Rachel Zegler, known for her leading role in the upcoming Snow White live-action remake, has reportedly had a rocky relationship with Disney for some time. Tensions reportedly began after the West Side Story Oscars invitation issue in 2022, where the young actress felt left out and publicly expressed her disappointment. Since then, things haven’t exactly smoothed over.
The Controversial Social Media Post
The situation took a more serious turn when Zegler posted a message on social media saying, “and always remember, free Palestine.” The post came in the same thread where she was promoting a teaser for Snow White. This mixture of political activism and movie promotion didn’t sit well with Disney executives, who were already concerned about her frequent and bold use of social media.
Marc Platt Steps In
Disney didn’t send Mickey Mouse to handle the problem, but they did send Marc Platt, the powerful producer behind Snow White and the Wicked musical franchise. According to a report from Variety, Platt flew to New York specifically to talk to Zegler about her post. This was seen as a serious move, showing just how concerned the studio was.
Zegler Holds Her Ground—At First
Despite Platt’s personal visit, the post remained online. Zegler continued to express her opinions openly. A few months later, she posted another strong message: “Fuck Donald Trump,” reacting to the outcome of the U.S. election. This again raised concerns within Disney.
A Change in Approach
Following the Trump-related post, Platt reportedly reached out to Zegler again to discuss her online behavior. It’s unclear if he flew out a second time or if the conversation happened remotely. However, this time, there was a noticeable shift. Zegler issued an apology, saying she let her emotions get the best of her. She also promised to use her platform in a more positive way moving forward.
Disney Brings in a Social Media Expert
After the apology, Disney reportedly took a more structured approach. They arranged for Zegler to work with a social media expert funded by the studio. This “guru” was tasked with reviewing and helping manage her posts ahead of the Snow White premiere to prevent further public relations issues.
A Disappointing Box Office Result
Despite all these efforts, Snow White’s box office performance fell short of expectations. The film opened to just $86 million globally, far below its massive $270 million budget. Critics and analysts suggest that the controversy, combined with other marketing missteps, may have affected the film’s reception.
Rachel Zegler’s bold voice on social media has sparked important conversations, but it also led to tension with one of the biggest media companies in the world. The reported intervention by Marc Platt shows how seriously Disney took the issue. Now, with Zegler working alongside social media advisors, only time will tell how her public image—and Disney’s investment—will move forward.
The Information is Collected from Yahoo and Variety.
