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20-Year-Old Jenna Ortega Is Seen Smoking In Public, And Her Mom Publicly Calls Her Out In A Series Of Awkward Instagram Posts
Jenna Marie Ortega, best known for her roles in “Stuck in the Middle”, “You” and as the titular character in “Wednesday,” was photographed smoking outside in Notting Hill, West London. The twenty-year-old actress’s mother, Natalie Ortega, a nurse, responded by making a number of Instagram posts calling out her daughter.
She posted a meme featuring Gollum from “The Lord of the Rings,” mocking the skin and voice conditions smokers often get, as well as some posts with studies about the dangers of inhaling tobacco. While perhaps she meant well, fan reaction was mixed, with some arguing that Jenna is an adult, while others sided with the mother.
RELATED:
20-year-old actress Jenna Ortega was challenged by her mother after she was photographed smoking
Image credits: jennaortega
Image credits: wstgoat7
Image credits: jennaortega
Image credits: jennaortega
Image credits: jennaortega
Image credits: Netflix
Image credits: jennaortega
Image credits: jennaortega
Image credits: jennaortega
Jenna Ortega has had a massive last few years, most notably playing the character Wednesday on Netflix’s “Adams Family” spinoff of the same name. Even if you haven’t watched it, you have probably encountered the iconic dance from a later episode of the show. She also starred in 2020’s Scream and the second season of the Netflix thriller You. As always with up-and-coming actresses, she has ended up under a serious amount of media scrutiny, so it wasn’t long before some paparazzi photographed her smoking while in London. While a twenty-year-old smoking normally doesn’t get a second look, her mother, Natalie Ortega, who is also a nurse, called out her daughter on Instagram and as always with famous people’s family drama, the internet took notice quickly.
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Natalie Ortega tried to educate her daughter through Instagram posts featuring memes and studies about the effects of smoking
Natalie Ortega made a series of posts, including a meme and some more information about the long-term effects of cigarette use. Nothing she posted was downright false, as the effects of smoking are pretty well documented. But there was fan backlash, as many wondered why she was policing grown adults’ choices and why she chose to do it so publically.
Image credits: natalieortega1
Image credits: natalieortega1
Image credits: natalieortega1
Image credits: natalieortega1
Image credits: natalieortega1
Image credits: natalieortega1
Smoking actual cigarettes used to be extremely commonplace, from airplanes to hospital lounges, but these days, at least in the US, it’s hit historic lows. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that only 11% of adults would describe themselves as regular smokers, which is 4% less than in 2016. In the 1950s, nearly half of US adults smoked regularly, so when you see a smoker on nearly every episode of Mad Men, it’s a pretty accurate representation of the times. Since then, people have become more aware of the dangers, and gradually, rates have dropped. Natalie Ortega is not wrong, cigarette use has all sorts of adverse health effects. Smokers are at a significantly higher risk of lung cancer and suffer from bad breath and yellowing teeth.
But, as many fans have indicated, Jenna Ortega is a grown woman. As much as we might hate to admit it, most of us have at least one habit that we know is ultimately pretty bad for our health. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that nearly 80% of Americans twelve and older have consumed alcohol in the last year. The negative effects of alcohol are not a mystery to anyone. Similarly, fast food is not considered good for you by any metric (unless one is literally starving,) but is still enjoyed by people all over the world. At the end of the day, consenting adults can and should make their own choices, but it never hurts to be informed.
Internet users were divided, some arguing that an adult can do what they please, while others thought a mom should look after her kids
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What do you think ?
Pink Princess 1 year ago
Obviously you shouldn't smoke but could she not just have texted it to her instead of posting it on instagram??? That just seems weird and passive aggressive to me.
Anya Beboop 1 year ago
Maybe it's why Jenna smokes, to deal with her mother. A lot of people I know that smoke started it because they had a chaotic/abusive home life, sadly. I finally pulled myself out of drinking but that took like 7 years. Anxiety, depression and adhd make it so easy to fall into something that seems to let us escape. But then it destroys us and our relationships from within. That said, she can make her own mistakes as an adult, and her mom needs to address it privately.
Load More Replies...
Royal Stray 1 year ago
Women Jenna's age don't think that. Smoking at that age is a bad habit usually picked up during stressful times, and is unlikely to be a continued problem. Jenna is a grown woman and shouldn't be bullied or babied by neither her mother or her fans.
