Jenna Ortega shares a shocking secret about Wednesday's viral dance scene

London, UK - Jenna Ortega, the star of Netflix's Wednesday, is spilling the tea on the hit show's most viral scene, and social media has some strong opinions about it.

Jenna Ortega revealed she was battling Covid-19 while filming Wednesday's viral dance scene.
Jenna Ortega revealed she was battling Covid-19 while filming Wednesday's viral dance scene.  © collage: Michael Tran / AFP, IMAGO / Picturelux

The 20-year-old actor discussed the filming of the show's dance scene, which has gone viral on TikTok thanks to fan-made edits.

In an interview with NME, Ortega revealed that she actually choreographed the deadpan moves herself.

However, the shoot was particularly rough on the young actor, as she had come down with Covid-19 that morning.

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Ortega said that she felt as though she had "been hit by a car" and had to take medicine between takes, but the production team insisted on continuing the shoot while they awaited the results of her Covid test.

"I asked to redo it but we didn't have time," the You star said.

Wednesday's production company, MGM, told NME that all Covid-19 protocols were followed on set and that Ortega was removed from the set once the positive result came in.

The story has sparked a heated debate on social media as fans question the merit of the production team's response to Ortega's illness.

Social media responds to Jenna Ortega's Wednesday filming story

Tim Burton (r) directed Netflix's Wednesday starring Jenna Ortega.
Tim Burton (r) directed Netflix's Wednesday starring Jenna Ortega.  © Charley Gallay / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

When the interview began to circulate online amid the popularity of the scene, Wednesday fans expressed their concern about the filming procedures.

Many argued that Ortega should've been removed from the set once she reported her symptoms, rather than having her continue to shoot until the results came in.

One TikTok user described the situation as "irresponsible" and "dangerous" for knowingly exposing the other cast and crew members to Covid-19.

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Twitter users called out those who were praising Ortega for "persevering" through her symptoms, adding that it is "not impressive" but instead an example of "callous disregard for her coworkers."

While criticism of the team's continued filming is very much warranted, the blame shouldn't fall squarely on Ortega. The expectation held by the show's production team that she should be willing and able to continue working while awaiting the results is evidence of a much larger problem.

At 20 years old, the actor is just beginning her career and likely isn't too inclined to argue against the production team's requests to continue.

The clear issue here is the overwhelming negligence by the production company in prioritizing the continuation of filming over the health and safety of Ortega, and the rest of the cast and crew.

Employees across the country in all fields of work have been forced to come to work while battling symptoms of Covid-19 or other illnesses because their employers have refused to provide paid leave or have otherwise pressured employees against taking the time off.

This story shouldn't be reduced to yet another takedown of a promising young woman in Hollywood by social media users – it must be a call for change across industries.

Cover photo: collage: Michael Tran / AFP, IMAGO / Picturelux

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