Rachel Zegler: I’d Have ‘Thrown My Phone in the Ocean’ Over Snow White Backlash | Latina Actress Speaks Out
Rachel Zegler, the actress who rose to prominence in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and is currently starring as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake, has spoken candidly about the intense backlash she faced following her casting and the impact it had on her mental wellbeing. In a new interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, Zegler revealed that, had she known the extent of the negativity, she would have “thrown my phone into the ocean.”
The controversy stemmed from Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, being cast in the role of a character traditionally depicted with a complexion “as white as snow.” The casting sparked debate on social media, with some questioning the representation and others defending Disney’s choice. Zegler, 24, acknowledged the criticism at the time, expressing gratitude for those who defended her although simultaneously requesting they refrain from tagging her in negative comments.
However, the interview reveals the deeper emotional toll the situation took. Zegler described a period of confusion and feeling caught between expectations. “I was told I wasn’t enough of one thing for West Side Story and too much of another for Snow White,” she explained. This experience, occurring during her early twenties, left her grappling with her identity and the pressures of navigating public perception.
Zegler powerfully articulated the challenges of existing as a multifaceted individual in the public eye. “I grew up proud of being Colombian…but I do think there’s an argument to be made that, in the public eye at least, when you’re two things, you’re simultaneously nothing,” she said. Despite this, she firmly stated her refusal to “assimilate for anybody else’s comfort.”
The threats to her safety, which she alluded to in the interview, were a significant factor in her distress. The intensity of the online harassment led her to contemplate disconnecting entirely. “If I’d been able to predict everything that would come my way…I would have just thrown my phone into the ocean. I think any sane person would have,” she stated.
Zegler also expressed a desire for more life experience before achieving such rapid fame. “I wish I’d had maybe five more years on me before all that happened – a little more of a frontal lobe,” she confessed, suggesting she felt unprepared for the scrutiny and pressure that came with her newfound success.
Beyond the Snow White controversy, Zegler’s career has continued to flourish. She starred in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a prequel to the Hunger Games franchise, and has been receiving support from established actresses like Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu, who she worked with on Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Zegler described having “long conversations” with Mirren and Liu about the challenges women face in the industry and the disappointments they’ve encountered.
Looking forward, Zegler is actively supporting the next generation of actresses of color. She shared that she reached out to Whitney Peak, who has been cast in the upcoming Hunger Games installment, Sunrise on the Reaping, offering her support and guidance. “I’ll be there with bells on to support them, to lift them up, to advise and to tell them what not to do,” Zegler said, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment in Hollywood.
Zegler’s talent extends beyond film. She recently made her West End debut in Tim Rice and Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s musical Evita, receiving critical acclaim for her performance as Eva Peron. She is also preparing to star in Jason Robert Brown’s production of The Last Five Years, a role she described as her “dream role” since she was 16.
The April issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK, featuring Zegler on the cover, is available as of . The interview offers a rare and honest glimpse into the pressures faced by young actresses navigating the complexities of fame and representation in a rapidly changing industry. Zegler’s willingness to speak openly about her experiences underscores the importance of protecting the mental health of performers and fostering a more supportive and understanding environment within Hollywood.