Lea Michele Faking COVID-19 Diagnosis? Rumor Sparks Online As Netizens Recall THIS 'Glee' Episode

Days after her highly-awaited debut at the August Wilson Theatre as Fanny Brice for "Funny Girl," Lea Michele shocked everyone with an announcement too close to the start.

Lea Michele has been experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and her understudy, Julie Benko, would be taking over for the show in a short while.

However, the sudden absence of the actress sparked speculations from fans online - noting that they have seen this scene before, in an actual episode of "Glee."

Lea Michele 'Funny Girl' Opening Night, COVID-19 Diagnosis

Opening just last week on September 6, Lea Michel has finally made her dream come true, playing Fanny Brice on Broadway. Michele took on the role since the controversial exit of Beanie Feldstein in the past months.

With tickets to Michele's show skyrocketing to huge prices, fans were raving to see what prompted the several standing ovations she had on the first show.

However, fans would have to take a few days before seeing that actual spectacle as Lea Michele announced yesterday that she had been experiencing early signs and symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, noting that the test was inconclusive.

"Due to the production's safety protocols, I'm not allowed to perform for today's shows. I will be testing again and will know more about tomorrow's performance soon. Julie is going to crush it today as Fanny - as are all of our amazing understudies who have stepped up so incredibly this week while we battle a very intense COVID outbreak in our theatre, Lea said in an Instagram story.

Although it is not known if Julie Benko would be taking over for the meantime since Michele's return - fans of the comedy-musical "Glee" have recalled an episode of the series that seems like a very similar scene on the recent happenings.

Lea Michele COVID-19 Diagnosis Faked?

Fans of the cult-classic "Glee," called Gleeks, said that the medical blunder was reminiscent of a story arc that Lea Michele's character Rachel Berry had in the show, specifically on Season 5, Episode 18, "The Back-Up Plan."

Similarly, Lea Michel and Rachel Berry both landed the Fanny Brice role in the Broadway revival of "Funny Girl."

However, after some point in eight shows a week performances, Rachel Berry began experiencing burn out and tiredness from doing the daily routine. So she flew from New York to Los Angeles to audition for a TV series pilot while creeping behind her producers to and calling in sick for the day.

Michele, who is also in a similar point in life right now - had fans likening the real life situation to a television deja vu.

Based on Michele's Instagram post, she is actually sick - but has yet to be confirmed with a positive or negative test result.

Tags

Lea Michele, Funny Girl, GLEE