Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Jenna Ortega's Latest Appearance Sparks Hollywood Thinness Debate
Jenna Ortega is an actress famous for playing Wednesday in the Netflix show Wednesday.
She gave an interview for a magazine called Esquire about her career.
In the interview, she talked about growing up as a child actor.
She said that when she was a child, she was so focused on her work that she could go a whole day without asking for food or water.
After the interview video appeared, many people on social media said she looked much thinner than before.
Some people said they were worried about her health.
Other people said it is not fair to guess about someone's health just by looking at them.
Many people also said Hollywood cares too much about being very thin and that this sends a bad message to young people.
People compared this to what happened with the singer Ariana Grande.
Jenna Ortega has not said anything about the discussion, and no one has confirmed any health problem.
Jenna Ortega's appearance in Esquire's 'How I Got Here' interview sparked widespread concern across YouTube, X and Instagram.
Many viewers said Ortega appeared noticeably slimmer than in previous public appearances, with some comparing her to Ariana Grande.
Ortega recalled that as a child actor she could go entire days without asking for food or water to avoid worrying anyone.
No outlet has confirmed any health condition or weight loss, and Ortega has not publicly commented on the discussion.
Commenters criticized Hollywood's fixation on extreme thinness, drawing comparisons to Ariana Grande and Demi Moore at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
- Who
- Jenna Ortega, along with social media users and fans; comparisons were also drawn to Ariana Grande, Demi Moore and Charlize Theron.
- What
- A social media debate over Ortega's appearance in her Esquire interview, focused on whether she looked thinner and on Hollywood's obsession with thinness.
- When
- Recent; the interview was posted hours before the debate, and the articles also reference the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
- Where
- Social media platforms YouTube, X and Instagram; the interview appeared in Esquire as part of its 'Mavericks of Hollywood' September issue.
- Why
- Some viewers believed Ortega appeared noticeably slimmer and worried about her wellbeing, while others argued the scrutiny reflects harmful Hollywood beauty standards.
Critics of body scrutiny
Concerned viewers
Reading Ortega's appearance
Critics of body scrutiny
There is no way for viewers to know what is happening in a celebrity's personal life, so drawing conclusions about health from appearance is unfair and intrusive.
Concerned viewers
Fans asked why no one seemed alarmed by how thin she looked and said they were worried about her wellbeing.
Hollywood's thinness ideal
Critics of body scrutiny
Hollywood's recurring obsession with extremely thin body ideals should not be encouraged, with some calling the look a 'skin-and-bones' ideal.
Concerned viewers
Repeated cases involving Ariana Grande, Jenna Ortega and Demi Moore show a pattern of stars appearing extremely thin, making public concern understandable.
Pressure on young fans
Critics of body scrutiny
People should acknowledge Ortega's talent and 'let her breathe' instead of obsessing over her appearance, since society too often aligns worth with image and weight.
Concerned viewers
Hollywood is 'sick' and uses celebrities to make people feel they need to lose weight, which is worrying for young girls who look up to them.
- Person at center
- Jenna Ortega
- Known for
- Netflix series Wednesday
- Interview context
- Esquire 'How I Got Here' series, tied to the 'Mavericks of Hollywood' September issue
- Viewer observation
- Ortega appeared noticeably slimmer than in previous public appearances
- Interview admission
- As a child actor, she could go entire days without asking for food or water
- Public response
- No comment from Ortega or her representatives
- Health confirmation
- No statement confirming any health issue
- Comparison cases
- Ariana Grande, Demi Moore, Charlize Theron
Sources
Jenna Ortega's Esquire interview sparks concern among fans, following the same pattern as recent Ariana Grande scrutiny
Wednesday star Jenna Ortega’s latest appearance sparks concern; fans call her ‘Ariana Grande 2.0’
