Jenna Ortega addresses criticism she received for her comments about changing lines on "Wednesday," acknowledging she "could have used her words better" and sharing the valuable lesson she learned about living in the public eye.
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Jenna Ortega, the star of the hit Netflix series "Wednesday," expressed regret over comments she made about changing lines in the show's scripts, which drew criticism online.
Ortega admitted that she "could have used [her] words better" when describing her involvement in the development of her character. She explained that she felt frustrated with some of the scripts and would make changes without consulting the writers' room.
Jenna Ortega Responds to Backlash Over "Wednesday" Comments, Embraces Public Criticism
The actress acknowledged that her comments were made on the verge of the 2023 writers' strike, which likely influenced the negative reactions she received. Critics accused her of being "entitled" and demanding too much creative control.
Ortega defended her actions by saying that she felt the original scripts lacked clarity and that she was trying to improve the character's dialogue. However, she also took responsibility for her choice of words, recognizing that she could have expressed herself differently.
Jenna Ortega Responds to Backlash Over "Wednesday" Comments, Embraces Public Criticism
Recalling the experience, Ortega described it as "dystopian" and said that her words were "magnified" and dissected excessively. She admitted that the backlash was hard for her to endure, as she is naturally a "people pleaser."
Through the experience, Ortega learned a valuable lesson about living in the public eye: that it's impossible to please everyone. She said, "Some people just may not like you… and that’s entirely fine."
Jenna Ortega Responds to Backlash Over "Wednesday" Comments, Embraces Public Criticism
Ortega also acknowledged that the backlash may have been amplified by her increased visibility in 2023, saying, "I got sick of myself last year." She joked that she would have reacted similarly if she saw herself constantly on social media.
Despite the criticism, Ortega's portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the show earned her an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award nomination. She is set to return as the titular character in the second season, which she revealed will have a more horror-inspired feel.
Ortega shared details about the upcoming season, saying, "Wednesday just kind of appears. She is a little bit of a jump scare herself." She emphasized that the show remains age-appropriate for young viewers despite its enhanced horror elements.
The second season of "Wednesday" is expected to premiere on Netflix in 2025. Ortega will return not only as an actress but also as a producer for the upcoming season.
Ortega's journey as Wednesday Addams has been marked by both acclaim and controversy. However, through it all, she has shown resilience and a commitment to her craft, while also embracing the complexities of being a public figure.
