Rachel Zegler Talks About Facing Backlash for Her Role in Disney’s ‘Snow White’ and Stands Firm in Her Identity

Rachel Zegler reflects on the intense backlash she faced following her casting in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White.

In a recent interview, Zegler recounted her experiences of negativity surrounding her role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. "I was told I wasn’t enough of one thing for West Side Story and too much of another for Snow White," she shared with Harper’s Bazaar UK. "It was a really confusing time to be in my early twenties and hearing that."

Zegler, who proudly embraces her Colombian heritage, noted, "I grew up proud of being Colombian—eating the food, wearing the dresses, drinking the coffee. … But I refuse to assimilate for anybody else’s comfort." She reflected on the challenges of navigating cultural identity in the public eye, acknowledging the complexities that come with being perceived as belonging to two different worlds.

Criticism surrounding her role in West Side Story focused on her not being Puerto Rican, like the character Maria. For Snow White, detractors pointed out Zegler’s divergence from the animated version’s appearance and character description.

Additionally, the film’s release has been complicated by Zegler’s comments regarding the outdated nature of the original character, as well as her vocal support for the Palestinian cause. "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,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful communication. "You live, and you learn, and there’s a caution that comes with that."

Reflecting on her journey through adversity, Zegler admitted, “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.”