"Glee" star Lea Michele speaks out against the online backlash she has been receiving for "bullying" allegations and addresses internet rumors that she is "illiterate".

In July, news broke out that Lea Michele is set to replace Beanie Feldstein in Isobel Lennart's "Funny Girl" in the leading role of Fanny Brice.

The "Glee" star has been facing online backlash ever since one of her former co-stars, Samantha Marie Ware, accused the actress of "creating a bad work environment" on the set of "Glee". Following this reveal, brands like HelloFresh US publicly ended their partnership with the star. Michele has apologized regarding the issue.

However, online rumors have been circulating since 2018 that the singer-actress is illiterate. Netizens have been clowning the star regarding this theory, and resurfaces every now and then, as seen in a viral TikTok.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, the 36 year old actress finally addresses the rumors and slams any claims of her not being able to read, implying that her gender plays a big factor in the online backlash she has been receiving.

"I went to 'Glee' every single day; I knew my lines every single day," Michele ranted. "And then there's a rumor online that I can't read or write? It's sad. It really is. I think often if I were a man, a lot of this wouldn't be the case."

Michele went on to talk about how her main focus as of now is her upcoming role in "Funny Girl" as Fanny Brice, which has been one of her biggest dreams in her broadway career. "You might think that's the biggest piece of bull that I'm going to say to you all day, but I really don't care about that at this point. It's just about being able to play this part." Michele expressed.

Twitter Continues to Clown Michele

Despite the actress finally speaking out on the internet rumors, netizens on Twitter still continue to make fun of Michele amidst the 'illiteracy' conspiracy theories, picking fun at her recent statement.

Beanie Feldstein's run as Fanny Brice ended in July 31, while Michele will start in her new role on September 4 at the August Wilson theatre.

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Lea michele, Funny Girl, Broadway, Television, Movies, Entertainment news, Celebrity News, Celebrities, News, Music, Hollywood, Glee