Zach Braff is setting the record straight after a bizarre rumor about his dating life began circulating online.
The “Scrubs” star recently addressed speculation that he was romantically involved with an artificial intelligence chatbot. The rumor began after hosts of the “I Need You Guys” podcast discussed a blind item involving a “well-known actor” allegedly dating an AI chatbot.
Although the podcast hosts did not name the person involved, online speculation quickly pointed toward Braff. The actor responded directly to the rumors on social media, denying the claim and explaining where the misunderstanding may have originated.
Zach Braff Denies AI Chatbot Dating Rumor
Braff addressed the rumor through a series of posts on his Instagram Stories.
“I’m not dating a chatbot. I can’t believe I have to type these words,” Braff wrote. “It is a storyline in an upcoming episode of Scrubs. Maybe it came from that? Not sure. But not me. Love, the guy not dating his chatbot. Please update all gossip sites.”
The rumor appears to have stemmed from a conversation on the “I Need You Guys” podcast, where hosts Jenny Slate, Max Silvestri, and Gabe Liedman discussed a blind item during an episode featuring actor Kumail Nanjiani.
While discussing the story, Silvestri introduced the gossip but declined to reveal the actor’s identity.
“I’m not going to put a name to it,” Silvestri said before continuing with the claim.
“There is a well-known actor who is currently in a romantic relationship with his AI chatbot,” he said. “Yeah, and brings the chatbot with him places.”
The unusual claim sparked curiosity among listeners. When Nanjiani pressed for more details about the actor, Silvestri offered only a vague description.
“As near A-list as TV can get you,” he said.
A clip from the conversation quickly spread across TikTok, prompting fans to speculate about the identity of the unnamed actor.
The ‘Scrubs’ Star Responds to Podcast Clip
Braff later shared screenshots referencing the podcast hosts in response to the speculation.
In one Instagram Story, he posted an image referencing Slate while writing, “Also, I had no idea until tonight (because I’m not on TikTok) that these folks were the origin of this?”
In another post, Braff included a screenshot referencing Nanjiani and added a message encouraging kindness.
“I feel like now is a good time to be kind to people,” Braff wrote.
The actor also suggested the rumor may have been connected to a storyline in an upcoming episode of “Scrubs,” which recently returned with new episodes.
Zach Braff Opens Up About What He Looks for in a Partner
Braff has previously spoken about what he values in a relationship.
In an interview with People, the actor explained that humor plays an important role in his personal connections.
“I mean obviously there’s the initial ‘Am I attracted to this person?’” Braff said. “But then I’m so aware that for me now it’s being funny and laughing with the person.”
He added that shared humor is one of the most important qualities he looks for in a partner.
“To me that’s the sexiest thing,” Braff said. “Beyond the initial ‘Oh you’re cute,’ is ‘Do we laugh?’”
Over the years, Braff has been linked to several high-profile relationships. He previously dated actress and singer Mandy Moore from 2004 to 2006. He was later connected to actress Shiri Appleby and model Taylor Bagley.
More recently, Braff dated actress Florence Pugh from 2019 to 2022.
While rumors about his personal life continue to circulate online, Braff made his stance on the latest speculation clear.
“I’m not dating a chatbot,” he wrote.
