Rachel Zegler Apologizes for Anti-Trump Remarks Amid Backlash and Calls for Disney to Recast 'Snow White'

Rachel Zegler, the actress set to portray Snow White in Disney's upcoming live-action adaptation, recently issued a public apology following backlash over her comments regarding the 2024 U.S. presidential election. In an Instagram Story, Zegler expressed regret for her earlier statements, acknowledging that her "emotions got the best of" her and emphasizing the need for "peace and understanding" in public discourse.

The controversy began when Zegler reacted to President-elect Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris by posting on Instagram that she wished Trump and his supporters would "never know peace." She described the election outcome as leading toward "a world I do not want to live in" and expressed heartbreak for friends who awoke "in fear."

These remarks led to significant backlash, with some individuals calling for Disney to remove Zegler from the Snow White project. Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly criticized Zegler, stating on her SiriusXM show that Disney should reconsider the actress's involvement, drawing parallels to the company's previous decision to fire Gina Carano from "The Mandalorian" for controversial statements.

In her apology, Zegler stated, "I am sorry I contributed to the negative discourse. This week has been emotional for so many of us, but I firmly believe that everyone has a right to their own opinion, even when it differs from my own." She expressed a commitment to contributing positively toward a better future.

This incident is not the first time Zegler has faced public scrutiny. Earlier, she received criticism for her comments about the original 1937 "Snow White" film, describing it as "extremely dated" and suggesting that the new adaptation would focus more on Snow White's personal growth rather than a traditional love story.

The live-action "Snow White" film, featuring Zegler in the titular role and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, has already completed production and is scheduled for release on March 21, 2025. Despite the controversies, Disney has not announced any changes to the film's casting or release plans.

Vanity Fair

This situation highlights the challenges public figures face when expressing personal political views, especially in the context of high-profile projects. It also underscores the broader conversation about the role of celebrities in political discourse and the impact of their statements on their professional endeavors.