Rachel Zegler has finally addressed the intense criticism that followed her casting as Disney’s ‘Snow White‘, and the actress did not hide her confusion about the reaction. The 2025 live-action remake placed her at the center of an online debate, as critics questioned whether she was the “right” choice for the iconic fairy-tale character.
However, the announcement also triggered intense conversations online, turning what should have been a celebratory career milestone into a widespread public debate. In a recent interview, Zegler looked back on that turbulent period and spoke candidly about how the reactions affected her.
Rachel Zegler Calls ‘Snow White’ Casting Criticism “Really Confusing”
Zegler recently spoke to Harper’s Bazaar about the backlash that erupted after Disney cast her in the title role for the 2025 live-action remake of ‘Snow White‘. The actress explained that the reaction surrounding her casting left her genuinely puzzled. Much of the criticism was focused on Zegler’s Colombian heritage.
Related: How Disney’s Live-Action ‘Snow White’ Went From Being A Charming Fairytale To A Poisoned Affair
Some conservative commentators argued that the classic fairy-tale character should be portrayed by a white actress, which quickly turned the casting announcement into a heated online debate. Zegler pointed out that the criticism felt contradictory when she compared it to reactions she had faced earlier in her career. Her breakthrough role came in the 2021 film ‘West Side Story‘, where she played Maria.
During that time, some critics questioned her casting because her father was white. The actress addressed the contradiction directly and explained that people once claimed she was not “enough of one thing” to portray Maria, yet others later argued she was “too much of another” to play Snow White. That contrast made the entire situation difficult for her to understand, and she described the backlash as “really confusing.”
Zegler Refuses To Mold Her Identity For Public Comfort
Rachel Zegler also spoke about the pride she feels in her Colombian background and the traditions she grew up embracing. Her upbringing included Colombian food, cultural clothing, and everyday customs that remain important in her life today. The actress explained that those traditions formed an important part of who she is. Childhood memories of family culture continue to influence her identity as an adult.
In case you missed it: What Is Rachel Zegler’s ‘Snow White’ Controversy?
Zegler also noted that public discussions of identity can become complicated, especially for individuals with multiple cultural backgrounds. Society sometimes struggles to categorize people who carry multiple identities, particularly when they stand in the public spotlight.
Despite the criticism, Zegler made her perspective clear. She will not change herself simply to meet public expectations. And right now, the actress emphasized that she refuses to assimilate for anybody else’s comfort and remains proud of the heritage and experiences that define her.
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