Rachel Zegler isn’t labeling herself as a victim.
In an interview with i-D Magazine released on Monday, June 23, Zegler stated that despite being largely held accountable for the box office disappointment of Disney’s live-action Snow White, it hasn’t greatly affected her.
She shared with the publication, “My psychiatrist has supported me throughout this period,” noting the importance of having someone reassure her, saying, “‘What you’re experiencing isn’t normal.'”
Reflecting on this sentiment, Zegler mentioned, “That statement had a significant impact on me in various aspects of my life. It was truly transformative because I was struggling to cope. I desired to navigate the world with a sense of assurance.”
Ahead of the film’s release, Zegler posted “and always remember, free palestine” on X amid Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza following the October 7 terrorist attacks, setting off a firestorm that prompted the movie’s producer to fly from L.A. to New York to ask her to delete the post, according to the producer’s son.
Since then, Zegler has crystallized her position on quite a few things. “My compassion has no boundaries, is really what it is, and my support for one cause does not denounce any others. That’s always been at the core of who I am as a person,” she told i-D. “It’s the way I was raised.”
Instead of shrinking from the world, the actress decided to do exactly the opposite.
“I think a victim mindset is a choice, and I don’t choose it,” she explained. “I also don’t choose nastiness in the face of it. I don’t choose negativity in the face of it. I choose positivity and light and happiness. And I do believe at times, happiness is absolutely a choice, and every day I wake up and I think I’m very lucky to live the life I live.”
Despite the controversy, both Zegler and her costar Gal Gadot (who is Israeli and served in the country’s military) attended the Snow White premiere without a hitch. Coverage of the premiere was limited to photographers and house crew at the event.
In addition to her political statement, Zegler was also the focus of backlash from people who felt as though she was miscast for the role because she is Latina. She also inspired criticism for calling the 1937 animated Disney film “dated” in a September 2022 interview with Variety after sharing her belief that the prince “literally stalks Snow White.”
Days later, fans noticed Zegler left Gadot out of her tribute to the movie. “This movie was a life-changing experience that has held about four years of my career,” Zegler, 23, wrote via Instagram back in March. “The growing up you do from the age of twenty (when I was cast) to twenty-three (the age I am now) cannot be accurately described, yet they exist here on film forever.”
Zegler and Gadot have not commented on their relationship or dynamic. “Gal is annoyed by the movie drama,” sources close to the pair told People in March. “She enjoyed filming. She was fine with Rachel but they are not friends. They have nothing in common… They did a job together and that’s it.”
