Rachel Zegler Opens Up About Snow White Casting Backlash and Safety Concerns
American actress Rachel Zegler has disclosed that the severe backlash following her casting as Snow White in Disney's live-action adaptation resulted in direct threats to her personal safety. In a candid interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, the star expressed that if she had anticipated the intensity of the criticism, she would have "thrown her phone into the ocean" to escape the turmoil.
A Confusing Time for the Young Star
Zegler, who gained fame for her role as Maria in the 2021 remake of West Side Story, faced significant online vitriol when she was announced as the titular character in the Disney film. The controversy centred on her Colombian heritage, contrasting with the traditional depiction of Snow White as having a complexion "as white as snow." At the time, she defended herself publicly while asking supporters not to tag her in comments to avoid further distress.
Reflecting on the experience, Zegler stated: "I was told I wasn’t enough of one thing for West Side Story and too much of another for Snow White. It was a really confusing time to be in my early twenties and hearing that." She elaborated on the personal impact, noting that the backlash made her feel caught between identities in the public eye.
Pride and Refusal to Assimilate
The actress emphasised her pride in her Colombian roots, describing how cultural elements like food, dresses, and coffee have shaped her identity from childhood to adulthood. However, she observed a societal tendency to diminish individuals who embody multiple backgrounds, saying: "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."
Zegler revealed that the criticism escalated beyond online comments to include genuine threats to her safety, leading her to conclude that any "sane person" would have wanted to disconnect entirely. She expressed a wish for more maturity at the time, adding: "I wish I’d had maybe five more years on me before all that happened – a little more of a frontal lobe."
Support from Peers and Future Advocacy
Despite the challenges, Zegler found solidarity from fellow actresses such as Dame Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu, with whom she worked on Shazam! Fury Of The Gods. They engaged in deep conversations about the experiences of women in the entertainment industry and the disappointments they have faced.
Looking ahead, Zegler affirmed her commitment to supporting future diverse casting in Disney projects. She pledged: "And the next time a woman of colour is cast as a Disney princess, I’ll be there with bells on to support them, to lift them up, to advise and to tell them what not to do." This statement underscores her resilience and dedication to fostering inclusivity in Hollywood.
Career Milestones and Upcoming Projects
Beyond the Snow White controversy, Zegler's career continues to flourish. She starred in The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes, a prequel to The Hunger Games franchise, and is set to appear in the upcoming film Sunrise On The Reaping. She has also reached out to new cast member Whitney Peak, offering support while hoping it won't be necessary.
In theatre, Zegler made a acclaimed West End debut as Eva Peron in Evita last year and is preparing to star as Cathy in Jason Robert Brown’s production of The Last Five Years, a role she described as a lifelong dream since age 16.
The full interview with Rachel Zegler is featured in the April issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK, available from March 10, providing further insights into her journey and perspectives on the industry.
