Disney is finding itself in hot water as a growing backlash mounts against “Snow White” star Rachel Zegler following her incendiary remarks about supporters of Donald Trump.
The controversy erupted after Zegler, the lead in Disney’s live-action remake of the 1937 classic, posted a series of scathing comments on social media in response to Trump’s recent re-election victory. With the film set to debut in March 2025, the uproar threatens to overshadow its release and potentially derail its success.
Zegler, who has a history of speaking out on political and social issues, took to her platform with 2.3 million followers to share her frustration after Trump secured both the popular vote and electoral college victory. She expressed dismay, stating, “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace,” and decried the election results as a harbinger of a world she fears for her future children.
She also lashed out at what she described as a “foolish subscription to a false sense of security, masculinity, intelligence, patriotism, and humanity” among Trump’s supporters. Adding to her criticism, Zegler called on her followers to boycott Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), claiming Musk played a significant role in aiding Trump’s campaign.
Zegler’s polarizing statements quickly went viral, drawing fierce criticism from Trump supporters who have vowed to boycott “Snow White”. Many are now urging Disney to reconsider her casting or shelve the project entirely.
“Not taking my kids to see this trash after the statement you put out. Disney, you need to do something about this,” one outraged user commented.
Others suggested that Zegler’s involvement with the film alienates a significant portion of Disney’s audience. “Rachel Zegler is unhinged and a liability,” another critic wrote. “Her involvement with the company alienates millions of people and poisons the brand overall.”
This isn’t the first time Zegler’s remarks have caused waves. In 2022, she criticized the original “Snow White” animated film as “extremely dated” and dismissed its love story as “weird,” sparking debates about her commitment to preserving the essence of the beloved character. Instead, Zegler promised a modernized version of Snow White, focused on leadership rather than romance, a move that already had some fans on edge.
The controversy puts Disney in a precarious position. On one hand, Zegler’s outspoken nature and reimagining of Snow White align with the company’s recent efforts to modernize its classics. On the other, the backlash could alienate a broad swath of its audience, particularly as political divisions deepen.
With the film’s release date still months away, it remains to be seen whether Disney will address the growing calls to distance itself from the actress or double down on its support for the project. One thing is certain: this latest controversy has cast a long shadow over what was supposed to be a magical reinvention of a cherished classic.