Jenna Ortega becomes latest celebrity to prompt health concerns with gaunt appearance

Jenna Ortega’s appearance in a new Esquire interview has prompted online questions about her health, with some viewers comparing the discussion surrounding her to scrutiny faced by Ariana Grande.

The reaction followed Esquire’s “How I Got Here” interview with Ortega, titled “Jenna Ortega Thought ‘Wednesday’ Would End Her Career”, which was published on YouTube.

Viewers commented on her appearance, with similar reactions later spreading across X.

Ortega has not publicly stated that she has an eating disorder or another illness.

The 23-year-old actress used the interview to discuss her career following her breakthrough as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday, including the pressure surrounding her rapid rise.

Her recent work includes the Scream franchise and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, while upcoming projects include Klara and the Sun and The Great Beyond.

Online discussion has nevertheless focused heavily on Ortega’s appearance. Some commenters expressed concern and wished her well, while others described her appearance as “deeply concerning”.

The reaction has also prompted comparisons with Grande, whose appearance has faced sustained public scrutiny. 

For now, claims about Ortega’s weight, eating disorder or underlying illness remain unverified.