Introduction

The animated television series Family Guy, known for its irreverent humor and penchant for skewering pop culture, has once again set its sights on actress Rachel Zegler. The 23-year-old star, who rose to prominence with her role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021) and later faced significant backlash for her involvement in Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, has become a recurring target of the show’s sharp-witted writers. In a recent episode, the Family Guy team took another jab at Zegler, prompting a mix of laughter, criticism, and debate across social media and entertainment circles. The show’s creator, Seth MacFarlane, and its writing team have defended their approach, stating, “We’re just telling jokes, that’s all.” This article explores the context of Family Guy’s latest mockery of Zegler, the broader implications of their humor, and the ongoing cultural conversation surrounding the actress.

The Backdrop: Rachel Zegler and the Snow White Controversy

Rachel Zegler’s meteoric rise in Hollywood began with her breakout role as Maria in West Side Story, earning her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. However, her casting as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake, released in March 2025, sparked a firestorm of controversy. Critics and fans alike took issue with Zegler’s comments about the 1937 animated classic, where she described the original prince as “a guy who literally stalks her” and emphasized that the remake would focus on Snow White’s “inner journey” rather than her romantic storyline. These remarks, made in 2022, were perceived by some as dismissive of the original film’s legacy, leading to accusations that Zegler was pushing a “woke” agenda.

The backlash intensified when Zegler posted politically charged messages on social media, including a call for a “free Palestine” and strong anti-Trump sentiments following the 2024 U.S. presidential election. These posts alienated a portion of Disney’s audience, with some blaming her for the film’s poor box office performance. The Snow White remake, which also starred Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, was criticized as “lazily conceived” and a “box office flop,” grossing significantly less than expected despite its $270 million budget. Zegler’s outspoken nature and the film’s failure made her a lightning rod for criticism, setting the stage for Family Guy’s satirical commentary.

Family Guy’s Latest Jab

In a recent episode of Family Guy, aired in May 2025, the writers included a pointed reference to Zegler’s Snow White controversy. The gag featured a character mocking a fictional actress who “tanks a Disney movie by mouthing off about how outdated the original is.” While Zegler’s name was not explicitly mentioned, the context was unmistakable, with the character’s dialogue echoing Zegler’s real-life comments about the 1937 Snow White. The scene culminated in a classic Family Guy cutaway gag, showing the actress being “canceled” by an exaggerated mob of animated Disney fans wielding pitchforks and torches.

This is not the first time Family Guy has targeted Zegler. Earlier in 2025, Seth MacFarlane, the show’s creator, took a swipe at the Snow White remake during NBCUniversal’s Upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall. MacFarlane quipped that the film’s failure was due to “a star who couldn’t stop tweeting her way into trouble,” a clear nod to Zegler’s social media controversies. The latest episode’s joke builds on this pattern, cementing Zegler as a recurring punchline in the show’s repertoire.

In response to criticism of the latest jab, a Family Guy writer, speaking anonymously to Variety, defended the humor, stating, “We’re just telling jokes, that’s all. Our job is to poke fun at what’s out there in the zeitgeist, and Rachel Zegler’s Snow White drama is low-hanging fruit.” The writer emphasized that the show’s humor is meant to be equal-opportunity, targeting celebrities, politicians, and cultural trends without malice.

The Family Guy Approach to Satire

Family Guy has long thrived on its boundary-pushing humor, often lampooning celebrities and public figures with exaggerated, irreverent gags. From Kanye West to Taylor Swift, no one is off-limits. The show’s writers pride themselves on their ability to capture the absurdity of modern culture, often using hyperbole to highlight real-world controversies. In Zegler’s case, the writers appear to have latched onto her polarizing public persona, particularly her vocal political stances and the Snow White backlash, as fodder for their comedy.

Critics of the show argue that its humor can cross into cruelty, especially when targeting young stars like Zegler, who has faced significant online harassment. Supporters, however, contend that Family Guy’s brand of satire is meant to provoke thought and laughter, not to inflict harm. “If you’re in the public eye, you’re fair game,” said a fan on X, echoing the sentiment of many who see the show’s jabs as harmless entertainment.

