5 Reasons Why Karan Brar And Josie Totah’s Viral Kiss Confused The Internet (And The Real Truth About Their Relationship)

The internet was absolutely convinced. In a moment that instantly went viral in January 2025, former Disney Channel co-stars Karan Brar and Josie Totah appeared to confirm a long-suspected romantic relationship, sharing a passionate kiss in a now-famous TikTok video. The unexpected PDA between the two actors, known to millions as Ravi Ross and Stuart Wooten from the hit series Jessie, immediately sparked widespread speculation that their childhood friendship had blossomed into a full-blown Hollywood romance.

However, the truth, as is often the case with viral social media moments, is much more nuanced than the headline. Despite the excitement from fans hoping for a real-life Disney romance, Josie Totah quickly stepped forward to clarify the situation, confirming that she and Karan Brar are definitively not dating, but are, in fact, "two platonic best friends who danced a little too close to the sun."

Karan Brar and Josie Totah: Full Biography and Profile

Before diving into the viral moment, it is essential to understand the impressive and diverse careers of the two stars who have successfully transitioned from Disney Channel child actors to respected young Hollywood professionals.

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Karan Brar: The Versatile Actor

• Full Name: Karan Brar
• Date of Birth: January 18, 1999 (Age 26 as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Redmond, Washington, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Notable Roles: Ravi Ross in Jessie (2011–2015) and its spin-off Bunk'd (2015–2018), Chirag Gupta in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film franchise (2010–2012), and a role in the film Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018).
• Career Trajectory: Brar is celebrated for his comedic timing and versatility, successfully shedding his child star image by taking on more mature roles in film and television.

Josie Totah: The Trans Trailblazer

• Full Name: Josie Jaye Totah (formerly known as J.J. Totah)
• Date of Birth: August 5, 2001 (Age 24 as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Sacramento, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Notable Roles: Stuart Wooten, a recurring role on Jessie, Lexi Haskins in the Saved by the Bell revival (2020–2021), and a role in the Netflix film Moxie (2021) alongside Amy Poehler.
• Public Transition: Totah publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2018, writing a powerful essay for Time magazine. Her role as Lexi Haskins, a popular trans cheerleader, on Saved by the Bell was widely praised as a major step for LGBTQ+ representation.
• Upcoming Projects: She is set to star in the highly anticipated upcoming horror film Faces of Death (2025).

The Viral TikTok Kiss: Why The Dating Rumors Exploded

The core of the "Karan Brar dating Josie Totah" speculation stems from a single, playful, yet intimate video shared on social media. The January 2025 clip showed the two long-time friends sharing a kiss, which quickly led to a massive online frenzy.

The intensity of the reaction can be attributed to several factors that made the unconfirmed romance feel like a perfect Hollywood narrative:

1. The Nostalgia Factor of Jessie Co-Stars

Karan Brar and Josie Totah first met on the set of the beloved Disney Channel sitcom Jessie, which ran from 2011 to 2015. Karan played the main role of Ravi Ross, while Josie had a memorable recurring role as the quirky Stuart Wooten. The idea of two beloved co-stars from a childhood favorite, who grew up together in the public eye, finally finding love as adults is a powerful, irresistible trope for fans.

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2. The Power of Social Media Teasing

Before the video, Karan Brar had seemingly teased a potential romantic connection in an Instagram post in July 2024, adding fuel to an already simmering pot of speculation. When the kissing video dropped in early 2025, it appeared to be the long-awaited confirmation of their relationship, making the news feel authentic and intentional, even if it was just a joke between friends.

3. Their Close and Enduring Friendship

The two actors have maintained a visibly close bond for over a decade since their Disney days. They frequently appear on each other’s social media, attend events together, and publicly support one another’s careers. This deep, genuine friendship provided a believable foundation for a romantic transition, making the rumor highly plausible in the eyes of their followers.

The Definitive Truth: Platonic Best Friends

Despite the internet’s enthusiasm, Josie Totah was quick to shut down the romance rumors, confirming their relationship status is strictly platonic. The clarification was a crucial piece of information that cemented the reality of their bond.

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The Official Clarification

In a follow-up post and subsequent interviews, Josie Totah explained that the viral video was nothing more than a playful, PDA-packed moment shared between two very close friends. She captioned the video, “WE ARE TWO PLATONIC BEST FRIENDS WHO DANCED A LITTLE TOO CLOSE TO THE SUN.”

This statement highlights a key dynamic in young Hollywood: strong, non-romantic friendships are common, and a spontaneous kiss or playful interaction is often just a reflection of that deep, comfortable bond, not a declaration of a couple. Fans often project romantic intentions onto co-stars, especially those from their childhood, but in this case, the actors set the record straight quickly.

The Importance of Their Queer Friendship

The friendship between Karan Brar and Josie Totah is also celebrated by fans for its unique significance. Josie is a prominent transgender actress, and Karan is a supportive ally and close friend. Their bond has been described as a "fabulous queer duo forged in the fires of Disney Channel," emphasizing the importance of their connection that transcends simple dating speculation. Their public closeness reinforces a message of unconditional friendship and acceptance.

What Karan Brar and Josie Totah Are Doing Now (Post-Disney Careers)

Both Karan Brar and Josie Totah have established successful careers far beyond the halls of the Disney Channel. Their current projects showcase their maturity and commitment to diverse roles, further cementing their status as serious actors.

Karan Brar's Career Trajectory

After his long run as Ravi Ross on Jessie and Bunk'd, Karan Brar has focused on expanding his filmography. He has moved into more dramatic and action-oriented roles, notably starring in the science fiction action film Pacific Rim: Uprising. His career progression demonstrates a successful pivot from family-friendly comedy to mainstream Hollywood productions.

Josie Totah's Groundbreaking Work

Josie Totah’s career post-Jessie has been particularly groundbreaking. Her starring role as Lexi Haskins in Peacock’s reboot of Saved by the Bell was a critical success, allowing her to portray an authentic trans character on a major network show. She also co-starred in the Netflix film Moxie, directed by Amy Poehler. Her upcoming role in the 2025 horror film Faces of Death further proves her ability to take on challenging and diverse genres, showcasing her range as a multi-talented actress, writer, and producer.

In conclusion, while the viral kiss between Karan Brar and Josie Totah set the internet ablaze in January 2025, the reality is that the two remain incredibly close, platonic best friends. Their enduring bond, forged during their Disney Channel years, is a testament to the strong friendships that can last in Hollywood, regardless of what a playful TikTok video might suggest.