Lea Michele, the acclaimed actress and singer known for her roles in Glee and Broadway’s Funny Girl, has once again addressed the persistent and unfounded rumor that she cannot read. In a candid interview on the “Therapuss with Jake Shane” podcast, Michele directly confronted the conspiracy theory that has circulated online for years.
Origins of the Rumor
The baseless claim that Michele is illiterate began in 2017 when podcast hosts Jaye Hunt and Robert Ackerman of “One More Thing” speculated, based on an anecdote from Naya Rivera’s memoir Sorry Not Sorry, that Michele might not be able to read. They suggested that she had her lines read to her on set and memorized them, leading to the viral rumor. Despite its origins as a joke, the theory gained traction on social media, prompting widespread discussion and mockery.
Michele’s Response
During the podcast, Michele addressed the rumor head-on. She recalled how her former Glee co-creator, Ryan Murphy, had called her upon hearing the speculation, expressing disbelief. Michele responded by reading aloud from notecards provided by host Jake Shane, humorously stating, “Give me the notes. I’m reading that. Jonathan [Groff] is not here to read this for me.” She then proceeded to read multiple cards, playfully asking, “What does this word say?” Her actions served as a direct rebuttal to the unfounded claims.
Reflecting on the persistence of the rumor, Michele admitted that its impact varies. “Sometimes I think it’s crazy that people care enough about me that they would make up something,” she said. “That someone has so little to do in their life and their day that they would waste it on me is hilarious to me.” However, she also expressed frustration, particularly given her family’s background. “I’m one of the only women in my whole family to get accepted to college,” she shared, highlighting the challenges her family faced and the pride they took in her academic achievements.
Support from Friends and Colleagues
Michele’s longtime friend and fellow actor Jonathan Groff has also addressed the rumor. In a podcast appearance, when asked about the claim, Groff responded, “Do you really think she can’t? What the f— does that say about you?” His defense underscores the absurdity of the allegation and reaffirms Michele’s capabilities.
The rumor has not only been a source of personal frustration for Michele but has also drawn criticism from others in the entertainment industry. Actress Jameela Jamil labeled the speculation “ableist,” emphasizing the harm in perpetuating such unfounded theories. Michele herself has suggested that the rumor might be rooted in sexism, noting, “I think often if I were a man, a lot of this wouldn’t be the case.”
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A History of Addressing the Rumor
This isn’t the first time Michele has publicly addressed the illiteracy rumor. In 2022, she told The New York Times, “I went to Glee every single day; I knew my lines every single day. And then there’s a rumor online that I can’t read or write? It’s sad. It really is.” She also pointed out the irony of the situation, stating that if she were a man, such a rumor might not have persisted.
Michele has also used humor to combat the rumor. In 2022, she joined TikTok and posted a video joking about the conspiracy, playfully engaging with fans and further dispelling the myth. Her willingness to address the issue with humor and grace has earned her support from fans and colleagues alike.
Conclusion
Lea Michele’s recent appearance on the “Therapuss” podcast serves as a definitive statement against the baseless rumor regarding her literacy. Through humor, directness, and support from her peers, Michele has effectively debunked the myth and reaffirmed her capabilities. As she continues to thrive in her career, her response to this unfounded conspiracy underscores the importance of confronting misinformation and standing up for oneself.