Pink Princess 1 year ago
I’m younger than Jenna and I don’t think that. I would never smoke or vape or do drugs
Lara Verne 1 year ago
Obviously, smoking is bad for your health and I am not a fan of smoking, but that's Jenna's problem, not mine. I get that Jenna's mom isn't happy, but why she's posting it online for everyone to see instead of actually talking to her daughter.
Zedrapazia 1 year ago
Why's this even worth the attention? She's been 18, she's a legally adult woman and she's smoking, so what?
Paul Neff 1 year ago
Yeah... MOST of the time I smoked, I was an adult. Problem was, I started when I was 12. Even being a legal adult doesn't protect you from making mistakes you would spot and avoid once mature. I quit after 15 years, wishing I had never started.
Load More Replies...
Royal Stray 1 year ago
Maybe she should voice her concern to her daughter instead of trying to call her out and bully her to quit. Jenna is an adult and makes her own choices good or bad, and her mom should respect that and talk to her in private if she has a problem instead of trying to get Jenna's fans to harass her to quit
1 year ago
Truthfully, I don't think it's anyone's problem except Jenna's. Sure, smoking is bad for you, but she's an adult, and can make her own choices.
rob 1 year ago
Some people overreacting about others people's life choices but its all subjective. Smoking has been outlawed but no one bats an eye when someone drinks alcohol. And some people applaud obese people for their bravery to be themselves and call them beautiful and healthy. So point is its all subjective and none of your business as lormg as she doesn't do anything illegal.
Doodles1983 1 year ago
Me. I haven't dabbled! Ever. At 39. My mum, aunt, uncle all smoked. Hated it. So never touched a ciggie. I hate to break it to her mom but based on pics, she's been smoking a while, she's comfy with it. So the fact mom's reacting like this is one of two things. She really didn't know. Or it's a PR stunt.
Two_rolling_black_eyes 1 year ago
Bad mom. You don't publicly shame your children. Period. Posting your grievances against your child on Instagram is denigrating someone you claim to love to selfishly make yourself look good.
Valek Fermiga 1 year ago
I seriously can't belive an entire article has been written about this, there's a war going on, but more attention being brought to this?? Who gives a s*** if she smokes?? Geez, I mean if she was walking around with needles sticking out of her arm, fair enough, but it's just a cigarette....
Got Myself 4 Pandas 1 year ago
I've always hated smoking - never tried it, never will and I choose not to be around those who smoke - the smell makes me feel sick ever since my first pregnancy, I'd smell it and instantly throw up and I've never recovered. But, it's not my place to tell anyone they can't smoke if that's their choice as an adult. I will steer clear of smokers, becoming one will pretty much end any interaction I have with said person as I hate the smell that much, but if that person chooses to smoke that's still their choice, just as it's mine to stay away from it. I'll admit I don't understand the appeal given we know how damaging it is on top of the expense, the fact you end up stinking 24/7 (every smoker, there's no way to avoid that lingering smell) - I couldn't imagine anything worse!
Mrs.Pugh 1 year ago
And people were mad bc she was drinking under the American age limit—while in a European country, whose age limit is like 16. I say she was respecting the country’s laws. But back to the mother. Her mom is the only other person with the right to speak on this, but whether Jenna gives a f**k or not is up to Jenna. But everyone else who is a complete stranger to Jenna should just stop now. Don’t tell her what you think of this or what to do bc she doesn’t care.
Royal Stray 1 year ago
Don't forget that she was over 18 at that time as well. I swear people seem to think Jenna is 13 or something, and not an adult woman. She's not some little kid who needs to be told what to do, it's honestly embarrassing to see how some of her fans react
similarly 1 year ago (edited)
When I was a kid, still in elementary school, my Mom gathered my brothers and I around and had us all try a cigarette on the idea that it would scare us from ever trying it as adults. It was AWFUL. I remember hacking and coughing, and my mouth was on fire. Funny enough, I've been a smoker for 35 years, currently working on finally quitting for good. Actually, for me, it's not the physical addiction. I've quit bunches of times, sometimes for months, once for a few years, and the withdrawal for me isn't bad. But I suffer chronic depression and it's hard to care about my health when I'm suicidal most of the time. Still, wish me luck! I'm still trying! (edit: lol, I mean trying to quit cigarettes.) Advice for young people: don't do it. Seriously. Not even one. Ever. Just don't even start.
Be Gay Do Crime 4 months ago
Jeez leave Jenna alone. SHE IS AN ADULT. F**K OFF. this is worse than people pressuring her to reveal her sexuality 🙄
Dawnieangel76 1 year ago
Her mother is a NURSE. Who else could be more qualified to say something? Not to mention, its completely stupid in this day & age to do something that's been proven a million times over to be dangerous! And, reluctantly or not, Jenna is now a role model and what she does, fans will copy, because humans are intrinsically moronic.
