Rachel Zegler addressed the American audience in a heartfelt statement:
“Hatred and anger have driven us further away from peace and understanding. I apologize for contributing to the negative discourse. This has been an emotional week for many of us, but I firmly believe that everyone has the right to their own opinion, even if it differs from mine. I am committed to contributing positively to a better tomorrow.”
The 23-year-old artist has sparked a backlash and prompted calls for Disney to immediately remove her from the Snow White film scheduled to be released next year.
Last week, Rachel Zegler voiced her reaction to the 2024 U.S. Presidential election results, saying:
“I hope those who voted for Trump, and Trump himself, never find peace. Four more years of hatred, pushing us into a world I don’t want to live in. My heart breaks for my friends who woke up in fear this morning. And I stand with you—to cry, to scream, to embrace. To talk about how the left continues to fail us in paving a new path forward.”
The 2001-born actress further heightened the controversy by stating:
“This country has a severe illness, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of people supporting someone who threatens our democracy. It’s terrifying that so many align with what this man preaches.”
Rachel Zegler was criticized for not being like the original Snow White because she has dark skin, completely different from the description of “snow-white skin” in the fairy tale.
Zegler also targeted billionaire Elon Musk, one of Donald Trump’s prominent and generous campaign backers:
“Get off Elon’s app. I don’t use the app because he helped that man get elected, and you’re helping Elon’s business by staying on it.”
Rachel Zegler’s comments quickly went viral, sparking outrage among Trump voters, many of whom declared a boycott of her upcoming film. One user said:
“I won’t take my kids to see this garbage after Rachel Zegler’s statements. Disney, you need to do something about this.”
Others speculated that the film might fail at the box office and on streaming platforms. Some remarked:
“They should permanently shelve Snow White and keep her out of it. Rachel’s involvement with the company alienates millions and poisons the brand.”