Rachel Zegler has spoken out about the backlash she faced for playing Snow White in Disney's 2025 live-action remake, revealing that the controversy led to threats against her safety.
The actress, who is of Colombian heritage, faced criticism from conservative circles who argued the role should be played by a white woman. Describing the experience as 'really confusing', Zegler noted she had also faced backlash for her role in 'West Side Story' for not being Latina enough, saying: 'I was told I wasn't enough of one thing for West Side Story and too much of another for Snow White.'
Zegler told Harper's Bazaar that she refuses to 'assimilate for anybody else's comfort', adding: 'When you're two things, you're simultaneously nothing.' She also faced criticism for posting in support of Palestine while on the Snow White press tour, which she now sees as 'a complete study in intent versus impact'.
The 23-year-old admitted the backlash from the social media post was unexpected and led to safety threats. '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,' she said.