Joshua David 1 year ago
The world is on fire and they're worrying about her spark. I'm over people. Honestly. Check your own life. This is why I hate social media and refuse to have it. Cost me a job once too. I'm also a former corporate executive HR employee and fired people over things. I hate it 100
Exotic Butters 1 year ago
Wait who is she? Don't want to read all of it's someone I don't even know about
Shankshaw Redeemer 1 year ago
As a current smoker, I'll say it's a nasty, unhealthy, and addictive. I would advise any young person to never smoke, but many times the more an older person implores, the more kids want to do whatever they want.
SirWriteALot 1 year ago
If she's just pickung up the habit, now is a good time to stop. Because she's probably just smoking when her mom is not around :-) Parents are supposed to do that.
The Original Bruno 1 year ago
This thread brought to you by Phillip-Morris. Actress busted smoking cigarettes! Now check out all the most glamorous images of her we could find!
Mrs.Pugh 1 year ago
Everyone is free to say anything. I’m sure they want what’s best forever but at the end of the day, it’s Jenna’s life. If she gives a f**k about what people think, yeah for y’all but if she doesn’t, then mind your own.
Load More Replies... 
Niki A 1 year ago
In VA she would not be allowed to smoke or vape, as you have to be 21 now..... so ...yeah...
Bina Wei 1 year ago
Good thing she smoked in a place that didn't have that rule then. Ditto for drinking.
Load More Replies... Royal Stray 1 year ago
Oh no she would have to wait a few months. Besides she wasn't there so what's the problem?
Pink Princess 1 year ago
Obviously you shouldn't smoke but could she not just have texted it to her instead of posting it on instagram??? That just seems weird and passive aggressive to me.
Anya Beboop 1 year ago
Maybe it's why Jenna smokes, to deal with her mother. A lot of people I know that smoke started it because they had a chaotic/abusive home life, sadly. I finally pulled myself out of drinking but that took like 7 years. Anxiety, depression and adhd make it so easy to fall into something that seems to let us escape. But then it destroys us and our relationships from within. That said, she can make her own mistakes as an adult, and her mom needs to address it privately.
Load More Replies... Royal Stray 1 year ago
Women Jenna's age don't think that. Smoking at that age is a bad habit usually picked up during stressful times, and is unlikely to be a continued problem. Jenna is a grown woman and shouldn't be bullied or babied by neither her mother or her fans.
Pink Princess 1 year ago
I’m younger than Jenna and I don’t think that. I would never smoke or vape or do drugs
Lara Verne 1 year ago
Obviously, smoking is bad for your health and I am not a fan of smoking, but that's Jenna's problem, not mine. I get that Jenna's mom isn't happy, but why she's posting it online for everyone to see instead of actually talking to her daughter.
Zedrapazia 1 year ago
Why's this even worth the attention? She's been 18, she's a legally adult woman and she's smoking, so what?
Paul Neff 1 year ago
Yeah... MOST of the time I smoked, I was an adult. Problem was, I started when I was 12. Even being a legal adult doesn't protect you from making mistakes you would spot and avoid once mature. I quit after 15 years, wishing I had never started.
Load More Replies... Royal Stray 1 year ago
Maybe she should voice her concern to her daughter instead of trying to call her out and bully her to quit. Jenna is an adult and makes her own choices good or bad, and her mom should respect that and talk to her in private if she has a problem instead of trying to get Jenna's fans to harass her to quit
1 year ago
Truthfully, I don't think it's anyone's problem except Jenna's. Sure, smoking is bad for you, but she's an adult, and can make her own choices.
rob 1 year ago
Some people overreacting about others people's life choices but its all subjective. Smoking has been outlawed but no one bats an eye when someone drinks alcohol. And some people applaud obese people for their bravery to be themselves and call them beautiful and healthy. So point is its all subjective and none of your business as lormg as she doesn't do anything illegal.
Doodles1983 1 year ago
Me. I haven't dabbled! Ever. At 39. My mum, aunt, uncle all smoked. Hated it. So never touched a ciggie. I hate to break it to her mom but based on pics, she's been smoking a while, she's comfy with it. So the fact mom's reacting like this is one of two things. She really didn't know. Or it's a PR stunt.
