In a candid new interview, Evita star Rachel Zegler opens up about Hollywood pressures, internet backlash, and her unapologetic stance on global humanitarian issues.
London, June 24 – Snow White and West Side Story star Rachel Zegler says she refuses to adopt a “victim mindset” despite years of intense online backlash and media scrutiny. In a bold new cover story for British magazine i-D, Zegler, currently earning rave reviews in London’s Evita, reflects on the weight of public judgment, her activism for Palestine, and the choice to live with “positivity and light” — even when navigating the brutal realities of fame.
Rachel Zegler, like many young rising stars in Hollywood, has become a frequent target of online hate. But the 23-year-old actress and singer says she’s made a conscious decision not to let the negativity define her.
“It’s interesting,” she said in an interview with i-D magazine about the commentary she receives online. “It’s really alarming at times.” Yet, Zegler makes it clear she won’t internalize the vitriol. “I think a victim mindset is a choice, and I don’t choose it,” she shared. “I don’t choose nastiness in the face of it. I choose positivity and light and happiness.”
Zegler is currently starring as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s West End revival of Evita — a role she’s tackled to glowing critical acclaim. But the success comes on the heels of years of scrutiny, especially following her casting as the lead in Disney’s upcoming Snow White adaptation. Critics, especially from right-wing social media circles, objected to her Latinx background, and the backlash intensified when Zegler described the 1937 original film as “dated,” noting that Prince Charming “literally stalks” Snow White — a comment that drew ire and has since been clarified by the actress.
After the Snow White remake underperformed at the box office, much of the criticism landed on Zegler, despite widespread reports of behind-the-scenes creative issues and lukewarm reviews.
But it wasn’t just her casting or opinions on classic Disney tales that drew attention. Zegler also faced backlash for her outspoken support for Palestine and Gaza, particularly during the film’s promotional run. Her public comments about the humanitarian crisis reportedly ruffled feathers at Disney, including with producer Marc Platt.
Still, Zegler stands firm. “My compassion has no boundaries,” she said. “My support for one cause does not denounce any others. That’s always been at the core of who I am. It’s the way I was raised.”
When asked whether she fears professional consequences for being vocal about political and humanitarian causes, Zegler responded with conviction:
“There are obviously things that are at stake by being outspoken, but nothing is worth innocent lives. My heart doesn’t have a fence around it, and if that is considered my downfall? There are worse things.”
Despite being at the center of controversy, Zegler’s star continues to rise. Her performances, particularly on stage, are earning wide praise, and her refusal to stay silent on issues she cares about signals a new kind of Hollywood voice — fearless, principled, and aware of the cost.