Rachel Zegler, the star of Disney's upcoming live-action remake of Snow White , has found herself at the center of a heated controversy following a recent social media post. The actress, known for her roles in West Side Story and the latest Hunger Games film, sparked a social media firestorm with a 'Free Palestine' message appended to her post thanking fans for the high viewership of the Snow White trailer.
The controversy began when Zegler posted the trailer for the live-action Snow White on her social media account, expressing gratitude for the 120 million views it received within 24 hours. However, her post took a political turn when she added, 'And always remember, free Palestine.' This statement was perceived by many as a direct attack on her co-star, Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen in the film and is an Israeli actress.
Gadot, a former member of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and a vocal supporter of Israel, has been a target of anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitic attacks since the trailer's release. The tension between Zegler and Gadot has been highlighted by their differing stances on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Gadot has defended her home country and organized screenings to raise awareness about the atrocities committed by Hamas, while Zegler's pro-Palestinian stance has drawn criticism and accusations of insensitivity towards Gadot.
The backlash against Zegler has been intense, with many critics accusing her of being anti-Israel and of making a subtle attack on her co-star. Journalists and commentators have weighed in, with some questioning Disney's decision to cast Zegler given her outspoken political views. For instance, Newsweek opinion contributor Joel Peltin argued that Zegler's post was a dig at Gadot, highlighting the hypocrisy in Disney's handling of controversial political opinions among its stars.
The controversy surrounding Zegler's post has also led to calls for a boycott of the film. Pro-Israel groups and individuals have expressed their dissatisfaction with Zegler's stance, while pro-Palestinian groups have criticized Gadot's involvement in the film due to her Israeli background. This polarized reaction underscores the challenges faced by Hollywood in navigating sensitive political issues, especially in an increasingly polarized climate.
Zegler's comments have added to the existing criticism she has faced for her past remarks about the original Snow White film and her demands for higher streaming residuals. The actress has been vocal about her views on various topics, including her role in the Hunger Games series and her concerns about the impact of AI on the acting industry.
The situation highlights the complex and often fraught intersection of politics and entertainment. As the release date of the live-action Snow White approaches, Disney will likely face increased pressure to address the controversy surrounding Zegler's comments. Whether this will impact the film's reception or Zegler's future with the studio remains to be seen.
For more context on the Israel-Palestine conflict and its global implications, you can refer to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict page on Wikipedia.
