Rachel Zegler, the star of Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White, has found herself at the center of controversy following a series of politically charged social media posts that have reportedly strained her relationship with co-star Gal Gadot and the studio itself. A recent report from Variety outlines the tensions that have emerged between the two actresses, which have overshadowed the film's promotional efforts and its recent release.
According to the report published on March 25, 2025, Zegler, 23, made a "dismissive" comment about Gadot, calling her "a professional pageant queen" in an Instagram reply after their joint appearance at the Oscars on March 2, 2025. This remark was perceived as condescending, particularly given Gadot's background as Miss Israel. Although sources indicated that the two actresses got along well during filming, tensions escalated as the film's release approached.
Compounding the situation, Zegler's social media activity, which includes posts such as "Free Palestine" and "F*k Donald Trump," has drawn criticism from Disney executives. These posts not only sparked backlash from fans but also led to death threats against Gadot, who is Israeli. In light of these threats, Disney was forced to provide additional security for Gadot, raising concerns about the film's public image.
Disney's efforts to manage the fallout included hiring a social media guru to vet Zegler's posts before the film's release on March 21, 2025. Producer Marc Platt reportedly flew to New York to speak directly with Zegler about her online comments, urging her to reconsider her stance on sensitive political issues. However, Zegler remained firm in her beliefs, insisting on keeping her pro-Palestinian posts despite the potential repercussions for the film.
As tensions mounted, Disney opted to keep Zegler and Gadot apart during press events and even the film's premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on March 15, 2025. Sources claimed that Zegler sat two rows ahead of Gadot during the screening, further fueling rumors of discord between the two stars.
Critics have pointed out that Zegler's outspoken nature has made her a "problem" for the studio, particularly after her comments about the original Snow White animated film, which she labeled as outdated and problematic. Zegler criticized the Prince character as "a stalker," sparking additional backlash from fans who hold nostalgic views of the classic film.
Despite the controversies, Zegler has expressed her commitment to the project, describing her experience making Snow White as "life-changing". Yet, the film's release has been marred by negative reviews and a disappointing box office performance. As of now, Snow White has grossed just $87 million worldwide, far below the anticipated $270 million budget, reflecting broader challenges facing Disney's live-action remakes.
In the wake of these events, Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, criticized Zegler on social media, accusing her of "hijacking" the film's promotional efforts with her politically driven posts. He defended his father's decision to confront Zegler, emphasizing the importance of accountability in a project with substantial financial stakes. In a now-deleted Instagram comment, he stated, "Free speech does not mean you’re allowed to say whatever you want in your private employment without repercussions."
As the dust settles on this tumultuous release, it remains to be seen how Zegler's career will be affected by her refusal to temper her political views in the face of studio pressure. The fallout from Snow White* may serve as a cautionary tale for other actors navigating the intersection of personal beliefs and professional obligations in Hollywood.
While Zegler continues to stand by her convictions, the backlash she faces highlights a growing divide in the entertainment industry regarding the expression of political opinions. As audiences grapple with the implications of these controversies, the future of Disney's live-action adaptations hangs in the balance, with many questioning whether the traditional formula still resonates in today's cultural climate.
Ultimately, Zegler's journey reflects a broader conversation about the role of celebrities in social and political discourse, challenging the status quo of how public figures engage with pressing global issues. With the film's release now behind her, Zegler's next moves will be closely watched, as both fans and critics await her future projects and whether she will continue to blend her artistic endeavors with her outspoken political stance.
