The Wednesday Star’s Denial Shocks Fans Who Believed the Buzz

Los Angeles, CA – May 2025 – In the whirlwind of Hollywood gossip, few rumors have sparked as much intrigue and disbelief as the alleged romance between Jenna Ortega, the 22-year-old star of Wednesday, and Johnny Depp, the 61-year-old icon known for Pirates of the Caribbean. For nearly two years, whispers of a relationship between the two actors have circulated, fueled by social media speculation and celebrity gossip accounts. But in a recent interview on the Complex podcast with The Weeknd, Ortega firmly denied the rumors, leaving fans stunned—not because she confirmed the romance, but because the rumor had gained so much traction that many believed it to be true. Her candid dismissal of the claims, paired with Depp’s own refutations, has reignited discussions about the power of misinformation in the digital age and its impact on celebrities’ lives.

The Rumor That Refused to Die

The rumors of a romantic link between Jenna Ortega and Johnny Depp first surfaced in August 2023, when the celebrity gossip account Deuxmoi posted an anonymous tip claiming the two had been spotted on a date. The speculation gained momentum due to their shared connection to director Tim Burton—Ortega stars in Burton’s Wednesday series and the recent Beetlejuice Beetlejuice sequel, while Depp has a long history of collaborating with Burton on films like Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd. Some fans speculated that Depp might have been involved in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, further fueling the rumor that the two actors had crossed paths.

Social media platforms like X erupted with reactions, with some users creating fan art imagining Ortega and Depp as a couple, and others debating the plausibility of a romance given their 40-year age gap. One viral piece of fan art even depicted Ortega joining Depp in a hypothetical Pirates of the Caribbean 6, a testament to how far the rumor had spread. Articles began circulating, some falsely attributing quotes to Ortega, claiming she had said, “I wanted everybody to leave us alone,” as if confirming a relationship. The rumor became so pervasive that it reached the sets of Ortega’s projects, with her Beetlejuice Beetlejuice co-star Richard E. Grant asking her, “Oh, so you and Johnny?”—a moment Ortega later recounted with a laugh, saying, “I don’t know that person.”

Depp’s representatives were quick to respond, issuing a statement in 2023 that firmly denied any connection. “Mr. Depp has no personal or professional relationship with Ms. Ortega whatsoever,” the statement read. “He has never met her or spoken to her. He is not involved in any project with her, nor does he intend to be. He is appalled by these baseless and malicious rumors that are intended to harm his reputation and career.” Despite this, the rumor persisted, resurfacing periodically and gaining new life with each mention.

Ortega’s Breaking Point

By May 2025, the rumor had become a recurring annoyance for Ortega, who has been busy promoting her latest projects, including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and the upcoming second season of Wednesday. During a promotional video for her new film Hurry Up Home, Ortega sat down with The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) for Complex’s “GOAT Talk” segment, where they discussed the highs and lows of fame. When asked about the worst rumor she’d heard about herself, Ortega didn’t hesitate. “Well, I’ve already said the Johnny Depp thing, where we were in a relationship, allegedly,” she replied, her tone a mix of exasperation and amusement. She explained how widespread the rumor had become, noting that even colleagues on set would ask her how things were going between her and Depp. “It’s so insane to me,” she added. “I never spoke on that. I never said anything like that.”

Ortega’s comments echoed her earlier denials. In a 2024 BuzzFeed interview, she called the rumor “pretty hilarious,” recalling how she laughed off Grant’s question because she had never met Depp. She also addressed the rumor on Instagram in 2023, writing, “This is so ridiculous I can’t even laugh. I have never met or worked with Johnny Depp in my life. Please stop spreading lies and leave us alone.” Her consistent rejection of the rumor highlights her frustration with the media’s tendency to fabricate stories, a sentiment she reiterated on Complex: “Articles really do just make up their own quotes.”

Fans’ Shock and Disappointment

While Ortega’s denial was clear, the reaction from fans was a mix of shock, disbelief, and even disappointment. On X, where the rumor had gained significant traction, users expressed their surprise that the story had been entirely unfounded. “I really thought Jenna and Johnny were a thing,” one user wrote. “The internet had me convinced!” Another user commented, “Johnny Depp is old enough to be her dad—how did anyone believe this?” The 40-year age gap had been a point of contention for many, with some fans on the Complex video’s comment thread noting, “Johnny Depp is old enough to be both their dad,” referring to Ortega and The Weeknd.

