The internet basically had a collective meltdown not too long ago because of a TikTok. You probably saw it—or at least heard the screams from the Disney Channel nostalgia side of social media. It involved Josie Totah and her former Jessie co-star Karan Brar.
They looked cozy. Like, really cozy.
The video featured the two of them cuddling up to a Lana Del Rey track before leaning in for what looked like a very real kiss. Fans immediately went into "hard launch" mode. We’re talking thousands of comments within minutes claiming the two former child stars were the new "it couple" of 2025. People were emotionally invested because we've watched them grow up on screen together since the early 2010s.
But here’s the thing about celebrity "ships": they usually sink before they even leave the harbor.
The Karan Brar Prank That Fooled Everyone
Honestly, it was a total bait-and-switch. Shortly after the video went viral and started trending on X (the platform we all still call Twitter), Josie had to jump back on TikTok to set the record straight. She was literally laughing in the follow-up clip, repeatedly telling everyone, "It was a joke!"
Her caption for the clarification was honestly iconic: "We are two platonic best friends who danced a little too close to the sun."
Karan backed her up on his Instagram Stories, apologizing for "gaslighting" the internet but confirming that they are just besties. If you were hoping for a Jessie reunion romance, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that bridge has been crossed and burned for the sake of a prank. They’ve been friends for over a decade, and apparently, that involves tricking millions of people into thinking they’re in love.
Why do we care so much?
It’s not just about the gossip. Josie Totah has become a massive figure for representation since coming out as a transgender woman in her 2018 Time magazine essay. When she shares anything about her personal life, it carries weight. People want to see her happy.
But as of January 2026, Josie appears to be single—or at least very, very private.
Josie Totah Dating: The Reality of Being a Public Figure
In a June 2025 interview with Cosmopolitan for their "Blind Date" series, Josie actually opened up about her dating "don'ts." She’s surprisingly relatable for someone who’s been in the industry since they were a kid.
She hasn't been officially linked to anyone in the press recently. No red-carpet debuts with a partner. No "soft launches" on Instagram that weren't actually jokes.
She did mention to Cosmo editor Willa Bennett that she knows what it’s like to date other actors. It sounds like she’s been there, done that, and maybe isn't rushing back into the Hollywood dating pool. She even slammed a specific "demonic" first date idea—the classic "let's just get a drink"—noting that she prefers something with a bit more substance. Or at least something that doesn't feel like a business meeting.
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The "Buccaneers" Connection
A lot of fans also speculated about her and her The Buccaneers co-star Mia Threapleton. On screen, their chemistry as Mabel and Honoria is electric. It’s one of the best parts of the show.
Off-screen? They’re just incredibly tight friends.
Josie has talked extensively about how much she and Mia bonded during filming. Mia even made her bread! They spent almost all their free time together in London and Scotland, but both have clarified that the romance stays in the 1870s script. Josie often refers to her "sisterhood" with other trans icons like Dylan Mulvaney and Miss Benny, focusing her public energy on those platonic bonds rather than a boyfriend or girlfriend.
What She’s Looking For (According to Her)
If you listen to her interviews from the 2025 The Buccaneers Season 2 press run, Josie is in her "unapologetic" era. She spent years feeling like she had to fit into a box—first as the "gay boy" role she was cast in as a kid, and then as the "trans representative" figure.
Now, she’s just being Josie.
- Privacy is her priority: She doesn't post about her "situationships."
- Best friends over boyfriends: Her circle remains tight with people like Karan Brar and the Buccaneers cast.
- Professional focus: With her career exploding as an actor and producer, her "dating life" usually takes a backseat to her call times.
It’s easy to forget that she’s only 24. Most people at that age are still figuring out what they want in a partner, and doing that while the world watches your every TikTok is a nightmare.
How to Keep Up With the Truth
If you’re looking for a definitive "Josie Totah boyfriend" or "Josie Totah girlfriend" name, you won’t find one right now because she hasn't given one. Anyone telling you otherwise is likely falling for another one of her and Karan’s pranks.
The best way to see who she's actually spending time with is to watch for her "photo dumps" on Instagram. She tends to post real-life moments there, far away from the polished red carpet shots.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to support Josie, focus on her work in The Buccaneers or her upcoming production projects. Following her official social media accounts is the only way to avoid the clickbait. If she ever decides to "hard launch" a real relationship, she’ll likely do it on her own terms, probably with a caption that's way funnier than anything we could write. Keep an eye on her TikTok for the next time she decides to "dance too close to the sun" and break the internet again.