Former Jessie co-stars Josie Totah and Karan Brar recently sent social media into a frenzy with a playful TikTok video that featured some unexpected PDA. The clip, which showcased Brar wrapping his arms around Totah as she leaned in for a kiss, had fans speculating about their relationship status. However, Totah, 23, and Brar, 25, have since confirmed that the video was all in good fun.
Karan Brar and Josie Totah.
Photo: Steven Ferdman/Getty; josietotah/TikTok; Monica Schipper/Getty
After the video went viral, sparking countless conversations online, Totah took to TikTok to set the record straight. Laughing in a follow-up video, she clarified, “It was a joke,” repeating the sentiment for emphasis. In the caption of the video, she wrote, “We are two platonic best friends who danced a little too close to the sun.”
Brar echoed Totah’s sentiments on his Instagram Stories, writing, “It was a joke 😭.” He added that neither of them intended to "gaslight” the internet, highlighting the lighthearted nature of their video.
(L-R) Karan Brar and Josie Totah are pictured in a still from TikTok.
Photo: josietotah/TikTok
Fans, however, were divided. While some expressed disappointment, others were skeptical. One commenter quipped, “That did not look like a joke,” while another lamented, “Well you can’t be joking like that cause now I’m disappointed.”
Totah and Brar’s friendship dates back to their time on Disney Channel’s Jessie (2011–2015). Brar portrayed Ravi Ross, one of the four Ross siblings cared for by the titular character Jessie, played by Debby Ryan. Totah joined the cast in 2013 as Stuart Wooten, a recurring character with a comedic crush on Zuri Ross, played by Skai Jackson. The show also starred Peyton List and the late Cameron Boyce.
Totah, who publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2018 through a personal essay for Time, has been a vocal advocate for living authentically. Reflecting on her journey, she wrote about the misconceptions she faced growing up. “I was afraid I wouldn’t be accepted, that I would be embarrassed, that the fans who knew me from the time when I acted in a Disney show would be confused,” she shared. “But I realized over the past few years that hiding my true self is not healthy.”
In her essay, Totah announced her new name and identity with pride: “My pronouns are she, her and hers. I identify as female, specifically as a transgender female. And my name is Josie Totah.”
The recent TikTok escapade showcases Totah and Brar’s close friendship and playful dynamic, proving that even viral moments can come with a healthy dose of humor. While fans may have hoped for more than just a joke, Totah and Brar’s camaraderie is a testament to their enduring bond—on and off screen.
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