Hollywood actor Jenna Ortega, best known for her breakout role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s hit series Wednesday, has made headlines after expressing her admiration for the Palestinian people — calling them her “heroes” in a recent interview.
Speaking with Gala magazine, Ortega was asked who she considers her biggest hero. Her response was heartfelt and unexpected. “My mom, of course,” she said first — before adding, “And the Palestinians, because they constantly speak up even when so many don’t want to listen.”
The 22-year-old actress praised the resilience and courage of Palestinians, saying their determination to keep their voices alive amid hardship deeply inspires her. “They constantly use their voice, no matter how loud the world tries to silence them,” she said.
Ortega’s remarks have quickly gone viral, sparking both widespread admiration and some controversy online. Supporters hailed her statement as brave, calling it a rare moment of solidarity from a major Hollywood figure, while critics accused her of stepping into a politically charged issue.
This isn’t the first time the Wednesday star has spoken up for global humanitarian causes. During the height of the Gaza conflict last year, Ortega publicly called for a ceasefire and urged empathy for civilian victims, particularly children. She’s also known for supporting refugee rights and mental health awareness.
Social media users have been flooding her posts with messages of support. One fan wrote, “Jenna Ortega’s compassion and courage are what we need more of in Hollywood.” Others noted that her words highlight a growing generation of young artists who aren’t afraid to use their fame to raise awareness about human rights.
As her statement continues to circulate, Ortega hasn’t released any further comment — but her words have clearly resonated, reminding fans that empathy and courage still have a place in the spotlight.
