Dear Jenna Ortega: Not Speaking Spanish Doesn’t Make You ‘Less Latina’

Jenna Ortega is still being asked about her Latinidad—why can’t everyone let her language preferences go and let her enjoy her success?

Jenna Ortega is booked and busy promoting her upcoming film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The Puerto Rican-Mexican-American actress’ role as Astrid Deetz is part of why this film is one of the most anticipated titles of the year. Not only that, but after more than three decades, Beetlejuice lovers are finally getting a sequel—so why are we still talking about one of the actress’s lack of Spanish fluency?

In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Ortega opens up about not feeling Latina enough because she doesn’t speak the language. For those who don’t know, this social media conversation peaked last year when Argentinean-American actress Anya Taylor-Joy introduced her husband to Ortega and Spanish artist Rosalía—in Spanish. Many social media users pointed out that Ortega responded in English and criticized her.

When asked about the situation, she told the media outlet, “Because I wasn’t born in a Spanish-speaking country, I know people have a hard time connecting with me.” She also mentioned that a part of her feels “ashamed” for not knowing the language and that she’s “jealous” of her mother, who knows perfect Spanish.

During the conversation, she also shares how she wishes to get to know her aunts, who were told not to speak the language. “But also, something that I’m learning is… it’s not my job to carry the weight of everybody who’s ever had that experience,” she tells Vanity Fair.

Spanish-speaking or not, why are we still questioning her Latina “credentials” based on the language she knows?

Point blank: Many Latinos don’t know the language. While they may have the tools to learn it, it’s not always their priority—especially when it comes to validating their Latin roots to social media users ¡Ya me viera!

For example, Ortega has a lot on her plate. She may not know Spanish, but she’s still representing Latinas on screen, giving hope for the next Latina it-girl.

So, what’s the big deal?

Instead of nitpicking our Latina queens, people should recognize the impact of actresses like Ortega in the entertainment industry. Take Mexican actress Melissa Barrera (Scream) and Brazilian-Canadian Mia Goth (MaXXXine) as prime examples in the horror genre. Latinas are out there and thriving.

My hope is that Beetlejuice Beetlejuice continues to open doors for Ortega—and that during her next press round, she doesn’t have to answer questions about her language skills but rather focus on expanding her trajectory and inviting the next generation of Latinas to join her empire.