Comedian and musician Reggie Watts has been pulled from multiple festival lineups this week following a Rolling Stone investigation that alleged he heavily abused drugs with his late ex-girlfriend prior to her death. According to Consequence, Watts was scheduled to perform at two UK festivals—Shambala and Greenbelt—but his name has been removed from both. Greenbelt confirmed he will no longer appear, while a Shambala representative acknowledged his removal in correspondence reviewed by Rolling Stone.
Additionally, Ireland’s Electric Picnic, where Watts was slated to perform later this month, has also dropped him from its lineup. The cancellations come on the heels of the investigative report, which drew renewed attention to Watts’ conduct around drugs and his relationship with Katherine McCollough, who died by suicide in March of this year.
The Investigation’s Allegations
The Rolling Stone story, published Thursday, alleges that Watts exhibited what it describes as “reckless and selfish” behavior regarding drugs in his past relationships. Specifically, it claims that McCollough developed a ketamine addiction while dating Watts, who has been a longtime advocate for the drug. According to the report, the couple’s relationship ended in October 2025 after McCollough experienced a drug-induced manic episode that summer. In March 2026, McCollough traveled to Peru and took her own life.
Watts’ attorney, Andrew Brettler, issued a statement to Rolling Stone rejecting the allegations. Brettler called the claims “dangerously false” and said that suggesting Watts was responsible for McCollough’s suicide was a “preconceived narrative.” Watts himself has not yet publicly addressed the allegations or the cancellations.
Impact Beyond Festivals
The fallout has extended beyond live performances. According to Variety, Watts’ signature theme song for the podcast Comedy Bang! Bang! was cut from Monday’s episode following the investigation. The theme, a staple of the show’s opening, was removed as the podcast distanced itself from the embattled comedian.
The investigation also brought renewed attention to a video Watts had posted in the aftermath of McCollough’s death. In the clip, which Watts later deleted, he spoke about grief, meditation, and his continued connection to McCollough before describing the manner of her death as “pretty, pretty elegant in many ways.” The video predates the investigation and was not recorded in response to it. McCollough’s loved ones told Rolling Stone they objected to Watts’ characterization of her death, and her sister reportedly asked him to remove a video discussing its details.
Context and Reactions
The allegations have sparked a wider conversation about accountability in the entertainment industry, particularly around substance use and personal relationships. However, Watts’ legal team has pushed back firmly, framing the report as an unfair attack. Brettler’s statement emphasized that the claims lack evidence and are part of a narrative designed to blame Watts for McCollough’s tragic death.
As festival organizers move quickly to distance themselves, the long-term impact on Watts’ career remains uncertain. He has not issued a public statement, and neither Shambala, Greenbelt, nor Electric Picnic have provided detailed explanations beyond confirming his removal. The Comedy Bang! Bang! decision indicates that his work may face broader scrutiny across media platforms.
The situation remains fluid, and it is likely that more details will emerge as Watts or his representatives respond to the investigation. For now, the cancellations represent a significant professional setback for an artist who has been a prominent figure in comedy and music for years.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2026/08/25/comedian-reggie-watts-dropped-from-festival-lineups-after-allegations-of-drug-abuse-with-late-girlfriend/