Wednesday star Jenna Ortega: A consistent voice for Gaza
Jenna Ortega, the star of the Netflix series Wednesday, has long used her public platform to advocate for Palestine, particularly as the 'Israeli' assault in Gaza intensifies.
History of Advocacy
Ortega has a well-documented record of humanitarian activism. In December 2022, shortly after Wednesday became a global hit, she tweeted in support of people affected by conflicts in Ukraine, Yemen, and Palestine.
She has also promoted the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and other humanitarian organizations, highlighting her ongoing commitment to advocacy for vulnerable communities.
Her activism continued into the current war. In a November 2023 Instagram post, Ortega wrote: “Masses debating over a cease-fire while thousands upon thousands of children continue being slaughtered. Where is the humanity?” She was also a signatory on the Artists4Ceasefire open letter, which was endorsed by hundreds of artists calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Recent Actions and Controversies
Ortega’s more recent moves have been direct, placing her at the center of several controversies.
Scream 7 Exit: In April 2025, Ortega clarified that her departure from the Scream 7 film project was connected to the firing of her co-star Melissa Barrera, who had been dropped from the franchise following pro-Palestinian social media posts.
While Ortega did not explicitly reference Palestine in her statements, the timing of her exit was widely interpreted as an act of solidarity.
The “Genocide” Claim: In an October 2023 Instagram story, Ortega shared a post from the group Jewish Voice for Peace containing the phrase “stop the genocide against Palestinians.” The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has described Jewish Voice for Peace as a group that employs “inflammatory ideas” and “anti-Semitic language.” Following the post, some media outlets accused Ortega of promoting antisemitism.
A Consistent Voice
Ortega’s advocacy highlights a consistent pattern of using her platform to speak out on the 'Israeli' assault on Palestine, even when it invites backlash.
