Jerry Seinfeld has explained why he rejected Kesha's request for a hug on the red carpet of National Night of Laughter and Song event this past Monday.
“I'm 63, I don't know every pop star…I don't know everyone.” Seinfeld told Extra's AJ Calloway at the GOOD+ Foundation and MR PORTER Fatherhood Lunch on Thursday.
"I was right in the middle of an interview, it was a little off,” the comedian said. "When you get to be my age and you've done a couple things, you have your own reality, in my reality, I don't hug a total stranger. I have to meet someone, say hello. I gotta start somewhere ... hug is not first moment of a human, two humans. I never did that."
Jerry Seinfeld Refusing to Give Kesha a Hug Is Most Awkward Thing You'll See This Week (Video)
View Story"I got a borderline harassment case here!" Seinfeld joked, saying he's "sure he would've liked her" but he just didn't know who she was. And though he didn't end up ever giving Kesha the hug, he did say the two laughed about it backstage.
"She was very nice about it, we laughed about it."
The singer interrupted an interview the comedian was doing with a DC radio station at Monday's event, repeatedly asking him if he'd give her a hug.
"I'm Kesha, I love you so much," she said as she ambushed him for some love. Seinfeld, clearly confused, replied, "No thanks" before shutting her down two more times and stepping away from her.
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View StoryAfter she walked away, Seinfeld told the reporter, "I don't who that was." When the reporter told her it was Kesha, he still appeared clueless.
LAST NIGHT @KeshaRose found out @JerrySeinfeld is not a #Hugger -- Is it hard to be a non-hugger in 2017? pic.twitter.com/92OoMFCNkd
@TommyMcFLY
During the Extra interview, Calloway reminded Seinfeld that though he might not know who Kesha is, she sure does know him.
"I'm so flattered by that, but the TV only works one way...I can't see who's watching."