Rachel Zegler’s Response and Public Reaction

Zegler has not directly addressed the latest Family Guy episode, but she has previously responded to criticism with resilience. In a March 2025 interview with Allure, she spoke about the challenges of being a Latina actress in Hollywood, noting that she had to “prove” her cultural identity to studio executives during the West Side Story casting process. She has also clapped back at detractors on social media, defending her casting as Snow White and her right to express her political views. In one now-deleted tweet, Zegler wrote, “Yes, I am Snow White, and no, I am not bleaching my skin for the role,” addressing racist backlash about her Colombian heritage.

Public reaction to Family Guy’s mockery has been polarized. On platforms like X, some users have celebrated the show’s willingness to “call out” Zegler’s perceived missteps, with one post stating, “Family Guy just said what we’re all thinking—Rachel Zegler needs to chill with the hot takes.” Others, however, have rushed to her defense, arguing that the show’s jokes contribute to the unfair demonization of a young actress. “Rachel Zegler is 23 and navigating an industry that chews up talent. Piling on with cheap shots isn’t funny—it’s lazy,” wrote a supporter on X. Film critic Kelechi Ehenulo described Zegler as a victim of “culture wars,” noting that actors from underrepresented backgrounds often face disproportionate scrutiny.

The Broader Implications

The Family Guy jokes about Zegler raise questions about the role of satire in an era of heightened sensitivity and polarized discourse. Comedy has always walked a fine line between critique and cruelty, and Family Guy’s approach—unapologetic and often abrasive—can amplify existing tensions. Zegler’s case is particularly complex, as her controversies stem not only from her professional choices but also from her identity and political activism. Her vocal support for causes like Palestinian rights and her criticism of political figures have made her a target for those who view her as emblematic of Hollywood’s “woke” turn.

Moreover, the Snow White backlash highlights deeper issues within the entertainment industry, particularly around representation and the expectations placed on young stars. Zegler, as a Latina actress playing a traditionally white character, faced racist criticism from the outset, with some questioning her suitability for the role based on her heritage. Her attempts to address this criticism head-on, while admirable, have often fueled further controversy, creating a cycle of scrutiny that Family Guy has capitalized on.

The Defense of Satire

Seth MacFarlane and the Family Guy team have long maintained that their humor is meant to be taken lightly. In a 2023 interview, MacFarlane described the show as a “pressure valve” for societal frustrations, arguing that comedy should challenge norms without being overly serious. The writers’ defense of their Zegler jokes aligns with this philosophy, positioning the gags as a reflection of public sentiment rather than a personal attack. However, this stance overlooks the real-world impact of such humor, particularly when it targets someone already under intense public scrutiny.

Zegler’s experience is not unique. Other young actresses, like Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid) and Zendaya (Spider-Man), have faced similar backlash for their roles in high-profile projects, often tied to their race or public statements. Family Guy’s decision to single out Zegler risks reinforcing a narrative that paints her as a divisive figure, potentially overshadowing her talent and contributions to film.

Conclusion

Family Guy’s continued mockery of Rachel Zegler reflects the show’s longstanding tradition of biting satire, but it also underscores the challenges of navigating comedy in a polarized cultural landscape. Zegler, a talented young actress with a promising career, has become a focal point for debates about representation, free speech, and the pitfalls of fame. While the Family Guy writers insist they’re “just telling jokes,” their humor carries weight, amplifying existing controversies and shaping public perception.

As Zegler moves forward, with projects like a cover of Shrek the Musical’s “Who I’d Be” and a role as Eva Perón in Evita, she continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of criticism. Whether Family Guy’s jabs will fade into the background or remain a recurring theme remains to be seen, but for now, they serve as a reminder of the fine line between satire and scrutiny in the age of social media outrage. Ultimately, the question is not just whether the jokes are funny, but whether they contribute to a culture that punishes young stars for speaking their truth.