We Need To Talk About Jenna Ortega’s Awkward Interview With Jimmy Kimmel—Here's Why The Host Is Still Problematic

Jenna Ortega appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live weeks ago in November, but the interview resurfaced on social media after one user posted an awkward interaction between the Wednesday actress and host Jimmy Kimmel. The short clip, which was uploaded on TikTok, garnered over two million views in just 48 hours. The viral video shows the 20-year-old actress detailing her experience at a Disney prom.

When Kimmel asked if Ortega attended prom in the past, she said that Disney actually held their own event for actors. “And did you, like, did you go to the prom or any of that stuff? Or do you have to go with, like, your mom or something?” the host asks. “No,” she stammers a bit, “They had a prom, but then Disney also has, like, a separate prom for their kids.” Kimmel was left surprised by her answer. 

“Disney has a prom for young stars?” he asks. “Yeah,” Ortega nods. He continues, “Are they trying to get you guys to meet?”

Ortega says she believes that Disney was just trying to make the kids feel normal, but that the event turned out really awkward instead. “It’s just really awkward 'cause you don’t know these kids and their parents are there, and people are socializing and promoting themselves,” she explains. “It’s a really sweet thing on Disney’s part, but it is –” then, the actress gets interrupted by Kimmel for the millionth time. “I feel like there’s more to that story,” Kimmel confesses.

His next statement confused viewers and Ortega’s fans: “I feel like they’re trying to maybe have you guys create more Disney kids.”  

Ortega turns in her chair with pursed lips as Kimmel continues to elaborate on his bizarre statement. “Like, somehow – you know what I’m saying?” he says. Kimmel, who probably realized how strange his own question sounded, immediately changed the subject with his next inquiry: “Are you from here?”

Now, let’s talk about this. 

Jimmy Kimmel Was Definitely Out of Pocket

If you watch the clip – and the whole interview – you’ll notice that Kimmel condescendingly talks to Ortega like she’s a little girl, even though she’s an adult. He also seemed to keep interrupting her every time she would try to answer him. And, of course, we can’t ignore his weird question. The Disney prom was for teens – what did he mean by having children “create more Disney kids"? In a time where Balenciagagate has taken the world by storm, exposing the odd and seemingly pedophilic nature of the fashion and entertainment industry, Kimmel’s joke remains difficult to ignore. It’s evident in the comment section that viewers agree with this.

The most-liked comment by one user, @theohiostateclips, reads, “‘Create more Disney kids’ referencing a high school age prom jimmy wild for that.” 

“Jimmy def likes pizza,” added @sluhmpin. 

Others have begun referencing Jeffrey Epstein. “That was a very Epstein conversation,” wrote @smithjl2079.

On Jimmy Kimmel and His Problematic Past

Remember when Jimmy Kimmel wore blackface and issued an incredibly lame apology after he was called out for it? Now, granted, it was over 20 years ago, and Kimmel actually said in his statement that he believes he’s “evolved and matured." But based on his previous segments and this recent interview, Kimmel doesn’t appear to have changed at all. In fact, his strange question for Ortega is reminiscent of his Toddlers & Tiaras episode with Tom Hanks, where they referred to babies as “sexy.”

The “joke” was that Hanks was entering his little girl to compete in the “Miss Ultimate Sexy Baby Nevada.” Knowing what we’ve learned about Hollywood and Nickelodean's murky history with child abuse, this video should raise some red flags – but I digress. My point is, Kimmel has always been quite the character, and while he claims he’s changed, he’s made it pretty clear in his recent interview with Jenna Ortega that he’s still problematic and creepy, and he deserves to be called out for it. 

Don’t miss anything! Sign up for our weekly newsletter and get curated content weekly!