With Scrubs returning to television nearly a decade after it originally concluded with its ninth season, Zach Braff, the star of the series, is also back in the spotlight, but for reasons unrelated to the show. In a recent development, rumors have been circulating about Braff being in a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot. The rumors became widespread, prompting the actor to address them himself.

Zach Braff on how AI chatbot dating rumors started

Since the 10th season of Scrubs premiered, which also served as a revival of the series, Zach Braff has been in the conversation, but for an odd reason.

Over the past couple of weeks, rumors have suggested that Braff was in a relationship with an AI chatbot. As the rumors spread across various social media platforms, a large section of the fan base appeared convinced that the claims were true.

Braff confirmed in a series of Instagram Stories posted on his official account that there was no truth to the rumors. He also explained how they may have started.

“I’m not dating a chatbot. I can’t believe I have to type these words,” the actor wrote in a story. “It is a storyline in an upcoming episode of Scrubs. Maybe it came from that? Not sure,” he explained, “But not me. Love, the guy not dating his chatbot. Please update all gossip sites.”

The actor also shared screenshots from a December 2025 episode of the I Need You Guys podcast, stating that he was unaware the rumor had emerged from there because he was not on TikTok. In the episode, Jenny Slate, Kumail Nanjiani, Max Silvestri, and Gabe Liedman discussed a celebrity who was in a relationship with an AI chatbot. Later, fans began suggesting that it could be Braff.

Zach Braff added, “Also, I had no idea until tonight (because I’m not on TikTok) that these folks were the origin of this? I feel like now is a good time to be kind to people.”

Scrubs season ten is airing weekly episodes on ABC.