Rachel Zegler, best known for her role in "West Side Story" and now playing Snow White in Disney's live-action remake, has stirred controversy with her public support for Palestinians. Despite sharing the screen with Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, Zegler does not hesitate to express her political views, especially concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Three days after the official release of the first trailer for the highly anticipated live-action version of "Snow White" at Disney's fan convention - and following a wave of antisemitic and pro-Palestinian attacks on Gadot online - Zegler decided to make clear which side of the conflict she supports.
and always remember, free palestine.
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) August 12, 2024
"I love you all so much!" she tweeted from her official X account (formerly Twitter), followed by 389,000 users. "Thank you for the love and for 120m views on our trailer in just 24 hours! What a whirlwind. I am in the thick of rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet so I'm gonna get outta here. Bye for now. And always remember, free Palestine.'"
The pro-Palestinian tweet amassed over a quarter-million views within hours, thousands of shares and likes, and hundreds of comments. As expected, responses were divided between those who supported her words and criticized Gal, and others who chose to support Gal and mock the tweet. "I'm so sorry you have to take part in press events alongside someone who shall not be named," wrote one user. "Gal Gadot needs to be careful," added another, while others expressed their love and pride in Zegler for standing with the Palestinians.
Alongside support for Zegler, there were also many responses from users who chose to oppose her and express their support for Israel. "You forgot to mention that the Palestinians need to be freed from Hamas," one comment read. "What about freeing the hostages?" others added. "Are you aware that Disney's president is Jewish?" tweeted another user. "You probably don't want to be cast in future roles, and we're fine with that because you're trash." "You're just jealous of Gal," tweeted others, with Israeli users mockingly adding in Hebrew: "What do you have to do with this, darling? You're pathetic."
This tweet is far from the first time the Golden Globe-winning actress has expressed her unequivocal support for the Palestinian side. Even before the current war, Zegler had posted numerous tweets and Instagram stories calling for an end to violence and supporting Palestinian human rights.
In May 2021, during Operation "Guardian of the Walls," she tweeted: "It will always be free palestine." In November 2022, she posted a picture on her Instagram story with the caption "Free Palestine," urging her followers to be aware of Palestinian human rights and to act for change.
In October 2023, Zegler again expressed her concern over the situation in Gaza in another tweet on her X account, calling for an immediate ceasefire without any mention of the Israeli hostages.
And what does Gal have to say on the matter? As expected, Gal finds herself in a complex professional situation and therefore avoids directly addressing Zegler's positions. However, the tension and alienation between the two are evident during joint interviews or events related to promoting "Snow White," where it's noticeable that Gal maintains a certain distance and minimal interaction with Zegler, refraining from responding to or acknowledging her political statements.