Others were disappointed not because they believed the rumor, but because they had hoped for a collaboration between the two stars. “I was rooting for them to work together on a Burton project,” a fan posted on X. “The chemistry would’ve been insane!” The rumor’s persistence had led some to believe that a professional partnership, if not a romantic one, might have been in the works, especially given their shared history with Tim Burton. However, Depp’s team confirmed he was not involved in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and Ortega’s comments made it clear that no such collaboration had ever been on the table.

The fan reaction underscores the power of social media to amplify misinformation. The Deuxmoi post, though unverified, had sparked a wildfire of speculation, with articles and fan theories building on the initial claim. The rumor’s longevity—resurfacing over two years—shows how easily false narratives can take hold, especially when they involve high-profile figures like Ortega and Depp, both of whom have massive followings.

The Toll of Misinformation

For Ortega, the rumor has been more than just a nuisance—it’s a reminder of the challenges young stars face in the digital age. At 22, she’s navigated a meteoric rise to fame, starring in major projects like Scream, Wednesday, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, all while dealing with the scrutiny that comes with being in the spotlight. In past interviews, she’s spoken about the darker side of fame, including receiving “dirty edited content” of herself as a child and the pressure to maintain her privacy. The Depp rumor, while humorous to her at times, also reflects the media’s tendency to exploit her personal life for clicks and views.

Depp, too, has faced significant challenges with public perception. The actor, who has been a Hollywood mainstay for decades, has endured intense scrutiny, particularly during his 2022 defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard. The dating rumor with Ortega, though baseless, added another layer of unwanted attention to his already complicated public image. His team’s strong denial—“appalled by these baseless and malicious rumors”—suggests the potential harm such stories can cause, especially for someone whose career has been marred by controversy.

The incident also raises broader questions about the ethics of celebrity gossip. Deuxmoi, the account that sparked the rumor, is known for posting unverified tips, often leading to widespread speculation without accountability. While the platform has a large following, its lack of fact-checking has real consequences for the individuals involved. Ortega’s frustration with fabricated quotes—“Articles really do just make up their own quotes”—highlights the need for more responsible reporting, even in the realm of entertainment news.

A Call for Respect

Ortega’s latest denial on Complex, paired with her earlier statements, serves as a powerful reminder to fans and media alike: celebrities deserve privacy and respect, even in the face of tantalizing rumors. Her humorous dismissal of the Depp rumor—“I don’t know that person”—is a subtle rebuke of the speculation, but it also carries a deeper message about the importance of truth in storytelling. By addressing the rumor head-on, Ortega has taken control of the narrative, refusing to let misinformation define her.

For fans, the shock of learning the rumor was false has sparked a mix of reflection and admiration. Many have praised Ortega for her poise and humor in handling the situation, with one X user writing, “Jenna’s ability to laugh this off while setting the record straight is why I stan her.” Others have called for more accountability from gossip outlets, urging followers to question unverified claims before spreading them.

As for Depp, his silence on the matter—beyond his team’s statement—aligns with his preference for privacy, a trait he’s maintained despite his larger-than-life persona. The actor, who has been focusing on smaller projects and his art in recent years, seems content to let the rumor fade into obscurity, confident in the knowledge that those who matter know the truth.

Moving Forward

With the rumor finally put to rest, both Ortega and Depp can focus on their respective careers. Ortega’s star continues to rise, with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice earning critical acclaim and Wednesday Season 2 on the horizon. Her recent appearance in Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” music video has also kept her in the spotlight, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Depp, meanwhile, has been quietly rebuilding his career post-trial, focusing on projects that align with his artistic passions, including directing and painting.

The saga of the Ortega-Depp dating rumor serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked gossip in the digital age. For fans, it’s a reminder to approach sensational headlines with skepticism, especially when they involve personal matters. For Ortega and Depp, it’s another chapter in the ongoing challenge of navigating fame in a world where truth can be overshadowed by a single, unverified post.

In the end, Ortega’s firm denial has not only shocked fans but also empowered her to reclaim her narrative. As she continues to carve her path in Hollywood, one thing is clear: Jenna Ortega is far from a “nobody”—and she’s not afraid to set the record straight, even if it means shattering a rumor that captivated the world.