Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress who burst onto the scene with her Golden Globe-winning role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, was once hailed as Hollywood’s next big star. Yet, in just a few short years, she has become one of the most polarizing figures in the entertainment industry, with some labeling her as the “most hated actress in Hollywood.” From her comments on Disney’s Snow White to her outspoken political views, Zegler’s journey from rising star to lightning rod for controversy offers a complex tale of talent, missteps, and the unrelenting scrutiny of the internet age.

Zegler’s troubles began in 2021 when she was cast as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake of the 1937 classic. The decision sparked immediate backlash from some fans who argued that Zegler, a Latina actress of Colombian and Polish descent, didn’t fit the fairy tale’s description of a princess with “skin as white as snow.” Zegler responded fiercely, tweeting, “Yes, I am Snow White, and no, I am not bleaching my skin for the role.” While her defiance earned her support from those championing diversity, it also set the tone for a contentious relationship with a vocal segment of Disney’s fanbase.

The real firestorm erupted in 2022 at Disney’s D23 Expo, where Zegler made comments criticizing the original Snow White film. She called the prince a “stalker” and described the story as “extremely dated” for its focus on a passive princess dreaming of true love. Instead, she emphasized that the remake would portray Snow White as a leader striving for power and independence. These remarks, intended to highlight the film’s modernized approach, were seen by many as dismissive of a beloved classic. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok and X, exploded with clips of her interviews, with users accusing her of arrogance and disrespect. One TikTok user, @nuttybutter96, questioned why Zegler seemed “so smug,” while others argued that criticizing a fairy tale from 1937 was unnecessary and alienated fans who cherished the original.

Zegler’s outspoken nature didn’t stop there. During the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, she voiced support for fair pay, stating, “If I’m gonna stand there 18 hours a day in the dress of an iconic Disney princess, I deserve to be paid for every hour that it’s streamed online.” While her stance aligned with the union’s goals, some interpreted it as entitled, especially given her rising status. Critics on X, like @WallStreetMav, accused her of prioritizing activism over acting, suggesting that her comments were alienating audiences and hurting her career.

Her political posts added fuel to the fire. In 2024, Zegler posted “and always remember, free Palestine” on X, prompting a wave of backlash from those who disagreed with her views, including some who called for a boycott of Snow White. The post reportedly led Disney to hire additional security for her co-star Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress, and sparked rumors of tension between the two. Zegler later apologized for a separate post about the 2024 U.S. election, admitting she let “emotions get the best of me,” but the damage was done. Disney insiders, according to Variety, viewed her as a liability, with producer Marc Platt’s son, Jonah, publicly blaming her for hurting the film’s box office by “dragging her personal politics” into its promotion.

The Snow White remake itself became a magnet for controversy, from its use of CGI dwarfs to its “woke” changes, and Zegler bore the brunt of the blame when the $350 million film flopped, earning just $43 million domestically in its opening weekend. Yet, amidst the criticism, Zegler has found defenders. Film critic Kelechi Ehenulo called her a victim of “culture wars,” arguing that her Latina background and progressive views make her a target for prejudice. Actresses like Ariana Grande and Melissa Barrera have also voiced support, with Barrera praising Zegler’s “integrity.”

At its core, Zegler’s story reflects the challenges young women face in Hollywood. Her “theater kid” energy and unfiltered honesty, while endearing to some, have been weaponized against her in an industry that often demands polished perfection. As she prepares for her next role in the West End’s Evita, Zegler’s talent remains undeniable. Whether she can navigate the toxic debate surrounding her and reclaim her narrative depends on her ability to balance authenticity with the expectations of a divided audience. For now, she remains a polarizing figure, caught in the crosshairs of Hollywood’s evolving landscape.