Disney’s Snow White premiere in Los Angeles was meant to be a celebration of the highly anticipated live-action remake, but the spotlight quickly shifted to the political controversies surrounding its two leading stars. Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, who portray Snow White and the Evil Queen, have found themselves at the center of heated debates over their opposing views on Israel and Palestine.
Gal Gadot’s Pro-Israel Advocacy Sparks Boycotts
Gadot, an Israeli actress and former IDF soldier, has been an outspoken supporter of Israel, particularly in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks. She has repeatedly defended Israel’s military actions and has used her platform to express unwavering support for her home country.
Rachel Zegler’s ‘Free Palestine’ Posts Resurface
On the other hand, Rachel Zegler has expressed support for the Palestinian cause in the past. Old social media posts have resurfaced in which she used phrases like “Free Palestine”, aligning herself with pro-Palestinian activism. While she has not directly commented on the recent escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict, her past statements have led to backlash from pro-Israel supporters, some of whom are now criticizing her role in Snow White.
Adding to the controversy, Zegler’s past political remarks have also come under renewed scrutiny. After Donald Trump’s 2016 election victory, she posted:
"May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace."
She later added: "There is a deep, deep sickness in this country."
Although she eventually apologized for her comments, the resurfacing of these posts has reignited criticism from conservative audiences, further dividing potential viewers of the film.
Disney’s Attempt to Avoid Controversy
Aware of the political tensions surrounding its stars, Disney opted for a low-profile Snow White premiere, limiting press access and avoiding traditional red carpet interviews. Instead, Zegler and Gadot appeared in high spirits, posing for photos and interacting with fans. Inside the theater, both actresses received applause during their on-screen appearances, suggesting that at least some audiences remain focused on the film itself.
However, with Snow White set for release on March 21, the controversies surrounding Zegler and Gadot may impact its box office performance. While Disney has tried to steer clear of political debates, the opposing views of its lead actresses have placed Snow White at the center of a larger cultural and geopolitical conversation.
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Source: Hollywood Reporter
Photo Credit: Disney
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