Zach Braff Puts an End to Bizarre AI Chatbot Romance Rumors

Zach Braff is speaking out after rumors surfaced claiming he is dating an AI chatbot. The 50-year-old actor took to Instagram on March 12 to deny the speculation, sharing screenshots from the December 2025 episode of the podcast I Need You Guys where the rumor apparently began.

Braff wrote in his Stories, “I’m not dating a chatbot. I can’t believe I have to type these words. It is a storyline in an upcoming ep of Scrubs. Maybe it came from that? Not sure. But not me. Love, The guy not dating his chatbot. Please update all gossip sites.” He added later, “I feel like now is a good time to be kind to people.”

The rumors originated from a podcast discussion featuring hosts Max Silvestri, Jenny Slate, and Gabe Liedman, with guest Kumail Nanjiani. During the episode, the group vaguely mentioned “a prominent Hollywood actor dating a chatbot” and speculated about the actor bringing the AI along in public and communicating with it digitally. Silvestri described the actor as near A-list and noted he has appeared in both TV shows and films.

While the hosts debated how unusual the situation might be, Slate expressed caution, saying, “We can’t put this on our podcast. It’s not nice.” Braff responded to the podcast screenshots, noting he had no idea until recently that this was the source of the rumor. Silvestri later commented, “Have never mentioned this man’s name in my life. Aren’t there more important stories in the world right now?”

Braff’s Instagram clarification makes it clear he has no romantic involvement with a chatbot. The actor, known for his role on Scrubs, has previously been in a public relationship with Florence Pugh from 2019 to 2022.

It’s interesting to see how quickly a vague podcast comment can spark widespread rumors, even involving AI. Personally, I think it was smart of Braff to address it directly and with humor, keeping the focus on kindness rather than drama. What do you think about this unusual rumor and how celebrities handle wild speculation? Share your thoughts in the comments.