Josie Totah Clarifies Viral TikTok With Karan Brar: ‘It Was a Joke’

Josie Totah at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at Los Angeles, USA in 2019
Josie Totah at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at Los Angeles, USA in 2019. Photo by Broadimage/Shutterstock (10181187b)

Former Disney Channel stars Josie Totah and Karan Brar recently ignited a flurry of dating rumors after posting a TikTok video that showcased a seemingly intimate moment between the two. In the video, Brar approaches Totah from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist, followed by Totah leaning in for a kiss. The clip, set to Lana Del Rey’s “Brooklyn Baby,” quickly went viral, leading fans to speculate about a potential romantic relationship between the longtime friends.

In response to the swirling rumors, Totah, 23, took to TikTok to set the record straight. In a follow-up video, she laughed while repeating, “It was a joke,” emphasizing the playful nature of their initial post. She captioned the video, “We are two platonic best friends who danced a little too close to the sun,” reaffirming that there is no romantic involvement between her and Brar, People reported.

Brar, 25, echoed Totah’s sentiments on his Instagram Stories, stating, “It was a joke,” and added that they “didn’t mean to gaslight the internet.” Despite their clarifications, fan reactions remained mixed.

Totah and Brar’s friendship dates back to their time on the Disney Channel series “Jessie,” which aired from 2011 to 2015. Brar portrayed Ravi Ross, one of the central characters, while Totah joined the cast in 2013 as Stuart Wooten, a recurring character with a crush on Zuri Ross, played by Skai Jackson.

Since their “Jessie” days, both actors have continued to build successful careers in the entertainment industry. Totah, who came out as transgender in 2018, has been an advocate for transgender representation in Hollywood. She has appeared in various television series and films, including the 2020 revival of “Saved by the Bell,” where she played the character Lexi, a sharp-tongued cheerleader. In her 2018 essay for Time, Totah wrote, “I know now, more than ever, that I’m finally ready to take this step toward becoming myself. I’m ready to be free.”

Brar has also expanded his repertoire, taking on roles in both live-action and animated projects. He has provided voice work for animated series and appeared in films such as “Stargirl.” His continued presence in the industry has solidified his status as a versatile actor capable of engaging audiences across various genres.

The recent TikTok video serves as a testament to Totah and Brar’s enduring friendship and their ability to engage with fans through social media. While their playful interaction led to widespread speculation, both actors have made it clear that their relationship remains platonic. As they continue to navigate their careers, fans can look forward to more content from the duo, whether in collaborative projects or individual endeavors.