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5 Shocking Reasons Why Josie Totah And Karan Brar's Viral Kiss Wasn't A 'Hard Launch'

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The internet went into an absolute frenzy in January 2025 after a seemingly romantic video surfaced showing former Disney Channel co-stars Josie Totah and Karan Brar sharing a kiss. The clip, which quickly went viral across platforms like TikTok and Twitter, led to massive speculation that the *Jessie* actors were finally making their long-rumored relationship official—a "hard launch" that fans had been waiting for. The reality, however, is a classic Hollywood prank, confirmed by Totah herself.

The intense public reaction highlights the enduring love for the cast of the 2010s sitcom *Jessie*, where Totah and Brar first met. While the two stars are undeniably close, their current relationship status is strictly platonic, despite the playful social media stunt. This article dives deep into the context of the viral moment, their current careers, and the full story behind the rumored romance.

Detailed Biographies: Josie Totah and Karan Brar

To truly understand the dynamic between these two former child stars, it is essential to look at their individual journeys since their time on the Disney Channel.

Josie Totah (Actress, Producer)

  • Born: August 5, 2001 (or 2002), Sacramento, California, U.S.
  • Ethnicity: Her father is of Palestinian descent, originating from Ramallah.
  • Key Roles: Josie Totah gained early recognition for her recurring role as Stuart Wooten on *Jessie*. She later starred in the NBC comedy *Champions* and the film *Other People*. Her most recent and critically acclaimed role is as the socialite Mabel Elmsworth in the Apple TV+ series *The Buccaneers* (2023–2024), an adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel.
  • Personal Life: In 2018, Totah came out publicly as a transgender woman, a powerful moment detailed in a personal essay. She has become a significant figure for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood, often discussing her identity and roles.

Karan Brar (Actor)

  • Born: January 18, 1999, Redmond, Washington, U.S.
  • Ethnicity: American actor of Indian/Punjabi descent.
  • Key Roles: Brar is best known for his breakout role as Chirag Gupta in the *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* film franchise. He achieved widespread fame playing the adopted Indian-American student Ravi Ross on the Disney Channel series *Jessie* and its spin-off, *Bunk'd*. More recently, he has appeared in films like *Pacific Rim: Uprising* and the Disney+ movie *Stargirl*.
  • Personal Life: Brar is known to be very close friends with many of his former Disney co-stars, including Totah. He has maintained a relatively private personal life outside of his career.

The Viral TikTok Kiss: Setting the Record Straight in January 2025

The entire media storm erupted in the second week of January 2025. A short, highly-edited video was posted to Josie Totah's TikTok account. The clip showed Totah facing the camera before Karan Brar came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and planted a kiss on her lips.

The video was immediately interpreted by fans as an official announcement of a romantic relationship. The former *Jessie* co-stars, who played supporting characters on the show, were suddenly at the center of a massive online debate about their dating status.

However, the excitement was short-lived. Just days after the video went viral and made headlines globally, Josie Totah stepped forward to clarify the situation. She confirmed that the video was nothing more than a playful joke between two very close friends.

In various interviews, Totah explained that the "kissing her friends" video was a bit of fun and not a genuine relationship announcement. She and Brar are simply part of a fabulous queer duo forged in the fires of the Disney Channel, and their bond is one of deep friendship, not romance.

5 Key Takeaways on Josie Totah and Karan Brar's Relationship Status

Despite the undeniable chemistry captured on the viral TikTok, the reality of their relationship is far more complex and rooted in a decade-long friendship. Here is the definitive truth about the "hard launch" that wasn't.

1. It Was a Social Media Prank, Confirmed by Totah

The most important piece of information is the official clarification. Josie Totah explicitly stated that the moment was a joke and a prank on the internet. She and Karan Brar—who starred together as Stuart and Ravi on *Jessie*—have a history of a close, playful relationship, and this was just another instance of their comedic dynamic extending to social media.

2. Their Bond is Platonic and Built on Shared History

Totah and Brar have been close friends for years, dating back to their time as Disney Channel stars. They share a unique bond as former child actors who grew up in the public eye. This shared experience creates a deep, familial connection, which often manifests in public displays of affection that can be misinterpreted as romantic.

3. Totah is a Transgender Woman, Brar is an Ally and Close Friend

Josie Totah is a prominent transgender actress, and Karan Brar is known to be a strong ally and a dear friend. The closeness between them is often celebrated by fans who appreciate their supportive and loving queer-adjacent friendship. One publication even referred to the moment as, "Can't a girl platonically kiss her bisexual bestie?" highlighting the nature of their bond within the LGBTQ+ community space.

4. Both Are Focused on Major Post-Disney Careers

The two actors have successfully transitioned from their roles on *Jessie* and *Bunk'd* to more mature and diverse projects. Totah is currently starring in the prestige period drama *The Buccaneers* on Apple TV+, where she has a significant role as Mabel Elmsworth. Brar has also moved on to major film roles in franchises like *Pacific Rim: Uprising* and the Disney+ movies *Stargirl*. Their professional lives are currently their main focus.

5. The Rumors Were Fueled by Fan Nostalgia for *Jessie*

The sheer volume of the reaction to the TikTok video is a testament to the enduring nostalgia for the *Jessie* cast. Fans love seeing the former co-stars reunite, and the idea of a real-life romance between them was a wish fulfillment for many who grew up watching their interactions as Ravi Ross and Stuart Wooten. The viral moment was less about a current relationship and more about the power of Disney Channel nostalgia.

Beyond the Kiss: The Future of the Former Co-Stars

While the dating rumors have been definitively debunked, the viral moment successfully put both Josie Totah and Karan Brar back into the mainstream pop culture conversation in early 2025. This visibility is a testament to their lasting friendship and their savvy use of social media to engage with their audience.

For Josie Totah, her career continues to soar with her groundbreaking role in *The Buccaneers*, where she is celebrated for her nuanced portrayal of a young socialite. She has also been vocal about her commitment to taking on diverse roles that are not solely defined by her identity, showing her range as an actress.

Karan Brar, who is also known for his role as Chirag Gupta in the *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* movies, remains a busy and versatile actor. Both stars represent a successful transition from the often-challenging world of child acting to adult careers in Hollywood. Their continuous support for one another, even in the form of a viral, platonic kiss, proves that their friendship is one of the strongest bonds to emerge from the Disney Channel era.

josie totah and karan brar
josie totah and karan brar

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