Two_rolling_black_eyes 1 year ago
Bad mom. You don't publicly shame your children. Period. Posting your grievances against your child on Instagram is denigrating someone you claim to love to selfishly make yourself look good.
Valek Fermiga 1 year ago
I seriously can't belive an entire article has been written about this, there's a war going on, but more attention being brought to this?? Who gives a s*** if she smokes?? Geez, I mean if she was walking around with needles sticking out of her arm, fair enough, but it's just a cigarette....
Got Myself 4 Pandas 1 year ago
I've always hated smoking - never tried it, never will and I choose not to be around those who smoke - the smell makes me feel sick ever since my first pregnancy, I'd smell it and instantly throw up and I've never recovered. But, it's not my place to tell anyone they can't smoke if that's their choice as an adult. I will steer clear of smokers, becoming one will pretty much end any interaction I have with said person as I hate the smell that much, but if that person chooses to smoke that's still their choice, just as it's mine to stay away from it. I'll admit I don't understand the appeal given we know how damaging it is on top of the expense, the fact you end up stinking 24/7 (every smoker, there's no way to avoid that lingering smell) - I couldn't imagine anything worse!
Mrs.Pugh 1 year ago
And people were mad bc she was drinking under the American age limit—while in a European country, whose age limit is like 16. I say she was respecting the country’s laws. But back to the mother. Her mom is the only other person with the right to speak on this, but whether Jenna gives a f**k or not is up to Jenna. But everyone else who is a complete stranger to Jenna should just stop now. Don’t tell her what you think of this or what to do bc she doesn’t care.
Royal Stray 1 year ago
Don't forget that she was over 18 at that time as well. I swear people seem to think Jenna is 13 or something, and not an adult woman. She's not some little kid who needs to be told what to do, it's honestly embarrassing to see how some of her fans react
similarly 1 year ago (edited)
When I was a kid, still in elementary school, my Mom gathered my brothers and I around and had us all try a cigarette on the idea that it would scare us from ever trying it as adults. It was AWFUL. I remember hacking and coughing, and my mouth was on fire. Funny enough, I've been a smoker for 35 years, currently working on finally quitting for good. Actually, for me, it's not the physical addiction. I've quit bunches of times, sometimes for months, once for a few years, and the withdrawal for me isn't bad. But I suffer chronic depression and it's hard to care about my health when I'm suicidal most of the time. Still, wish me luck! I'm still trying! (edit: lol, I mean trying to quit cigarettes.) Advice for young people: don't do it. Seriously. Not even one. Ever. Just don't even start.
Be Gay Do Crime 4 months ago
Jeez leave Jenna alone. SHE IS AN ADULT. F**K OFF. this is worse than people pressuring her to reveal her sexuality 🙄
Dawnieangel76 1 year ago
Her mother is a NURSE. Who else could be more qualified to say something? Not to mention, its completely stupid in this day & age to do something that's been proven a million times over to be dangerous! And, reluctantly or not, Jenna is now a role model and what she does, fans will copy, because humans are intrinsically moronic.
Joshua David 1 year ago
The world is on fire and they're worrying about her spark. I'm over people. Honestly. Check your own life. This is why I hate social media and refuse to have it. Cost me a job once too. I'm also a former corporate executive HR employee and fired people over things. I hate it 100
Exotic Butters 1 year ago
Wait who is she? Don't want to read all of it's someone I don't even know about
Shankshaw Redeemer 1 year ago
As a current smoker, I'll say it's a nasty, unhealthy, and addictive. I would advise any young person to never smoke, but many times the more an older person implores, the more kids want to do whatever they want.
SirWriteALot 1 year ago
If she's just pickung up the habit, now is a good time to stop. Because she's probably just smoking when her mom is not around :-) Parents are supposed to do that.
The Original Bruno 1 year ago
This thread brought to you by Phillip-Morris. Actress busted smoking cigarettes! Now check out all the most glamorous images of her we could find!
Mrs.Pugh 1 year ago
Everyone is free to say anything. I’m sure they want what’s best forever but at the end of the day, it’s Jenna’s life. If she gives a f**k about what people think, yeah for y’all but if she doesn’t, then mind your own.
Load More Replies... Niki A 1 year ago
In VA she would not be allowed to smoke or vape, as you have to be 21 now..... so ...yeah...
Bina Wei 1 year ago
Good thing she smoked in a place that didn't have that rule then. Ditto for drinking.
Load More Replies... Royal Stray 1 year ago
Oh no she would have to wait a few months. Besides she wasn't there so what's the problem?
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