Rachel Zegler has spoken about the backlash she faced for her role in Disney's live-action Snow White remake. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, she described the criticism as confusing, particularly given similar issues with her West Side Story casting. Zegler emphasized her pride in her Colombian heritage and her refusal to assimilate for others' comfort.
Rachel Zegler addressed the backlash surrounding her casting as Snow White in Disney's 2025 live-action remake during an interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, published around March 10-11, 2026. She recalled facing negativity for her role in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 West Side Story, where critics noted she was not Puerto Rican, like the character Maria. For Snow White, detractors argued she did not fit the character's traditional description and did not resemble the animated version from the 1937 classic.
Zegler, who has Colombian heritage, said, “I was told I wasn’t enough of one thing for West Side Story and too much of another for Snow White.” She added, “I grew up proud of being Colombian – eating the food, wearing the dresses, drinking the coffee, doing all the things that were so intrinsic to who I was as a kid and who I am as an adult – but I do think there’s an argument to be made that, in the public eye at least, when you’re two things, you’re simultaneously nothing. But I refuse to assimilate for anybody else’s comfort.”
The Snow White release faced further controversy over Zegler's comments about the outdated nature of the original character and her vocal support for Palestinians. In 2024, shortly after the first trailer was unveiled at a D23 fan event, Zegler posted on X thanking fans and adding, “And always remember, free Palestine.” She reflected on this, stating, “I’ve said what I feel, and that will always be a testament to my core beliefs as a human. That’s where I stand.” However, she now views such posts as “a complete study in intent versus impact,” noting, “You live, and you learn, and there’s a caution that comes with that. There’s an understanding that the temptation to speak doesn’t always mean that it must be done, and that there are a lot of opportunities to make more meaningful change than a tweet.”
Regarding the overall vitriol, including threats to her safety, Zegler said, “If I’d been able to predict everything that would come my way, the threats to my safety, I would have just thrown my phone into the ocean. I think any sane person would have.” The backlash, particularly from conservative circles questioning her ethnicity for the traditionally white character, highlighted ongoing debates about representation in Hollywood remakes.
