On June 30, 2025, Rachel Zegler, the young actress thrust into the spotlight with Disney’s controversial live-action Snow White remake, has reemerged in the public eye with a bold return to the stage in London’s West End production of Evita. However, her comeback is overshadowed by a storm of controversy, as reports suggest she is relying on medication to cope with the fallout from her recent cinematic misstep. Allegations that Zegler is deflecting responsibility for the film’s failure—blaming Disney, critics, and even fans—have ignited heated debates online and in the press. As the 24-year-old navigates this turbulent chapter, her narrative raises questions about accountability, mental health in Hollywood, and the pressures of modern stardom.
The Return to the Spotlight
Zegler’s return to performing came with her debut as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Evita at the London Palladium, which began previews on June 14, 2025. The role, a significant step up from her film work, showcases her vocal prowess and stage presence, earning early praise for her rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” Yet, her reentry into the public eye has been marred by discussions about her mental state, with reports suggesting she has turned to anti-anxiety medication and psychiatric support to manage the backlash from Snow White. This has fueled speculation about her resilience and readiness to reclaim her career.
The Evita production, running through September 6, positions Zegler as a leading lady in a musical that demands emotional depth and physical stamina. Her decision to take on the role follows a challenging period, with Snow White’s release in March 2025 marking a low point. The film, with a reported $270 million production budget, grossed just $205.6 million worldwide, earning it the dubious title of Disney’s biggest live-action remake flop in nearly a decade. Zegler’s return is seen by some as a strategic pivot to theater, where her stage roots—highlighted by her West Side Story breakthrough—might offer a safer haven.
The Medication Revelation
In recent interviews, Zegler has openly discussed her reliance on medication and therapy to navigate the Snow White backlash. Speaking to i-D Magazine earlier in June, she credited her psychiatrist with helping her through “a really alarming time,” describing anti-anxiety medication as “a game-changer” when she “wasn’t functioning.” This admission has sparked both sympathy and skepticism. Supporters argue it reflects a courageous stance on mental health, aligning with Hollywood’s growing openness about such issues, as seen with figures like Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber. Critics, however, question whether it’s a convenient excuse to avoid accountability for the film’s poor reception.
The backlash Zegler faced stemmed from multiple sources. Her pre-release comments in 2023, calling the original 1937 Snow White “weird” and outdated for its portrayal of gender dynamics, drew ire from Disney purists. Her vocal support for Palestine, notably a 2024 X post with “and always remember, free Palestine,” further polarized audiences, prompting Disney producer Marc Platt to intervene personally. The film’s casting of a non-white actress as Snow White also ignited racist backlash, compounded by co-star Gal Gadot’s Israeli background, which added political tension. Zegler’s admission of medication use suggests the cumulative toll was significant, though it has also opened her to accusations of fragility.
Blaming Others for the Failure
The most contentious aspect of Zegler’s narrative is the perception that she is shifting blame for Snow White’s failure. In her i-D interview, she hinted at external pressures, stating, “There are obviously things at stake by being outspoken, but nothing is worth innocent lives,” a reference to her Palestine stance. She also suggested the criticism was “not normal,” echoing her psychiatrist’s advice, which some interpret as deflecting responsibility onto detractors rather than acknowledging her role in the film’s marketing missteps.
Online sentiment, particularly on X, amplifies this view. Posts describe her as “blaming everyone but herself,” with users pointing to her refusal to remove the Palestine post despite Disney’s urging, a decision that reportedly alarmed executives. Critics argue her public persona—marked by comments against Trump voters and Hollywood “white executives”—alienated key demographics, contributing to the film’s $150 million loss (per Forbes estimates). Zegler’s defenders counter that Disney’s creative choices, including the film’s “woke” reimagining and the dwarfism community backlash over casting, share the blame, a view supported by Peter Dinklage’s 2022 critique.
Zegler has pushed back against a “victim mindset,” insisting she chooses “positivity and light.” Yet, her silence on specific production errors—like the reported $100 million advertising overspend—fuels the narrative that she avoids personal accountability. This contrasts with her West Side Story success, where she embraced the role’s challenges, suggesting a shift in how she handles adversity.
Public and Industry Reaction
The reaction has been polarized. Fans on X celebrate her Evita return, with comments like “Rachel’s voice is saving her career—meds or not!” Others criticize her, with one post stating, “She tanked Snow White and now hides behind therapy—own it!” Industry insiders offer mixed views. Andrew Lloyd Webber, involved with Evita, praised her talent, saying, “She’s bringing a fresh energy to the role,” while unnamed Disney sources told Variety they’re “relieved she’s moved on” but wary of future projects.
The medication disclosure has drawn scrutiny. Some see it as a brave admission, mirroring trends where stars like Selena Gomez advocate for mental health awareness. Others, however, label it a “crutch,” with posts on X mocking, “Heavily medicated and still blaming others—classic Hollywood.” This split reflects broader cultural debates about mental health versus personal responsibility, especially in high-stakes industries.
Context and Career Trajectory
Zegler’s journey from West Side Story’s Golden Globe win to Snow White’s flop traces a steep arc. Her early roles—Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes—showcased versatility, but none matched her debut’s acclaim. Snow White’s failure, coupled with her political stances, has led some to question her Hollywood viability, with reports suggesting a lull in film offers. Her Evita stint, however, signals a return to theater, where she might rebuild her reputation, especially with a potential Sound of Music role at Lincoln Center in talks.
The medication narrative ties into a 2025 trend of actors addressing mental health post-project failures, as seen with Zendaya’s comments after Dune: Part Two delays. Zegler’s case, however, is unique due to the self-inflicted nature of her backlash, raising questions about whether her outspokenness was a career miscalculation or a principled stand.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the fragility of celebrity in the digital age. Zegler’s experience underscores how social media can amplify criticism, turning a film’s flop into a personal crisis. It also challenges Disney’s casting and marketing strategies, with the Snow White loss prompting internal reviews of its live-action pipeline. For Zegler, the backlash could either derail her trajectory or, if Evita succeeds, reposition her as a theater titan.
The medication debate touches on Hollywood’s mental health culture. While it’s commendable to seek help, the public’s mixed response suggests a limit to sympathy when tied to perceived blame-shifting. This could influence how future stars navigate controversy, potentially leading to more guarded public personas.
Conspiracy Theories and Cultural Impact
Conspiracy theories abound, with some suggesting Disney leaked her medication use to shift focus from its own missteps. Others tie it to Evita’s promotional push, claiming the controversy boosts ticket sales. These ideas, while unproven, reflect skepticism about orchestrated narratives. Culturally, Zegler’s story resonates as a cautionary tale of fame’s double-edged sword, blending talent with the perils of political expression.
The Road Ahead
As of 02:30 PM +07 on June 30, 2025, Zegler continues Evita performances, with no official response to the backlash claims. The London Palladium reports strong attendance, suggesting the controversy may not hurt box office yet. Her next moves—whether embracing theater or returning to film—will shape her legacy. For now, her medicated return and blame-shifting accusations paint a complex portrait of a star fighting to reclaim her narrative.
