Reggie Watts has faced public criticism following the suicide of his former girlfriend Katherine Early McCollough, with his attorney now responding to the allegations surrounding the situation.
In a newly released Rolling Stone investigation, claims were made that the comedian and musician contributed to the 36-year-old’s death. Attorney Andrew Brettler pushed back strongly, calling the suggestion that Watts was responsible “dangerously false.”
Speaking to Rolling Stone, Brettler also described the article’s portrayal as a “preconceived narrative” and rejected claims that Watts encouraged McCollough’s substance use. He said McCollough was already an “experienced drug user” who “did not need any so-called ‘encouragement’ from him.”
Through his attorney, the former The Late Late Show With James Corden bandleader also addressed his understanding of McCollough’s mental health struggles.
“Not once during that period did Katherine or any of her family members or friends, ever suggest to Reggie that she was suicidal.”
Watts declined multiple interview requests from Rolling Stone and did not directly respond to most of the questions presented. However, five of his former girlfriends, many speaking anonymously, shared their perspectives with the outlet and expressed sympathy for McCollough.
The investigation described a relationship where substance use played a major role from the beginning. Rolling Stone reported that a friend created a list of substances McCollough allegedly said she used with Watts, including LSD, MDMA, DMT, ketamine, cocaine and others.
Watts, who describes himself as a “psychonaut” and has been an outspoken supporter of ketamine, has publicly discussed the drug on several occasions. During a performance at Outside Lands in October 2021, he jokingly encouraged attendees to get ketamine prescriptions. In a 2024 appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Watts said he considered himself “really good at dosing.”
The couple began their relationship in late 2023 after meeting at a party in May of that year. McCollough, 36, previously attended Cornell Law School, worked in digital marketing for a record label, completed her final law term at UCLA and later held a legal internship with the Writers Guild of America West in 2024.
By August 2025, the pair were on a weeks-long international trip when McCollough reportedly experienced a manic episode. A friend who visited them in Berlin urged Watts to seek medical help for her, but he reportedly disagreed that she was having an episode and rejected the idea that ketamine use was responsible for her condition. Watts ended the relationship with McCollough shortly afterward.
McCollough died in Lima, Peru, in March 2026 alongside 38-year-old German man Fabian Gorldt. Peruvian authorities, through a translator, reported that both deaths were suicides.
After her death, Watts paid tribute to McCollough in an Instagram post, writing that she was “in pain” but had planned her final days in Lima “beautifully.”
“You changed my life. You opened up my vulnerability and taught me how to receive love from someone so close,” Watts wrote.
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
