In a revelation that has left fans stunned and deeply moved, David Bromstad, the charismatic host of HGTV’s My Lottery Dream Home, has opened up about the pain, betrayal, and heartbreak that shaped the man behind the glittering smile. Known for his infectious laughter, bold designs, and radiant positivity, Bromstad’s life has not been as picture-perfect as his on-screen creations — and the truth behind his journey is nothing short of astonishing.
Born in Cokato, Minnesota, Bromstad’s childhood was marked not by the warmth of acceptance, but by relentless cruelty. He was bullied by hundreds of classmates for his gentle nature and sexual identity — humiliation so severe that even school staff reportedly joined in the mockery. “I felt like a target every single day,” he once recalled in a 2008 interview. The most harrowing moment came in a crowded cafeteria, when laughter echoed around him — not with him, but at him. The scars of that day would haunt him for years.
Art became his refuge — the one place where he could turn pain into beauty. His sketches, filled with color and imagination, became the first brushstrokes in a story of defiance and self-discovery. After college, Bromstad’s creativity led him to Walt Disney Studios, where he worked as an animator — a dream job that ended abruptly when corporate layoffs forced him out. But instead of breaking him, that setback ignited his reinvention.
With no money and no safety net, he pivoted toward interior design. In 2006, he took a leap of faith and auditioned for HGTV’s Design Star. Against all odds, he won. His combination of artistry, charisma, and vulnerability made him a fan favorite overnight. Soon after came Color Splash, and later, My Lottery Dream Home — where his warmth and flair turned him into one of HGTV’s most beloved personalities.
But behind the dazzling energy, life off-camera was unraveling. In 2015, Bromstad faced a shocking betrayal — a lawsuit filed by his former partner, Jeffrey Glasow, accusing him of misconduct and financial deception. The allegations threatened to destroy everything he’d built. The entertainment world watched in disbelief — but Bromstad refused to fight fire with fire. Instead, he remained silent, let truth take its course, and a year later, the court dismissed the case entirely, ordering Glasow to pay legal fees. Through it all, Bromstad’s composure and grace only deepened public respect for him.
The hits didn’t stop there. That same year, his father was hospitalized, and a close friend suffered a brain hemorrhage, forcing Bromstad to step away from the spotlight. He chose family over fame, spending months caring for those he loved — a decision that revealed his quiet strength beneath the sparkle.
When he finally reemerged, it was with a new sense of peace and clarity. In 2023, Bromstad shared a reflective message from atop a mountain in Norway, writing about rebirth, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. Fans flooded his page with messages of love, admiring how he had turned trauma into transformation.
Today, Bromstad’s life glows brighter than ever — not because it’s flawless, but because it’s real. He’s launched a new home décor line, built on joy and authenticity, and found love again with Nicholas Martin, a French massage therapist. His social media now blends radiant color with heartfelt honesty about mental health, resilience, and self-love.
“People see the smile,” Bromstad said recently, “but that smile came from surviving.”
From bullied teen to design icon, from heartbreak to healing, David Bromstad’s journey is a masterpiece painted in courage. His story is a reminder that the brightest colors often come from the darkest palettes — and that the truest beauty lies not in perfection, but in perseverance.
