Actress Lea Michele has finally spoken out about the long-standing internet rumor that she cannot read.
During a Thursday appearance on the “Therapuss” podcast, the former “Glee” star expressed disbelief that the speculation persists “all these years later.”
To directly counter the claims, Michele grabbed flashcards from host Jake Shane and read them aloud. “Give me [those],” the 38-year-old declared. “I’m reading them.” She jokingly referenced her “Spring Awakening” co-star Jonathan Groff, saying, “Jonathan [Groff] isn’t here to read me this s–t.”
Michele read a scenario from the card about a debate competition, but anticipated that some would still theorize she had memorized the cards beforehand.
She asserted that she also has a “photographic memory,” which she used to learn her lines as Rachel Berry on “Glee.”
“For everyone who thinks that I can’t f–king read, I was on the debate team. I would write speeches,” Michele stated. Shane interjected to affirm, “I know you can read!”
Regarding how the “wild” rumors affect her, Michele admitted it “depends on the day” but can sometimes be “sad and frustrating.”
She highlighted her family background, noting she was the first woman in her family to attend college, a significant achievement given her mother’s and her mother’s family’s background of poverty and limited education in the Bronx.
Michele finds it “crazy that people care enough … that they would make up something” and have “so little to do in their life in their day” than to doubt her literacy.
The rumor initially gained traction in 2017, and Michele revealed that “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy brought it to her attention.
Her “Spring Awakening” co-star Jonathan Groff addressed the speculation in an October 2
024 podcast interview, stating, “I have seen her read. Let it be known. We’re dispelling it.”
Michele herself playfully acknowledged the rumors in a February 2023 TikTok video when news of Barbra Streisand’s memoir broke, quipping, “265 days to learn to read.”
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
When she’s not writing, Olekanma enjoys immersing herself in a good book, exploring new cuisines, and discovering new cultures.