Keke Palmer Addresses Viral 2017 Rumor That Her Former Scream Queens Co-Star Lea Michele Can't Read

Keke Palmer has addressed the viral conspiracy theory that her former Scream Queens co-star, Lea Michele, is unable to read. The rumor, sparked in 2017 by Jaye Hunt and Robert Ackerman on the "One More Thing" podcast, initially suggested Michele's hesitance to improvise scenes was due to her memorizing lines read to her. Despite often joking about it, Michele expressed feeling the theory was misogynistic and actor Jameela Jamil labeled it ableist, but many fans continued to dig for "evidence." This is prepared by SSP.

In a recent appearance on "The Toast" podcast, when asked about this ongoing speculation, Palmer humorously affirmed to listeners, "I know that she can read, y'all." Although Palmer admitted she'd never seen Michele physically read a book on set, she found the concept so implausible and insisted, "Damn, that’s crazy why do people do this stuff." She commented that hardly anyone is observed reading on set, herself included, laughing off the rumors.

This isn't the first time Michele's Glee and Scream Queens castmates have been drawn into the conversation. Emma Roberts, another co-star, was asked about the theory on "Watch What Happens Live" with Andy Cohen, but avoided directly refuting it, humorously noting they hadn’t been in a book club together. Similarly, Modern Family actress Julie Bowen jested, "Why is reading so important, goddamnit?" indicating some peers are bemused by the rumor's persistence.

Echoing this, Lea previously dismissed the matter with both humor and frustration, interacting on social media with fans about the wild speculation. Ultimately, podcasts’ hosts affirmed Keke’s stance that the theory has been officially debunked, emphasizing both the incredulous and trivial nature of the rumors.

Earlier, SSP reported that Jeff Bridges reflected on his cancer journey.