Pop culture lovers, brace yourselves! Jenna Ortega, the breakout star of Netflix’s Wednesday, is baring her soul and tackling an issue many fans might not have seen coming. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Ortega opens up about the pressures and criticisms she faces regarding her Latinx heritage. The young actress reveals her feelings of inadequacy and the struggle to connect with her roots, all while navigating the complex landscape of Hollywood.
The Viral Clip That Sparked Controversy
It all started with a viral clip from a fashion show in Paris last September. In the clip, actor Anya Taylor-Joy, who grew up in Buenos Aires, introduces her husband in Spanish to Spanish pop star Rosalía and to Jenna Ortega, who is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. Ortega responded in English, which led to a barrage of criticism online, with some accusing her of being a “fake Latina.”
Ortega’s Response to the Backlash
Addressing the incident in her interview with Vanity Fair, Ortega admits she felt a “bit of shame” for not being as “in touch” with her heritage as she would like. “I think there’s a part of me that carries a bit of shame,” she confessed. “For a second, I was almost nervous to speak about my family’s background because I feel like I was made to feel like it wasn’t…”
Ortega continued, “But also, something that I’m learning is it’s not my job to carry the weight of everybody who’s ever had that experience.” Her honesty sheds light on the immense pressure that comes with being a public figure, especially one who is expected to represent an entire community.
The Struggle of Not Feeling ‘Good Enough’
The criticism Ortega faced highlights a broader issue: the feeling of not being “good enough” to represent one’s heritage. “Because I wasn’t born in a Spanish-speaking country, I know people have a hard time connecting with me,” she added. This sentiment is all too familiar for many second-generation Latinx individuals who might not speak Spanish fluently or feel disconnected from their cultural roots.
The Need for Better Latinx Representation in Hollywood
Ortega also touched on the underrepresentation of Latinx actors in Hollywood. She praised actors like Pedro Pascal and Aubrey Plaza while emphasizing the need for the Latinx community to “band together” to create more powerful onscreen portrayals. “It’s something that I feel like has not made it through studios’ heads,” she shared. “There needs to be a little more faith in what we bring to the table. Maybe that means all of us banding together a little bit more and creating these projects for ourselves.”
Her vision is clear: “I would love to be able to craft stories that show how powerful we can be.”
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Defending Her Character in Wednesday
Ortega also defended the portrayal of her character in Wednesday. While some critics argue that Wednesday’s Latina identity is “undercooked” due to the lack of Spanish in the series, Ortega appreciates the subtlety. “There’s nothing worse than when they have the side Mexican character who’s carrying the flag on their shoulder,” she stated. “We’re so much more than that.”
A Call for Authentic Representation
Jenna Ortega’s candid discussion is a powerful reminder of the complexities of identity and representation. Her words resonate with many who feel the weight of expectations and the struggle to find their place. By speaking out, Ortega not only addresses her personal challenges but also calls for a more nuanced and authentic representation of the Latinx community in Hollywood.
What’s Next for Jenna Ortega?
As Jenna Ortega continues to rise in Hollywood, her commitment to authenticity and representation remains unwavering. Fans can look forward to seeing her craft and star in stories that reflect the rich and diverse experiences of the Latinx community.
Stay tuned, because Jenna Ortega is just getting started. With her talent, passion, and determination, she’s set to make a lasting impact both on and off the screen.
FAQs
Why did Jenna Ortega face criticism last September?
Jenna Ortega faced criticism for not responding in Spanish during a viral clip where Anya Taylor-Joy introduced her husband in Spanish at a fashion show in Paris.
What did Jenna Ortega say about her heritage in the Vanity Fair interview?
Ortega expressed feeling a “bit of shame” for not being as connected to her heritage as she would like and acknowledged the pressure of representing her Latinx community.
How does Jenna Ortega feel about Latinx representation in Hollywood?
Ortega believes there needs to be more faith in Latinx actors and advocates for the community to band together to create more powerful onscreen portrayals.
What is Jenna Ortega’s perspective on her character in Wednesday?
Ortega appreciates that Wednesday’s Latina identity is not overly emphasized, arguing against stereotypical portrayals that reduce characters to their ethnicity.
What message does Jenna Ortega hope to convey with her work?
Ortega aims to craft stories that showcase the power and complexity of the Latinx community, moving beyond superficial representations.
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