Lea Michele Responds to Internet Conspiracy She Can't Read or Write: 'It's Sad'

The conspiracy theory started spreading on social media years ago, with some users perpetuating the idea that Michele's childhood fame was preventing her from learning to read and write. Jaye Hunt and Robert Ackerman of the "One More Thing" podcast helped fan the flames. "The genius I would say to the theory is that there's so much evidence that helps us as opposed to hinders us," Ackerman said in a 2018 interview with Jezebel, though he even admitted that he didn't really believe the rumor. .

Initially, Michele seemed to find humor in the theory, even tweeting: "I loved READING this tweet and wanted to WRITE you back? Literally laughing out loud at all of this? Love you!! !? ❤️," in March 2018, according to People. But as Michele explained to The Times, she is now afraid to make matters worse, fearing that any other response will only prolong the internet's stings.

Michele has already been accused of bullying and racism by her”