Reggie Watts‘ Comedy Bang! Bang! theme song was cut from Monday’s podcast episode amid renewed scrutiny surrounding the comedian. The change comes as allegations about his past relationships and drug use have resurfaced.
The Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast cuts Reggie Watts’ longtime opening theme song from its latest episode
Watts wrote the longtime opening theme for the Scott Aukerman-hosted podcast. The program began as a radio show in 2009. His song remained part of the podcast for years. However, it was missing from Monday’s latest installment.
According to Variety, the theme song appeared before the previous episode on August 17. It was absent from Monday’s episode featuring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein. The two are known for their work on “Portlandia.” The change came shortly after Rolling Stone published its report.
The report focused heavily on Watts’ late former girlfriend, Katherine McCollough. Her family and friends alleged that her drug consumption increased while dating Watts. They said drug use became central to their relationship. McCollough later traveled to Peru in March and died by suicide.
Watts’ attorney, Andrew Berttler, strongly disputed the allegations. He called the claims dangerously false in a statement. He also rejected suggestions that Watts caused McCollough’s death. The attorney said McCollough was already an experienced drug user.
Watts had been a longtime advocate for ketamine and psychedelic substances. The Rolling Stone report examined those views within his relationships. People close to McCollough expressed their belief that Watts influenced her drug use. Watts’ lawyer rejected the characterization of his behaviour as abusive.
The latest podcast episode did not explain why the theme was removed. Representatives for Watts and Comedy Bang! Bang! did not immediately comment. The timing nevertheless connected the change to the report.
Watts starred in the series from 2012 to 2016. He later became the bandleader on The Late Late Show. His music had remained closely associated with the podcast. The theme song’s removal marked a notable change for longtime listeners. However, the podcast has not publicly confirmed the reason behind it.
