Rachel Zegler is opening up about the intense backlash she faced during the rollout of Disney’s live-action Snow White, including what she describes as deeply unsettling threats to her safety.
In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, the actress reflected on the pressure that came with taking on the iconic role, admitting she was unprepared for the scale of public reaction. Zegler said that, in hindsight, she wishes she had been more shielded from the online noise, which quickly escalated beyond criticism.
“If I could have foreseen everything… including the threats to my safety, I would have tossed my phone into the ocean,” she said, describing the experience as overwhelming. Despite the challenges, she emphasized that she has no intention of changing who she is to meet public expectations.
At the same time, speculation continues to swirl around her relationship with co-star Gal Gadot. The two actresses have been the subject of ongoing rumors suggesting tension, though neither has directly addressed the situation.
Reports of a possible rift date back to early promotional appearances and social media interactions, with some pointing to a comment Zegler made following a joint Oscars appearance as a potential source of friction. Observers also noted that the two appeared separately during parts of the film’s promotional campaign.
Differences in public stances on global issues have also been cited as a possible factor behind the perceived distance. Zegler has expressed support for pro-Palestinian causes, while Gadot, who is Israeli, has spoken out in support of Israel following the October 2023 attacks. The contrasting views have drawn significant public attention.
Still, sources close to the production suggest the situation may be less dramatic than it appears. One insider described the dynamic as more about differing life stages and personalities than any direct conflict, noting that their interactions on set remained professional.
While the speculation continues, Zegler’s latest comments highlight the broader challenges of navigating fame under intense scrutiny. For now, both actresses remain focused on their respective paths, even as questions about their working relationship linger.
