On May 5, 2025, the Met Gala—fashion’s most exclusive night—unfolded at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, but the event was overshadowed by a shocking rumor: Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old star of Disney’s live-action Snow White, was allegedly escorted out of the gala in a dramatic turn of events. The reported incident, which has sparked heated discussions across social media platforms like X, comes at a tumultuous time for Zegler, whose career has been marred by controversies surrounding her role in Snow White and her outspoken political views. While conflicting reports have muddied the narrative—some sources claim Zegler skipped the event entirely due to prior commitments—the rumor of her being kicked out has captivated the public, with the alleged reason being her violation of the Met Gala’s strict no-political-statements policy. As the story unfolds, it raises questions about Zegler’s future in Hollywood, the intersection of celebrity and activism, and the unforgiving nature of high-profile events like the Met Gala.
The Met Gala 2025: A Night of Glamour and Controversy
The 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was a celebration of Black dandyism through history, tied to the Costume Institute’s exhibit of the same name. Co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, and honorary chair LeBron James, the event promised a night of jaw-dropping fashion and cultural significance. The guest list, curated by Vogue editor Anna Wintour, included A-listers like Zendaya, Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Lizzo, and Mary J. Blige, alongside rising stars like college basketball sensation Paige Bueckers and models Amelia Gray and Ashley Graham. The dress code, “Tailored for You,” encouraged bespoke creations, making the red carpet a spectacle of haute couture.
However, the night took a dramatic turn when rumors surfaced that Rachel Zegler, who had reportedly received a coveted invite despite her recent controversies, was asked to leave the event. According to a YouTube video titled “Rachel Zegler KICKED OUT of Met Gala 2025 – You Won’t Believe Why!” published on May 6, 2025, Zegler was escorted out after making a political statement during the event, allegedly violating the Met Gala’s unwritten rule against such displays. While the video did not provide specific details about the nature of her statement, speculation on X suggests it may have been related to her previous pro-Palestine advocacy, which had already caused friction during the Snow White promotional tour. One user on X wrote, “Rachel Zegler got kicked out of the Met Gala for pulling another ‘free Palestine’ stunt—when will she learn?” However, this claim remains unverified, and other sources paint a different picture.
Conflicting Reports: Did Zegler Even Attend?
Despite the viral rumor, multiple credible sources report that Zegler did not attend the 2025 Met Gala at all. According to articles from Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Page Six, Zegler was invited but skipped the event due to rehearsals for her starring role in a West End revival of Evita, set to open on June 14, 2025, at the London Palladium. Her representative confirmed, “Rachel will be in rehearsals for Evita in London in May,” a statement echoed across several outlets. Zegler herself had expressed excitement about the role, telling Deadline, “Evita has been such an important musical to me since I was a little girl… The opportunity to bring Jamie Lloyd’s singular, visionary ideas to life onstage is an honor unlike any other.” Director Jamie Lloyd also praised her, noting that she was “going to blow the roof off the London Palladium.”
The conflicting narratives have fueled confusion. While some YouTube channels and posts on X claim Zegler was physically removed from the event, the more substantiated reports suggest she wasn’t even in New York City on May 5. This discrepancy highlights the dangers of misinformation in the digital age, particularly when it comes to high-profile celebrities like Zegler, who have been lightning rods for controversy. The rumor of her being kicked out may stem from her past political statements—particularly her August 2024 tweet, “and always remember, free Palestine,” which drew significant backlash during the Snow White promotional cycle—or it could be an exaggerated fabrication meant to capitalize on her polarizing public image.
Zegler’s Controversial History: A Catalyst for Drama
Whether Zegler attended the Met Gala or not, the rumor of her being kicked out is rooted in her history of controversial statements, which have made her a frequent target of online criticism. Zegler’s role in Snow White, released in March 2025, became a flashpoint for debate. Her casting as a Latina Snow White drew racist backlash from some fans, while her comments about the 1937 original—calling the romance plot “weird” and the prince a “stalker”—alienated others who felt she disrespected a beloved classic. The film’s progressive changes, such as replacing the Seven Dwarfs with CGI “magical creatures” and focusing on Snow White’s agency, were criticized as pandering, contributing to its dismal box office performance of $194.5 million against a $270 million budget.
