Zach Braff denies dating AI chatbot amid viral rumors

Zach Braff has dismissed online rumors suggesting he is dating an artificial intelligence chatbot.

The 50-year-old Scrubs actor addressed the speculation in a message posted to his Instagram Stories on Thursday, writing bluntly: “I’m not dating a chatbot.” He added, “I can’t believe I have to type these words.”

Braff suggested the confusion may have stemmed from a storyline in an upcoming episode of the Scrubs revival, in which he recently reprised his role as Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian. 

The new season, which premiered on February 25, also brings back Donald Faison as Dr. Christopher Turk and Sarah Chalke as Dr. Elliot Reid, alongside new cast members Vanessa Bayer and Joel Kim Booster.

The rumor appears to have originated from a December episode of the podcast I Need You Guys, hosted by Jenny Slate, Max Silvestri, and Gabe Liedman, with guest Kumail Nanjiani. 

During the episode, a blind item referenced an unnamed actor “who brings the chatbot with him” to various locations.

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

Outside of Scrubs, Braff is known for his roles in Garden State and A Good Person. 

In his personal life, he was reportedly linked to musician Frances Whitney in 2024 and previously dated actress Florence Pugh from 2019 to early 2022.