Rachel Zegler burst onto the scene as an adored YouTuber before making her silver screen debut in West Side Story. She was once seen as a fresh new face with talent and charm. But in a dramatic twist, Zegler has gone from being Hollywood’s sweetheart to one of the most divisive figures online.
So, how did this happen? What began as innocent social media interactions and passionate interviews spiraled into controversies that have placed her at the center of heated debates. Let’s unravel the series of events that catapulted Zegler from her once-sweet reputation to internet notoriety.
Rachel Zegler on Navigating Backlash and Controversy
Rachel Zegler’s YouTube days painted her as a relatable, down-to-earth performer who sang covers, shared stories, and connected with fans on a personal level. But as her acting career took off, she quickly learned that fame came with its own set of challenges. In a candid interview with Teen Vogue, she opened up about her rocky relationship with social media and the growing toxicity she faced.
Zegler admitted, “I feel like you become stripped of your humanity a bit because you are seen as a product or an object of people’s affection, hatred, obsession.” The internet which was once a platform where she built meaningful connections, had turned into a double-edged sword for her.
Despite the admiration she once received for her authenticity, the pressures of constant scrutiny from fans and critics alike began to take their toll. Zegler was quick to recognize that the internet had grown cruel and unforgiving, especially when it came to female celebrities.
Zegler’s refusal to conform to the polished, always-smiling celebrity image sparked debates about her attitude, with critics calling her ungrateful and self-centered. But for Zegler, maintaining her boundaries was essential: “The second it’s not worth what comes with it, I’m gone.”
Rachel Zegler: YouTube Sweetheart To Controversial Figure
In the wake of the Snow White reboot trailer release, Rachel Zegler found herself at the center of controversy due to her bold comments about the beloved classic. In one interview, Zegler openly criticized the 1937 Snow White, describing its storyline as “weird” and problematic, which sparked a backlash from fans who felt she was disrespecting a cherished Disney staple.
Additionally, her promotion of a more progressive Snow White led to accusations of the film being “too woke.” Some fans expressed disappointment over these changes, feeling that they strayed too far from the original narrative. Since then, Zegler’s upcoming Snow White has been a walking target for Disney amid reports of falling out with co-star Gal Gadot.
Zegler’s acceptance speech for Best Action Star further fueled the narrative surrounding her, as critics deemed her win undeserving. Many questioned the decision to overlook established action icons like Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise in favor of a newcomer, igniting discussions about the authenticity of award recognitions in Hollywood.
Rachel Zegler’s rise to fame is a testament to how quickly public opinion can shift in the digital age. Her experience sheds light on the complex relationship between celebrities and the internet. For Zegler, the same platforms that once helped her career take flight have also been instrumental in her fall from grace.
Snow White is slated to release on March 21, 2025, in the United States.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
