Rachel Zegler Snow White Controversy & Gal Gadot Feud

It’s rare that a single casting announcement becomes a flashpoint for culture wars, but Rachel Zegler’s role as Snow White did exactly that. The young actress went from Broadway hopeful to global star overnight—and then to the center of a controversy that pitted fans, critics, and even her co-star against each other.

birth date: May 3, 2001 ·
birthplace: Hackensack, New Jersey, USA ·
known for: Maria in West Side Story (2021) ·
Instagram followers: 3 million ·
ethnicity: Polish-American and Colombian

Five key facts give a clear picture of Rachel Zegler’s background and the controversy.

What was the problem with Rachel Zegler?

Casting backlash and online criticism

• Zegler was cast as Snow White in June 2021, drawing criticism from those who questioned the choice of a Latina actress for a traditionally white character. TIME (news magazine) noted the racist undertones of much of the backlash.
• The discourse escalated after Zegler’s 2022 interview with BBC News (UK public broadcaster) in which she called the original film “dated” and referred to the prince as “a guy who literally stalks her.” The remarks were later resurfaced on TikTok and X in 2023, according to USA Today (daily newspaper).
• By 2023, The Guardian described Snow White as “the year’s most cursed movie” (The Guardian (UK news outlet)), attributing the toxicity to a mix of racial animus, political polarization, and Zegler’s own comments.

Comments interpreted as controversial

• During the Snow White press tour, Zegler posted on X: “and always remember, free palestine.” Variety (entertainment industry publication) reported that the post reached 8.8 million views—nearly quadruple the reach of her initial casting message.
• Producer Marc Platt flew to New York to speak directly with Zegler about the post, Cosmopolitan (women’s lifestyle magazine) reported, citing concerns that her political statements could alienate half the potential audience of an already troubled film.
• BBC News (UK public broadcaster) also noted that Zegler’s comments about Donald Trump and his supporters added to the political charge surrounding the film.

“The original Snow White is dated — it’s a story about a girl who is saved by a prince. In the new film, she’s not being saved by a prince. She’s a leader.”Rachel Zegler, in a 2022 interview with BBC News

What is Rachel Zegler’s ethnicity?

Polish-American heritage

• Rachel Zegler’s father is of Polish descent. She has spoken in interviews about her Polish-American upbringing in New Jersey.
• Her mother is Colombian, making Zegler of mixed European and Latin American heritage. TIME (news magazine) highlighted that her Colombian roots became a focal point for racist comments after the Snow White casting.

Colombian background

• Zegler has said she is proud of her Colombian heritage and has visited family in Colombia. Her ethnicity was frequently cited by critics who argued that a Latina actress should not play the “fairest of them all.”
• The Guardian (UK news outlet) noted that right-wing critics labeled the film “woke” specifically because of Zegler’s Colombian background and the casting of Gal Gadot (an Israeli actress).

The implication: Zegler’s ethnicity became a proxy for broader culture war battles over diversity in Hollywood. Her Polish-Colombian mix is ordinary in the real world but, in the context of a beloved white fairy tale, it was weaponized.

Why don’t Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler get along?

Rumored feud vs. actual interactions

• Rumors of a feud between Zegler and Gadot have persisted online, fueled by their perceived political differences (Zegler’s pro-Palestine stance vs. Gadot’s Israeli identity).
• New York Post (US tabloid) reported, citing an unnamed source, that Zegler made a dismissive comment about Gadot after the 2025 Oscars, and that the discord was tied to their differing views on the Gaza conflict. However, this is a single, uncorroborated account.

Public statements from both actresses

• Neither Zegler nor Gadot has publicly confirmed a personal conflict. Page Six (celebrity news site) summarized that the two “have little in common and are not friends,” but this is a statement about their lack of relationship, not a feud.
• Variety (entertainment industry publication) reported that Disney increased security for Gadot after threats against her surged—a move that suggests tension, but not necessarily between the two actresses.

“The reported discord between Zegler and Gadot was tied to their differing views on the Gaza conflict.”New York Post’s unnamed source

The pattern: The narrative is driven by speculation, not confirmed facts.

What did Rachel Zegler say to ruin Snow White?

Her comments about the original Snow White story

• In a 2022 interview with BBC News (UK public broadcaster), Zegler said the 1937 film was “dated” and that the prince “literally stalks her.” These remarks were intended to explain the updated tone of the live-action film but were interpreted by some as a dismissal of the classic.
• She also said, “She’s not going to be saved by a prince. She’s a leader,” reinforcing that the new version would give Snow White agency.

Social media posts and interviews

• Her pro-Palestine post on X (“and always remember, free palestine”) came during the promotion cycle and was seen by many as injecting geopolitics into a family-friendly film. Variety (entertainment industry publication) reported that the post was seen as a factor in the backlash that followed.
• Cosmopolitan (women’s lifestyle magazine) noted that Disney worried the posts could signal to half the potential audience to stay home.

“Snow White is the year’s most cursed movie.”The Guardian (UK news outlet)

The catch: Zegler’s original “dated” remark was a mild critique, but amplified by social media algorithms, it became a self‑fulfilling prophecy. The film’s $43 million domestic opening (Variety (entertainment industry publication)) suggests the controversy took a real toll on attendance.

Is Rachel Zegler a nice person in real life?

Reddit threads and fan perceptions

• Online forums contain mixed anecdotes, but no verified reports of unprofessional behavior have surfaced. Most negative characterizations stem from her political posts and the “dated” remark, not from personal interactions.

Interviews with co-stars and crew

• Co-stars from West Side Story have spoken positively about her. Director Steven Spielberg personally chose her from 30,000 applicants, a sign of his high regard for her talent and work ethic.
• YouTube interviews show her as articulate and friendly. BBC News (UK public broadcaster) described her as “charming and thoughtful” during the conversation.

The pattern: There is no public evidence to suggest Zegler is anything other than a dedicated, professional young actress. The narrative of her being “difficult” is almost entirely driven by her outspoken political views, not by her conduct on set or in private.

Timeline of the Snow White controversy

• January 2019: Zegler cast as Maria in West Side Story (TIME (news magazine)).
• June 2021: Announced as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)).
• October 2022: “Dated” comments spark initial backlash (TIME (news magazine)).
• 2023: Online debate intensifies; clips resurface on TikTok and X (USA Today (daily newspaper)).
• March 2024: Snow White releases; $43 million opening weekend; controversy still active (Variety (entertainment industry publication)).

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

For a deeper look at the initial backlash and the rumored feud with Gal Gadot, Snow White backlash and feud rumors provides a detailed timeline.

Frequently asked questions

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