A Leaked Video Ignites Controversy

The leaked footage, which has been widely shared across platforms like YouTube and X, purportedly captures a heated moment during the final rehearsal of Evita at the London Palladium. In the grainy clip, a woman resembling Zegler is seen in a heated exchange with an unidentified figure, believed to be director Jamie Lloyd, before allegedly throwing a prop—speculated to be a chair or a small set piece—across the stage in frustration. The video shows the actress storming off, with security personnel reportedly stepping in to escort her out of the rehearsal space. The footage ends with muffled shouting and a stunned silence from the cast and crew, leaving viewers to speculate about the events leading up to the outburst.

This incident comes on the heels of weeks of rumors about Zegler’s behavior during Evita rehearsals. Sources had previously alleged that the actress clashed with Lloyd and other cast members, creating a “toxic” environment. Earlier reports claimed that Zegler had been forcibly removed from rehearsals on multiple occasions. While those reports lacked official confirmation, the latest leaked video appears to provide visual evidence of the escalating tensions, with the prop-throwing incident serving as a climactic moment in what has been described as a “diva meltdown.”

Zegler’s Removal from Evita: A Tumultuous Exit

The leaked video aligns with reports that Zegler has been officially removed from the Evita production, a decision that was rumored to have been finalized shortly before the footage surfaced. The revival was set to be a significant milestone for Zegler, marking her West End debut in the iconic role of Eva Perón. The production, scheduled to run from June 14 to September 6, 2025, with an official opening on July 1, had generated significant buzz, with close to $4 million in ticket sales before Zegler’s casting was even announced.

Zegler’s exit from Evita follows a pattern of challenges that have plagued her involvement in the project. Reports of unprofessional behavior began circulating in early May 2025, with sources alleging that she walked off the set during rehearsals and clashed with Lloyd over creative differences. These claims painted a picture of a rehearsal process fraught with tension, culminating in the prop-throwing incident captured in the latest video.

The fallout has been swift. On May 19, 2025, reports indicated that Bella Brown, previously cast as The Mistress and Alternate Eva, had taken over the lead role. Brown, who was scheduled to perform as Eva on specific dates (July 14, July 28, August 11, and August 25, 2025), now steps into the spotlight full-time, a move that has been met with cautious optimism from theater fans, though some remain skeptical due to her lack of high-profile experience.

A Career in Crisis: Zegler’s Struggles Mount

Zegler’s removal from Evita marks a significant low point in what has been a turbulent year for the young actress. Her role in Disney’s live-action Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, was met with critical and commercial disappointment, earning a 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing just $43 million in its opening weekend against a $270 million budget. The film’s failure was compounded by Zegler’s controversial public statements, including her criticism of the 1937 animated Snow White as “dated” and her political activism, particularly her support for the Palestinian cause, which led to tension with co-star Gal Gadot and prompted Disney to hire additional security following death threats.

Zegler’s outspokenness has also drawn backlash from conservative audiences, especially after her November 2024 Instagram post wishing that “Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace,” though she later apologized. Her reaction to a South Park episode titled “The Ultimate Roast,” which aired on April 25, 2025, and mocked her Snow White role, further highlighted her struggles with public criticism. Reports indicated that Zegler was left in tears by the satire, with some alleging she threatened legal action to have the episode banned, though no lawsuit has been confirmed.

The Evita drama has only intensified the scrutiny on Zegler, with some in the industry reportedly distancing themselves from her. Zegler has attempted to address the situation, suggesting that she attributed her behavior to a challenging work environment. However, the leaked video of her throwing a prop has undermined this narrative, with many viewing it as evidence of a lack of professionalism rather than a response to external pressures.

Public Reaction: A Divided Audience

The public reaction to the leaked video and Zegler’s removal from Evita has been deeply polarized, reflecting the broader cultural debates surrounding her career. On social media platforms like X, some users have expressed sympathy for Zegler, arguing that the pressures of fame and the demanding role of Eva Perón may have contributed to her outburst. Others, however, have been less forgiving, with posts on X blasting her as a “diva” who lacks the maturity to handle high-stakes productions.

Theater fans have also weighed in, with some expressing concern for the production’s future. The Evita revival had initially struggled with ticket sales despite high expectations. While Bella Brown’s promotion to the lead role offers a chance to refocus attention on the show, the shadow of Zegler’s exit looms large, with some fans worried that the controversy will overshadow the production’s debut.

A Broader Reflection: The Cost of Fame

Zegler’s meltdown during the final Evita rehearsal raises broader questions about the pressures faced by young stars in the entertainment industry, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. As a Latina actress, Zegler has been a target of racist backlash since her casting in Snow White, with some fans criticizing her heritage for a character traditionally depicted as “white as snow.” The Evita controversy also highlights the challenges of balancing personal activism with professional responsibilities. Zegler’s political statements, while resonating with some fans, have alienated others, creating a polarized perception of her public image. Her emotional reactions to criticism—whether from South Park, the Snow White backlash, or the Evita fallout—suggest a young actress grappling with the weight of fame, a struggle that has been compounded by the intense demands of a role like Eva Perón, which requires both vocal prowess and emotional depth.

For Zegler, the road ahead involves rebuilding her reputation. Upcoming projects like a CBeebies Bedtime Story appearance offer a chance to reconnect with audiences in a less contentious space, but the leaked video of her throwing a prop during the Evita rehearsal will likely linger in the public consciousness, serving as a reminder of the challenges she faces in navigating her career.

The Future of Evita: A New Beginning?

As of May 23, 2025, the Evita production is moving forward with Bella Brown in the lead role, with the team likely hoping to shift focus to the show’s artistic merits rather than the behind-the-scenes drama. The production, which promises to be a reimagined take on the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, has the potential to reclaim its narrative with a fresh lead, but the controversy surrounding Zegler’s exit may continue to cast a shadow over its debut.

The leaked video of Rachel Zegler’s alleged prop-throwing meltdown during the final Evita rehearsal has become a defining moment in her career, encapsulating the highs and lows of her rapid rise to fame. Whether this incident marks a turning point for Zegler or a mere stumble in her journey remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in the unforgiving spotlight of Hollywood and the West End, every action—on and off the stage—can have lasting consequences.