Telling followers online he was surprised the claim had gained traction, the 50-year-old Scrubs actor addressed the speculation in a message posted to his Instagram Stories on Thursday after the theory began circulating online.
Braff, known for his role in the television series Scrubs, suggested the confusion may have originated from a storyline in an upcoming episode of the show.
The rumours had spread across social media platforms before Zach issued a public response to clarify the situation.
He said: "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."
Braff ended the message by writing "love" and referring to himself as "the guy not dating his chatbot".
Shortly afterwards, he returned to Instagram after learning the rumour may have originated from a discussion on the podcast I Need You Guys, hosted by Jenny Slate, Max Silvestri and Gabe Liedman.
The episode, released in December, also featured actor and comedian Kumail Nanjiani as a guest.
Braff said: "I had no idea until tonight (because I'm not on TikTok) that these folks were the origin of this?"
He added: "I feel like now is a good time to be kind to people."
According to reporting by Page Six, the claim began as a so-called blind item discussed during the podcast episode. During the discussion, Silvestri referred to an unnamed actor who he said "brings the chatbot with him" to different places.
Nanjiani asked whether the actor being discussed was "A-list".
Silvestri replied the individual was "As near A-list as TV can get you."
Nanjiani then asked whether the unnamed actor was "self-aware about how f*****g weird it is" or if he "thinks it's okay".
Silvestri said: "From my understanding, the little info I've heard is that there is a self-awareness, but in kind of like: 'Yeah, sorry that you're not on board with the future'."
Braff recently reprised his role as Dr John "JD" Dorian in the revival of Scrubs, which premiered on February 25.
28°C