Zegler’s political activism further intensified the backlash. Her pro-Palestine tweet led to death threats against her co-star Gal Gadot, who is Israeli, prompting Disney to hire additional security. Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Zegler’s Instagram post—“May Trump supporters… never know peace”—drew ire from conservative audiences, with some calling for a boycott of Snow White. The film’s failure, coupled with a Mother’s Day re-release that earned just $335,000 across 1,330 theaters, has been partly attributed to Zegler’s public statements, with producer Marc Platt’s son, Jonah Platt, publicly calling her “narcissistic” and blaming her for the flop.
Given this context, the rumor of Zegler being kicked out of the Met Gala for a political statement aligns with the narrative that has followed her for months. The Met Gala, while a celebration of fashion, is also a tightly controlled event under Anna Wintour’s direction, with a history of banning celebrities for violating its unspoken rules. For example, Donald Trump was indefinitely banned by Wintour, as she confirmed to James Corden in 2017, and other stars like Amy Schumer have faced scrutiny for their comments about the event. If Zegler did attend and made a political statement, it’s plausible that she could have faced consequences—though the lack of concrete evidence casts doubt on the rumor’s validity.
Public Reaction: A Divided Response
The rumor of Zegler’s removal from the Met Gala has elicited a divided response online. On X, some users expressed outrage, viewing her alleged actions as further proof of her inability to separate activism from her professional life. One user wrote, “Rachel Zegler getting kicked out of the Met Gala is what she deserves. She can’t keep her politics out of anything!” Others, however, defended her, arguing that the rumor was likely exaggerated or false. A supporter posted, “Rachel Zegler wasn’t even at the Met Gala—she’s in London for Evita. Stop spreading lies to tear her down!” The debate reflects the broader polarization surrounding Zegler, who has become a symbol of both progressive representation and perceived overreach in Hollywood.
Zegler’s supporters point to her talent and resilience, noting her Golden Globe win for West Side Story and her praised performances in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Broadway’s Romeo + Juliet. Critics, however, argue that her outspokenness has made her a liability, with some industry insiders reportedly labeling her “kryptonite” to major studios. Her recent $1 million donation to Covenant House, announced on May 14, 2025, was seen by some as a genuine act of goodwill, while others viewed it as a PR move to repair her image—a divide that mirrors the reaction to the Met Gala rumor.
Implications for Zegler’s Career and Beyond
The Met Gala rumor, whether true or not, underscores the challenges Zegler faces in her career. At 23, she has already experienced the highs of critical acclaim and the lows of public backlash. Her upcoming role in Evita offers a chance to return to her musical theater roots, potentially winning back audiences with a strong performance. She also has a comedy-drama, She Gets It From Me, lined up with Marisa Tomei, which could allow her to pivot to less controversial projects. However, the persistent controversies surrounding her—whether related to Snow White, her political views, or now the Met Gala—threaten to overshadow her talent.
For Disney, the Snow White saga continues to be a cautionary tale. The film’s failure, exacerbated by Zegler’s controversies, has prompted the studio to rethink its live-action remake strategy, with reports of a pause on projects like a Tangled remake. The Met Gala rumor, if true, could further damage the film’s streaming prospects on Disney+, where it struggles to overcome its poor critical reception (40% on Rotten Tomatoes) and review-bombed IMDb rating (1.6/10).
The incident also highlights the broader tension between celebrity activism and public expectations. In an era where social media amplifies every statement, stars like Zegler face immense pressure to either conform or risk alienating audiences. The Met Gala, as a microcosm of celebrity culture, enforces strict norms to maintain its prestige, but such rules can stifle authentic expression—a dilemma that Zegler, with her unapologetic authenticity, continues to grapple with.
Conclusion
The rumor of Rachel Zegler being kicked out of the 2025 Met Gala for allegedly making a political statement has captivated the public, but conflicting reports suggest she may not have attended at all, as she was in London rehearsing for Evita. Whether true or fabricated, the story reflects the ongoing scrutiny Zegler faces in the wake of Snow White’s box office disaster and her polarizing political views. At 23, Zegler remains a talented actress with a promising future, but her journey illustrates the high stakes of fame in the digital age. As she prepares for her next chapter, the Met Gala rumor—believable or not—serves as a reminder of the fine line celebrities must walk between authenticity and the expectations of an unforgiving public.
