Disney’s live-action Snow White was already battling controversy, but tensions escalated after lead stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot publicly clashed over their opposing stances on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The fallout has rippled through Hollywood, drawing reactions from both industry insiders and global audiences.
Zegler, 23, sparked backlash after sharing the film’s trailer and posting “Free Palestine” on social media. Critics say her message was ill-timed and divisive, particularly as violence continues in Gaza and Israel. Insiders now claim her political stance created friction with co-star Gadot, a native Israeli and vocal supporter of her homeland.
Zegler’s post ignites outrage
Zegler’s social media comments, paired with a dismissive remark calling Gadot a “professional pageant queen,” have stirred backlash. Many in the entertainment world view her actions as reckless, especially during a sensitive press tour.
“It was unprofessional and inflammatory,” said one Hollywood publicist. “She turned what should have been a promotional celebration into a political storm.”
This isn’t the first time Zegler has faced criticism for making political remarks. However, insiders believe her comments this time struck a deeper nerve, especially given the context. Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel, which left more than 1,200 dead and hundreds taken hostage, remains fresh in public memory.
Gal Gadot speaks out, stars take sides
In stark contrast, 39-year-old Gadot, who served in the Israel Defense Forces, addressed antisemitism at the Anti-Defamation League’s summit last month. She expressed shock over the growing tolerance for extremism in the U.S., saying she never imagined Americans would cheer on a massacre of Jews.
Gadot’s powerful words came just days before Friends star David Schwimmer condemned celebrity silence around rising antisemitism. He also slammed rapper Kanye West for praising Hitler and spreading conspiracy theories.
Meanwhile, other Hollywood names have criticized Israel’s actions. Angelina Jolie accused the country of bombing civilians. Mark Ruffalo called for sanctions, and Emma Watson posted in support of Palestinians.
Sources reveal the rift between Zegler and Gadot became visible during the press tour. The two actresses barely interacted publicly, fueling speculation that their feud impacted the film’s performance. The live-action remake opened to just $43 million — a disappointing figure for a marquee Disney release.
“Between the controversial rewrites and now this political mess, audiences are tuning out,” a studio insider said. “People want entertainment, not activism in every scene.”
With Snow White struggling both critically and commercially, many insiders now question whether Disney miscalculated by pairing two stars with polarizing worldviews. For now, it seems the off-screen drama may outshine anything playing in theaters.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.