Reggie Watts has been dropped from festivals and has his theme song pulled from the Comedy Bang Bang podcast following accusations of “reckless” drug use in relationships.
Watts is known for starring in the television version of Comedy Bang Bang between 2012 and 2016, before becoming the bandleader on James Corden’s Late Late Show. He also penned the theme song for the podcast hosted by Scott Aukerman, which has been on the air since 2009.
In the latest episode of the podcast, which aired on Monday (August 24) and featured Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, his theme song was not played for the first time.
While no explanation has been provided by the showrunners or by Watts himself, it appears that the move could be related to a recent article posted by Rolling Stone, which alleged that the comedian and musician had “reckless and selfish” drug use in his past relationships.
In the report, it is alleged that an ex-girlfriend of his, Katherine McCollough, developed an addiction to ketamine during her time dating Watts and experienced a manic episode induced by drugs in summer 2025.
Their relationship ended in October last year, and in March this year, McCollough travelled to Peru to take her own life.
Her family told the outlet that her drug usage “drastically increased” when she was dating Watts, and added that it became a “central” part of their relationship. They also added that they “firmly believe” that if she did not meet Watts and have him “push his extreme views on psychedelics and substances on her”, she would “still be alive today”.
Watts’ attorney has hit back at the “dangerously false” claims made by Rolling Stone, and said that it is a “preconceived narrative” to imply that he was responsible for her suicide. He also argued that McCollough was an “experienced” drug user already and didn’t need “any so-called ‘encouragement,’” from Watts to take any substance.
Also in Rolling Stone’s report, there are claims from five other women who claim to have dated Watts, and all allege that he exhibited “reckless and selfish” behaviour when it came to drugs. Two of them also accused the musician of being “emotionally and psychologically abusive”.
Watts’ lawyer has denied any claims that his client was an “abusive” partner.
As well as his theme song not appearing on the latest episode of the Comedy Bang Bang podcast, Watts has also had his name removed from two scheduled appearances in the UK.
Greenbelt festival confirmed that Watts will no longer be on the bill, and a spokesperson for Shambala festival confirmed that he would no longer be performing due to the allegations put forward.
Consequence reports that some shows in Bristol with CAPYAC were also axed over the weekend, and Watts’ name no longer appears on the line-up for Electric Picnic 2026.
There are still US shows set to go ahead as planned, including stops in Montana next month, as well as a festival slot at Monterey Jazz Festival.
For help, advice or more information regarding addiction in the UK, visit the FRANK website. In the US, visit SAMHSA.
