‘Wednesday’ Star Jenna Ortega Sparks Debate After Uncomfortable Red Carpet Moment With Young Fan
Jenna Ortega has steadily become one of the most recognizable young stars working in Hollywood today. The 22-year-old actress has earned praise for her work in horror, comedy, and drama, and she continues to ride a major wave of success following her breakout role as Wednesday Addams in the Netflix hit series Wednesday.
From Disney Channel beginnings to red carpets across the globe, Ortega has been growing up in the spotlight, and with fame comes scrutiny.
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As fans eagerly anticipate the return of Wednesday season 2, Ortega and her castmates have been making appearances to promote the upcoming episodes. The show’s debut in late 2022 brought in staggering viewership numbers, instantly placing Ortega in a new tier of stardom. And now, with a fresh batch of episodes finally arriving after nearly three years of waiting, the buzz around the series has reached a fever pitch.
But during a recent red carpet event tied to the show’s London premiere, Ortega found herself trending for reasons that had little to do with her performance on screen. A brief fan interaction, caught on camera, has stirred up conversation across social media, and not everyone is on the same page about what happened.
The cast of Wednesday, including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Emma Myers, Christina Ricci, and Luis Guzmán, joined Ortega at the premiere. The actress appeared at the event, signing autographs and waving to fans, many of whom were excited to see her in person.
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One fan, in particular, loudly shouted Ortega’s name to get her attention. A video of the moment was later posted online, showing Ortega turning to the crowd and appearing visibly frustrated as she seemed to tell fans to stop shouting at her.
The video quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), sparking a wave of reactions.
Oh she’s pissed off and rightfully so, screaming in her face like that is so unnecessary.
Oh she’s pissed off and rightfully so, screaming in her face like that is so unnecessary pic.twitter.com/uH47QzozHz
— Eloise ♤♡ (@cairoswife) July 30, 2025
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Not everyone, however, agreed with that sentiment. Some users expressed disappointment in the actress’s reaction, especially considering the age of the fan. The young girl’s voice is not seen in the clip, but many assumed she was just a kid trying to connect with her idol.
One user wrote, “imagine meeting your idol and this is the way they act towards you, I’d just kms 😪.”
Others agreed, saying Ortega did not handle the situation well, especially since the fan appeared to be a kid.
Damn… Jenna let the fame get to her head I’m not rocking with this, be respectful to your fans.
It’s a little kid WTF, damn she’s unlikeable.
Her fans are mostly made up of young girls ages like 12 to 18. They’re gonna be a little socially inept and very excited to see you… which may make them scream…
This is sad. It’s not that serious nor she is in any danger. She is ‘on the clock’ as a celebrity doing press and should learn how to manage the frustration more professionally and not ruin the excitement and once in a lifetime moment for their fans.
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While some viewers took issue with Ortega’s behavior, others quickly came to her defense, citing the challenges that come with constant public attention. Supporters highlighted Ortega’s past statements about struggling with anxiety and the pressures of celebrity.
“She has been open about having anxiety, YOU DON’T F***ING YELL AT SOMEONE WITH ANXIETY! It’s common sense”
She stood her ground without being disrespectful, handled it better than most would.
People forget that staying calm often speaks louder than shouting ever could.
While the viral video has taken the spotlight, it’s worth noting that the entire cast of Wednesday has been hard at work promoting the highly anticipated second season. Part one of the new season is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on August 6, with the final four episodes releasing on September 13.
This upcoming season promises major changes to the storyline. For the first time, Wednesday willingly returns to Nevermore Academy. Her family, including Morticia, Gomez, and even her younger brother Pugsly, will play a much bigger role. Interestingly, Pugsly will now attend Nevermore as a student himself, but struggles to control his powers and make friends. Fans can also expect to see Grandmama Addams, whose arrival is sure to shake things up.
Do you think the criticism directed at Jenna Ortega was fair, or did things get blown out of proportion? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and let us know what you’re most excited to see in the upcoming season of Wednesday!
