In a candid appearance on Jake Shane’s Therapuss podcast, actress and singer Lea Michele tackled the long-standing internet joke that she cannot read. This rumor, which has circulated for nearly a decade, has transformed into a meme that many find amusing, yet Michele expressed her frustration over the misconception. “It’s so sad and so frustrating,” she remarked, shedding light on the impact of such unfounded claims on her personal and professional life.
Setting the record straight
Michele, known for her role in the hit series Glee, took the opportunity to clarify her reading and writing capabilities. “For everyone who thinks that I can’t fucking read, I was on the debate team,” she asserted, emphasizing her academic achievements. She recounted how she would write speeches, further demonstrating her literacy skills. Despite the persistent jokes, Michele has occasionally embraced the humor, as seen in her playful TikTok post earlier this year, where she expressed excitement about reading Barbra Streisand’s memoir.
The emotional toll of internet rumors
While Michele has had her fun with the jokes, she also conveyed the emotional weight they carry. “Sometimes I think it’s crazy that people care enough about me that they would make up something,” she reflected. However, she also expressed moments of frustration, particularly given her family’s background. Michele shared that her mother’s side of the family faced significant challenges, including poverty and limited education. Her parents moved to New Jersey to provide her with better educational opportunities, making the rumors all the more disheartening. “For someone to minimize that, it’s so sad and so frustrating,” she stated, highlighting the importance of education in her life.
Confronting the rumor head-on
During the podcast, Michele recounted the first time she heard the rumor, which coincided with a notable political event in 2015. She humorously recalled how the trending topic of her alleged illiteracy overshadowed significant news. To dispel the myth, Michele read notecards aloud during the podcast, showcasing her reading skills directly. “Oh my God, the theories,” she joked, anticipating the skepticism that would follow her demonstration. Her close friend and co-star Jonathan Groff also chimed in during a previous interview, humorously questioning the implications of the rumor on those who believed it.
In a final note, Michele affirmed her capabilities, stating, “I have photographic memory too. How do you think I memorized all those Rachel Berry speeches?” With her spirited defense, Michele aims to put the rumors to rest once and for all, reminding everyone that she is more than just a punchline.
