WASHINGTON • No, this is not a prank for prime-time TV.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld does not know who Kesha is, which explains his cold attitude towards her at an event in Washington, DC on Monday.

The 63-year-old was being interviewed on the red carpet at the National Night of Laughter and Song event hosted by the David Lynch Foundation when the pop singer walked by.

As captured on video by 94.7 Fresh FM radio host Tommy McFly, who was interviewing Seinfeld, Kesha, 30, stopped and said: "I'm Kesha, I love you so much! Can I give you a hug?"

Seinfeld swiftly said: "No, thanks."

"Please," the singer persisted.

"No, thanks," he reiterated.

"A little one?"

"Yeah, no thanks."

According to Billboard magazine, Kesha was still not put off, but Seinfeld managed to elude her attempt as she edged closer to him.

After she walked away and he was told that she is a pop star, Seinfeld tried to repair the damage.

He told McFly: "I don't know who she was. Okay, well I wish her the best."