Actress Rachel Zegler has spoken about the “really alarming” online abuse she has received following her role in Disney’s live‑action Snow White.
The 24‑year‑old star has been criticised both for her portrayal in the film and for making political statements online, including her support for Palestine and past remarks about US President Donald Trump.
In an interview with i‑D, Zegler said she has refused to adopt a “victim mindset” despite the online attacks.
“It’s really alarming at times,” she stated. “I think a victim mindset is a choice, and I don’t choose it. I also don’t choose nastiness in the face of it. I don’t choose negativity. I choose positivity and light and happiness.
The 24‑year‑old star has been criticized both for her portrayal in the film and for making political statements online
PA“And I do believe at times, happiness is absolutely a choice, and every day I wake up and I think I’m very lucky to live the life I live.”
The West Side Story and Evita star explained that she returned to her family home in New Jersey at the height of the online backlash and credited both therapy and medication for helping her cope.
“My f**king psychiatrist has seen me through all of it. (They told me), ‘What you’re going through isn’t normal.’ That sentence did such wonders for me in multiple situations in my life. (The meds) were truly a game changer, because I just wasn’t functioning. I wanted to function in a way that made me feel confident in how I was moving through the world.”
Zegler’s support for Palestine has also drawn online scrutiny.
In one post in August 2024, while thanking fans for watching the Snow White trailer, she added, “and always remember, free Palestine” - a remark that sparked further criticism, with some seeing it as a snub to her Israeli co-star Gal Gadot.
MORE LIKE THIS:
- Snow White star Rachel Zegler slams ‘white’ Hollywood executives in scathing rant amid Disney ‘woke’ fallout
- Disney's Snow White UK premiere scrapped amid fears of 'anti-woke' backlash as film fraught with criticism
- Rachel Zegler makes U-turn on Snow White stance amid 'woke' remake row after 'hating' Disney classic
Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot had a reportedly frosty relationship due to their political differences GETTYSpeaking about the situation, she said: “There are obviously things that are at stake by being outspoken, but nothing is worth innocent lives. My heart doesn’t have a fence around it, and if that is considered my downfall?
“There are worse things. My compassion has no boundaries, and my support for one 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.”
This comes after the release of Snow White was met with scathing reviews, with the Observer’s Wendy Ide calling the film “toe‑curlingly terrible.”
Despite topping the North American box office chart, the movie earned less than anticipated, with some arguing that Zegler’s public political statements impacted its performance.
Despite topping the North American box office chart, the movie earned less than anticipated, with some arguing that Zegler’s public political statements impacted its performance
DISNEY
Jonah Platt - son of the film’s producer Marc Platt - criticised Zegler in a now‑deleted social media post.
He accused her of “dragging her personal politics” into the film’s promotion, claiming it “clearly hurt the film’s box office.”
In 2024, the actress was also embroiled in controversy, after she was forced to apologise for saying on Instagram that she hoped “Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.”
Meanwhile, Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, has also been criticised online due to her vocal support for Israel and the two actresses are reported to have clashed over their differing views.
Most Read
