The release of Disney’s live-action Snow White in March 2025 was anticipated to be a triumphant moment for Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress who rose to fame with her Golden Globe-winning role in West Side Story. Instead, the film became one of Disney’s most high-profile failures, grossing just $205.4 million against a reported budget of $240–270 million, according to Box Office Mojo. The movie’s dismal performance, coupled with controversies surrounding its production and Zegler’s outspoken comments, has sparked a firestorm of criticism. Recently, a rumor surfaced on social media claiming that Zegler joined OnlyFans to recover financially from the flop, a claim that has no credible evidence but has fueled further mockery from fans who label her a “bad actress.”

The Snow White remake faced challenges from the start. Zegler’s casting as the titular princess, traditionally depicted as a pale-skinned character, drew backlash from some fans who accused Disney of straying from the 1937 animated classic. Zegler’s response, including her statement on X that she would not bleach her skin for the role, was met with both support and vitriol. Additionally, her comments criticizing the original film’s “outdated” love story and her portrayal of a more empowered Snow White sparked accusations of disrespecting Disney’s legacy. David Hand Jr., son of the original Snow White director, even claimed that Walt Disney would be “turning in his grave.” These controversies, combined with Zegler’s pro-Palestine posts and co-star Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance, led to a polarized audience response, with some calling for a boycott.

The film’s critical reception was equally harsh. With a 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 1.6/10 rating on IMDb, Snow White was criticized for its CGI dwarfs, which many found artificial, and an anticlimactic ending. Screen Rant’s Rachel Labonte gave it a 5/10, though she praised Zegler’s performance as a highlight, noting her ability to embody a sweet and compelling Snow White. Despite this, the film’s box office performance was catastrophic, with a re-release in May 2025 earning a mere $252 per screen across 1,000 U.S. theaters, as reported by The Telegraph. Disney is estimated to lose $115 million on the project, prompting the studio to pause plans for a live-action Tangled remake.

Amid this fallout, a satirical X post claimed that Zegler had joined OnlyFans to offset financial losses from Snow White. This rumor, which lacks any verification from credible sources or Zegler’s official social media, spread rapidly, amplified by fans critical of her performance and public persona. Some X users mocked her, with comments like, “She’s failing upwards I guess,” while others expressed disbelief that she continues to land roles. However, Zegler’s career is far from over. She has already lined up new projects, including a role opposite Marisa Tomei in the comedy-drama She Gets It From Me and a starring turn as Eva Perón in the West End revival of Evita. Her recent performance as Juliet in Broadway’s Romeo + Juliet earned mixed reviews but contributed to the production’s box office success.

The narrative that Zegler is a “bad actress” is not universally accepted. Critics like Jen Dana, producer of She Gets It From Me, have praised her depth and versatility, citing her ability to bring humanity to her roles. Supporters argue that the Snow White flop was due to broader issues, including Disney’s struggles with live-action remakes, as evidenced by the underperformance of films like Cruella and The Little Mermaid. An analyst interviewed by Cinemablend emphasized that mixed reviews and audience fatigue with remakes, not Zegler’s performance or “woke” stance, were the primary drivers of the film’s failure. Yet, the backlash has taken a toll, with Zegler reportedly facing death threats and intense scrutiny over her political views, including a now-deleted Instagram post criticizing Trump supporters.

As Zegler navigates this turbulent period, her resilience is evident. In a cryptic post, she described the past year as “neither good nor bad,” suggesting a determination to move forward. The Snow White debacle may have dented her public image, but her upcoming roles indicate that Hollywood still sees potential in her talent. For now, the OnlyFans rumor remains a baseless jab, reflective of a broader tendency to scapegoat Zegler for a film that faced insurmountable challenges. As Disney re-evaluates its remake strategy, Zegler’s career trajectory will depend on her ability to rise above the noise and deliver in her next projects.