After years of criticism surrounding her role in Disney’s “Snow White,” actress Rachel Zegler is doubling down on her public activism. From online outrage to casting debates and political protests, she’s making it clear that she’s not backing down.
In an interview published Monday, June 23, by i-D Magazine, Zegler addressed the wave of controversy that as followed her since being cast as the iconic Disney princess. She said the backlash intensified after she voiced support for Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war.
Casting controversy and political backlash
Zegler, who is of Polish and Colombian descent, was originally criticized for not fitting the traditional “skin as white as snow” description tied to the character. When the live-action film underperformed at the box office, critics accused her of politicizing the project.
Jonah Platt — the son of “Snow White’s” original producer — publicly blamed Zegler in a now-deleted Instagram comment.
“Tens of thousands of people worked on that film and she hijacked the conversation for her own immature desires at the risk of all the colleagues and crew and blue collar workers who depend on that movie to be successful,” Platt wrote.
“My compassion has no boundaries”
Despite the backlash, Zegler told i-D that she has no regrets about speaking out.
“My compassion has no boundaries, is really what it is,” Zegler said. “And my support for one cause does not denounce any others. That’s always been at the core of who I am as a person. It’s the way I was raised.”
She added that there are “worse things than losing fame” when it comes to standing up for her beliefs.
Ms. Rachel mirrors stance
Similarly, online educator Ms. Rachel recently faced backlash after publicly showing support for children in Gaza.
Known for her work with young audiences, Straight Arrow News previously reported that Ms. Rachel received criticism for using her platform to speak out about the humanitarian crisis.
An advocacy group even called on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate whether her recent social media posts could be considered paid propaganda.
In an interview with WBUR, Ms. Rachel said she plans to continue advocating for children in Gaza — even if it means risking her career.
Her approach mirrors Zegler’s as both women have taken public stances despite facing professional and personal consequences. Critics, however, argue that Ms. Rachel has overlooked children in Israel who may also be facing trauma and hardship.
Zegler experienced anxiety as a result
Zegler also revealed the emotional toll the backlash took on her.
“What you’re going through isn’t normal,” Zegler’s psychiatrist told her, according to Zegler.
She said the experience eventually led to being prescribed medication to manage her anxiety.
“I think a victim mindset is a choice, and I don’t choose it,” Zegler said. “I also don’t choose nastiness in the face of it. I don’t choose negativity in the face of it. I choose positivity and light and happiness.”
Wider tensions and co-star controversy
The “Snow White” discourse has extended beyond Zegler. Her co-star Gal Gadot, who is Israeli, has reportedly received death threats for her outspoken support of Israel during the conflict.
During Gadot’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in March, both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the event.
Despite the press, the film had a domestic opening of $42,206,415, according to Box Office Mojo. The Los Angeles Times reported it had been projected to bring in between $45 million and $55 million during its opening weekend.
Zegler moves forward
As for her current work, the 24-year-old actress is starring in a revival of “Evita” at the London Palladium and is also taking on a lead role in Broadway’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
Meanwhile, reports of “remake fatigue” may be premature after reports of Disney’s live-action remake of “Tangled” was being paused.
According to Collider, Disney’s live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch” recently passed $910 million globally and is on track to hit the billion-dollar mark.
