The entertainment world has witnessed a new chapter of controversy involving young actresses Bella Ramsey and Rachel Zegler, who recently filed complaints of online harassment with an actors’ rights organization, only to have their requests for support rejected. Both stars, known for their leading roles in high-profile productions, have faced a wave of criticism and personal attacks on social media, a problem that seems to be increasingly common for young women in the film industry. However, the organization’s decision not to support their complaints has sparked a debate about the protection of actors from online toxicity and the responsibilities of the institutions that represent them.
Bella Ramsey, 21, has become a target of criticism since her portrayal of Ellie in the series “The Last of Us.” Following the premiere of the second season in May 2025, attacks against her intensified, focusing on her appearance, her gender identity, and her autism. Detractors argued that Ramsey did not physically resemble the video game character, but the criticism quickly turned personal, including comments about her relationship with another woman in the story, which some conservative sectors described as “too inclusive.” Ramsey, who had already closed her social media accounts in April 2025 due to harassment, filed a formal complaint with the actors’ rights organization, seeking support to address this situation. However, her request was rejected, with the organization arguing that the instances of online harassment “did not meet the necessary criteria” for its intervention, a decision that has left many perplexed.
On the other hand, 23-year-old Rachel Zegler has been at the center of controversy since the release of the live-action version of “Snow White” in March 2025. Zegler, of Colombian descent, faced racist criticism since her casting was announced, with some questioning her suitability to play a character traditionally described as having “snow-white skin.” Furthermore, her comments about the original film, which she called “outdated” and in which she described the prince as a “bully,” generated a backlash from more traditionalist fans. Added to this were her political stances, such as her support for Palestine and her criticism of Donald Trump after the 2024 elections, which sparked hate campaigns against her, including death threats. Zegler also filed a complaint with the same organization, but like Ramsey, her case was dismissed for “lack of actionable evidence,” according to sources close to the case.
The actors’ rights organization’s refusal to take action has drawn criticism from fans of both actresses and advocates for diversity in Hollywood. Many argue that online harassment, especially toward young and minority women, is a systemic problem that requires a more forceful response. Similar cases, such as those of Halle Bailey in “The Little Mermaid” and Millie Bobby Brown in “Stranger Things,” reflect a pattern of attacks that transcend professional criticism and escalate into personal assaults. Film critic Kelechi Ehenulo described Zegler and Ramsey as victims of the “culture wars,” noting that minority actresses are often the target of disproportionate backlash.
Meanwhile, both Ramsey and Zegler continue to face the repercussions of their public exposure. Ramsey has received support from directors and colleagues on “The Last of Us,” who describe her as a talented and committed professional, but her experience reflects the challenges of being a public figure in a hostile digital environment. Zegler, for her part, has attempted to moderate her public statements following the commercial disaster of “Snow White,” which failed to meet Disney’s box office expectations, in part due to the controversies surrounding it. Despite Zegler’s apology for some of her political comments, the damage to her public image appears persistent, and the lack of institutional support only exacerbates her situation.
This incident highlights the urgent need for entertainment industry organizations to develop more effective mechanisms to protect their members from online harassment. While the debate continues, Ramsey and Zegler continue to pursue their careers, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity, but their experience serves as a grim reminder of the personal costs young stars face in the digital age.
