️‍ ,” he continued, before pleading with fans not to target Froneman.

“Please don’t go in on Wilco, he doesn’t need the anger & I don’t want to see him suffer so just know I’m all good & sometimes people break up — Love you all so much ,” said Van Ness.

Jonathan Van Ness regrets Instagram post

After changing his message, the grooming expert tried to walk back his initial comment about Froneman in his Instagram Stories.

“Wilco is a good person and sometimes things don’t work out.”

— Jonathan Van Ness

He told his followers: “I should’ve sat with myself a bit longer before I posted my most recent post.

“Wilco is a good person & sometimes things don’t work out. Please don’t attack him on his page.

“Just let us move on, heal and enjoy your gorgeous New Year’s celebration. Your girl Jonathan is just fine. Biggest hug.”

Jonathan Van Ness’s words prompt shade-filled defence from Wilco Froneman

At first, Froneman posted a message of love, writing on December 31 next to an Instagram post of the pair ice-skating that “not only did Jonathan Van Ness give me the best moments of 2018, but undoubtedly the best moments of my life.”


“I will always love him and cherish every moment we shared. I encourage everyone to continue to send him love, no one deserves anything less,” Froneman added.

However, on January 1, the South African sportsman appeared to throw shade at his ex, writing: “These are my words, not a lyric from a song.

“I want to state for the record that I was never unfaithful to Jonathan.”

— Wilco Froneman

“As I walk into 2019 with eyes wide open, I know I can move forward with honesty and clarity… Things end for a reason and I am moving forward with my head held high knowing the truth in spite of the bullying and accusations that come as a result of a rash post, the damage of which—can’t be undone.”

He explicitly denied cheating on Van Ness, saying: “I am hurt, but healing and want to state for the record that I was never unfaithful to Jonathan.

“Our breakup happened as a result of circumstances that I don’t fully understand, nor can explain but I enter 2019 with my feet planted firmly on the ground with a positive attitude and intention to make this year the best ever… much love and gratitude to all that reached out with compassion and love.”