Rachel Zegler Faces Backlash for Trump Comments

Rachel Zegler, the actress set to play Snow White in Disney's upcoming live-action remake, has ignited a storm of controversy following her outspoken criticism of Donald Trump and his supporters on social media. With her comments quickly becoming a viral topic, many Disney fans are now calling for a boycott of the film slated for release in March 2025.

The Origin of Backlash

The backlash began when Zegler posted a lengthy message on Instagram expressing her dismay over Trump's recent electoral victory. In her now-deleted Instagram Stories, she articulated feelings of heartbreak and fear, stating: "I find myself speechless in the midst of this. Another four years of hatred, leaning us towards a world I do not want to live in."

In her posts, Zegler highlighted the fear felt by many Americans in the wake of Trump's win, saying: "I'm heartbroken for my friends who awoke [in] fear this morning. And I am here with you—to cry, to yell, to hug."

Criticism of Trump Supporters

Furthermore, Zegler called out Trump supporters directly, wishing that they would “never know peace.” She characterized the electoral outcome as indicative of a broader societal sickness, where millions backed a man she described as a threat to democracy. Her remarks have drawn ire from Trump's supporters, with many users on social media labeling her comments as 'unhinged' and calling for Disney to reconsider her role in Snow White.

Comments on Tesla's CEO

In her tirade, Zegler did not shy away from criticizing Tesla and Twitter CEO Elon Musk, emphasizing that he facilitated Trump's rise by supporting him publicly. She urged her followers to stop using X (Twitter), stressing, “Get off of Elon's app as he helped that man get elected and you're giving him business.”

Megyn Kelly's Commentary Notably, Zegler's comments spurred media discussions, including criticism from conservative commentator Megyn Kelly. On her talk show, Kelly denounced Zegler, labeling her comments as self-indulgent and calling her a “pig” for wishing tranquility away from Trump supporters. Kelly expressed surprise that Disney continues to stand behind Zegler, questioning the company's decision when it had previously dismissed actress Gina Carano for far less controversial statements.

Impact on Disney and Zegler's Career

This entire episode emerges as Zegler's casting as Snow White was already a lightning rod for controversy, primarily due to her being a Latina actress playing a traditionally white character. Her interpretation of Snow White is also said to present an empowered version of the character, which has drawn criticism from various segments of the public. Recently leaked set photos further fueled the controversy, depicting a diverse cast of dwarves, thereby igniting the “anti-woke” movement against the film.

Conclusion

The incident has raised complex issues regarding freedom of speech, the entertainment industry’s responses to political sentiments, and the public's expectation of celebrities. As Zegler continues to navigate the tumultuous waters of fame and public opinion, all eyes remain on her and Disney’s response to the backlash surrounding her comments.

In conclusion, while Rachel Zegler's opinions reflect her personal values, the resulting conflict serves as a reminder of the deep divisions in contemporary societal discourse symbiotically impacting public figures within the entertainment sphere.