The internet almost broke. Seriously. If you grew up watching Disney Channel, you probably remember Ravi Ross and Stuart Wooten as the quirky, pint-sized scene-stealers on Jessie. Well, they aren't kids anymore. In early 2025, a video surfaced that made everyone think Ravi and Stewart dating was finally a real-world thing, and the chaos that followed was a masterclass in how much we still care about our childhood stars.
It started with a TikTok. Not just any TikTok—a PDA-heavy, "is this a hard launch?" kind of video.
Josie Totah (who played Stuart) and Karan Brar (the man behind Ravi) appeared together in a clip that felt incredibly intimate. Brar wrapped his arms around Totah’s waist. They leaned in. They kissed. The song in the background? Lana Del Rey’s "Brooklyn Baby." It was the ultimate "we’re together" aesthetic.
Naturally, the world lost its collective mind.
The Truth About Ravi and Stewart Dating
Honestly, the "hard launch" was short-lived. Within hours of the video going viral and racking up millions of views, the two stars had to come forward to clear the air.
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As it turns out, the rumors about Ravi and Stewart dating were just the result of a very convincing joke. Josie Totah posted a follow-up video laughing about the reaction, explicitly stating, "It was a joke! It was a joke! It was a joke!"
She even added a caption that has since become a bit of a meme among the fandom: "We are two platonic best friends who danced a little too close to the sun."
Karan Brar echoed this sentiment on his Instagram Stories. He used the "loudly crying" emoji and told his followers that they "didn't mean to gaslight the internet." It was just two close friends having a laugh that happened to trigger a massive wave of nostalgia.
Why Did Fans Care So Much?
It's not just about the show. It's about the journey these two have been on. Since their days on the Disney set, both actors have become vocal advocates and symbols of personal growth in the industry.
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- Josie Totah came out as a transgender woman in a powerful 2018 essay for Time.
- Karan Brar opened up about his bisexuality and mental health struggles in a 2023 Teen Vogue piece.
Because they’ve both been so vulnerable with their fans, the idea of them finding happiness together felt like a "full circle" moment for the audience. When you see two people you've "grown up with" looking that happy, you want it to be real.
A Friendship That Spans Decades
If you're disappointed that they aren't a couple, don't be. Their actual relationship is arguably more interesting. They have remained incredibly tight-knit since Jessie wrapped in 2015.
They weren't just coworkers. They were roommates. Along with the late Cameron Boyce, they formed a core friendship group that supported one another through the transition from child stardom to adult careers. That kind of bond is rare in Hollywood.
Lessons From the Viral "Prank"
What does this tell us about celebrity culture in 2026? A few things, actually.
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First, nostalgia is a hell of a drug. A ten-second clip of two former Disney stars can still outperform major news cycles. Second, the "hard launch" has become a tool for celebrities to play with their public image. Sometimes it's real, like when a couple finally confirms they're together after months of blurry paparazzi shots. Other times, like with Ravi and Stewart, it's a way for friends to poke fun at the intense scrutiny they face.
How to Tell if a "Hard Launch" is Real
If you're trying to figure out if your favorite stars are actually dating or just messing around, look for these signs:
- The Follow-up: Genuine couples usually don't post a "just kidding" video four hours later.
- Context: Are they working on a project together? Sometimes these stunts are "leaks" meant to build hype for a new show or movie.
- The Source: If only one person posts it and the other is silent, be skeptical. If it's a joint post with a serious caption, it's more likely to be legitimate.
The saga of Ravi and Stewart dating might have been a prank, but it served as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Jessie cast. They managed to fool the entire internet with nothing but a TikTok and a Lana Del Rey song. That’s talent.
Going forward, the best way to support these stars is to follow their actual work. Josie Totah continues to be a powerhouse in comedy and production, while Karan Brar is taking on more complex, dramatic roles that showcase his range. They might not be a couple, but they are definitely a "power duo" in the sense that they've navigated the industry on their own terms.
Keep an eye on their social media, but maybe take the next "kissing" video with a grain of salt. They've proven they know exactly how to push the internet's buttons.
If you want to stay updated on what they’re actually doing, check out Josie’s latest production credits or Karan’s upcoming film projects. Supporting their individual growth is way better than chasing a fake romance.