Controversial statements on social media
Disney is facing intense backlash after Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old star of the upcoming Snow White live-action remake, made critical comments about Americans who supported Donald Trump. Following Trump’s significant election victory, Zegler, known for her outspoken views, expressed her dismay in a series of social media posts shared with her 2.3 million followers.
Zegler’s outburst and public reaction
Zegler voiced strong concerns over Trump’s re-election, writing, “May Trump supporters and Trump himself never know peace,” and expressed fear about raising her future daughter in a world shaped by his policies. She criticized Trump’s followers as adhering to a “foolish subscription” to false ideals and highlighted her disappointment with Kamala Harris’ loss, calling it “a defeat that should not have happened.”
Zegler also targeted Elon Musk, referring to him as an influential donor to Trump’s campaign and discouraging her followers from using Musk’s social media platform, X. Her statements rapidly gained traction on the platform, leading to calls for a boycott of Snow White by Trump supporters and other critics.
Boycott threats and calls for Disney to respond
Critics have demanded Disney take action, with many urging the company to reconsider Zegler’s role or even cancel the project altogether. Some stated they would not allow their children to watch the film due to Zegler’s remarks. One social media user commented, “Not taking my kids to see this trash… Disney, you need to do something about this.” Another called her a “liability” who could harm Disney’s brand.
Previous criticisms and film controversies
This is not the first time Zegler has sparked controversy. She previously described the original 1937 Snow White film as outdated and criticized its portrayal of women. In a 2022 interview, she called the original storyline “weird,” emphasizing that the new adaptation would shift focus from romantic themes to a narrative about Snow White as a “fearless leader.”
Zegler’s comments have left Disney navigating a growing public relations issue, with many wondering if the company will respond as the March 2025 release date for Snow White approaches.
