Introduction

In a dramatic escalation of Rachel Zegler’s already turbulent 2025, a leaked audio clip has thrust the 24-year-old actress into the center of yet another controversy, drawing sharp criticism from podcast host Joe Rogan. The audio, which surfaced recently on social media platforms, allegedly captures Zegler making inflammatory remarks about her experience working on Disney’s Snow White remake and her views on the entertainment industry. Rogan, known for his no-holds-barred commentary on The Joe Rogan Experience, wasted no time addressing the leak, slamming Zegler for what he called “self-destructive behavior” and questioning her professionalism. This article explores the origins of the leaked audio, Rogan’s reaction, the broader context of Zegler’s career challenges, and the potential fallout from this latest scandal.

The Leaked Audio: What Was Said?

The leaked audio, which began circulating on X and other platforms in mid-May 2025, reportedly features Zegler in a private conversation, though the exact context and authenticity of the recording remain unverified. Posts on X, including one from user @PopCultureVibe, claim the audio captures Zegler expressing frustration with Disney executives, criticizing the Snow White production process, and making disparaging remarks about certain co-stars, including Gal Gadot. Specific quotes attributed to Zegler include calling the studio’s handling of the film “a mess” and describing promotional efforts as “pandering to woke nonsense.” However, without official confirmation, these claims should be treated as speculative.

The audio’s release has reignited debates about Zegler’s public persona, particularly her tendency to speak candidly on controversial topics. While some fans defend her as being authentic and unafraid to call out industry shortcomings, others argue that her comments demonstrate a lack of professionalism, especially given the high stakes of a $270 million Disney project. The leak’s timing is particularly damaging, coming on the heels of Zegler’s legal dispute with the Evita production team, which was reported just days ago and centers on allegations of a breach of contract.

Joe Rogan’s Reaction: A Scathing Critique

Joe Rogan addressed the leaked audio on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, where he did not mince words. According to a post on X by @joeroganhq on May 20, 2025, Rogan described Zegler as “her own worst enemy,” arguing that her outspokenness has repeatedly undermined her career. “You’re 23, you’re in a massive Disney movie, and you’re out here trashing it in private? Then it leaks, and you’re surprised?” Rogan reportedly said, emphasizing that young actors need to “play the game” to succeed in Hollywood.

Rogan’s comments echo his earlier critiques of Zegler’s handling of the Snow White press tour. In April 2025, he suggested that Disney should have “trained” Zegler better to avoid political statements, such as her pro-Palestine post in August 2024, which sparked significant backlash. He also called for an investigation by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) into Snow White’s $250 million budget, arguing that the film’s failure—grossing only $69 million domestically—was partly due to Zegler’s polarizing presence. In the context of the leaked audio, Rogan doubled down, questioning why Zegler “keeps digging her own grave” with comments that alienate audiences and industry insiders alike.

However, Rogan’s guest, comedian Tom Metzger, offered a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that while Zegler’s behavior may be problematic, the industry’s tendency to scapegoat her is unfair. “She’s young, she’s passionate, but she didn’t write the script or blow the budget,” Metzger noted, pointing out that Disney’s creative decisions, such as altering Snow White’s traditional love story, contributed to the film’s poor reception.

Zegler’s 2025: A Year of Controversy

The leaked audio is just the latest chapter in what has been a tumultuous year for Zegler. Her starring role in Disney’s Snow White, released in March 2025, was marred by controversy from the outset. Zegler’s 2022 comments at Disney’s D23 Expo, where she called the original 1937 Snow White “dated” and criticized its portrayal of the titular character, resurfaced in 2023 and fueled online backlash. Her subsequent social media activity, including a post combining Snow White promotion with the statement “and always remember, free Palestine,” drew accusations of politicizing the film and reportedly led to death threats against co-star Gal Gadot, who is Israeli.

Disney’s response was swift but insufficient to quell the controversy. Producer Marc Platt met with Zegler in New York to address her social media posts, and the studio hired a social media strategist to guide her public statements. Yet, Zegler’s post-election Instagram outburst in November 2024, where she wrote “Fuck Donald Trump” and wished ill on his supporters, further alienated a portion of Snow White’s potential audience, contributing to its $115 million box office loss.

Zegler’s move to the West End, where she is set to star as Eva Perón in a revival of Evita from June to September 2025, was intended to be a fresh start. However, reports of a legal dispute with the Evita production team, possibly over contractual obligations or creative differences, have compounded her challenges. The leaked audio now threatens to overshadow her theatrical debut, raising questions about her ability to navigate the industry’s complexities.

The Broader Context: Industry Dynamics and Public Perception

The controversy surrounding Zegler highlights broader tensions within Hollywood, particularly around the expectations placed on young actors from underrepresented backgrounds. Film critic Kelechi Ehenulo has described Zegler, who is Latina, as a “victim of culture wars,” noting that actors of color often face disproportionate scrutiny for their opinions. Zegler’s meteoric rise—from a high school student cast in West Side Story to a leading lady in major productions—has made her a lightning rod for both admiration and criticism. Her defenders argue that her authenticity and willingness to challenge industry norms are strengths, while detractors, including Rogan, view her as unprepared for the spotlight.

The leaked audio also raises questions about privacy and accountability in the digital age. If authentic, the recording suggests that Zegler’s private frustrations mirrored her public critiques, potentially undermining her credibility with studios and audiences. However, the lack of context and the possibility of selective editing underscore the need for caution in interpreting such leaks. As Variety noted in its coverage of the Snow White fiasco, Zegler’s career has been shaped by a “perfect storm” of social media scrutiny, studio mismanagement, and cultural polarization.

Potential Fallout: Zegler’s Career and Industry Impact

The immediate fallout from the leaked audio is already evident. Posts on X indicate that Zegler’s reputation has taken another hit, with hashtags like #RachelZeglerCancelled trending briefly on May 22, 2025. Industry insiders, quoted anonymously in The Hollywood Reporter, suggest that Zegler’s prospects for major film roles may be limited in the short term, particularly after reports in early May 2025 labeled her “unhireable” due to Evita’s lukewarm ticket sales. While these claims may be overstated, the leaked audio could further erode her standing with studios wary of her controversial image.

For Evita, the timing of the scandal is particularly problematic. With the production set to open in less than a month, negative publicity could dampen audience enthusiasm, especially given existing concerns about ticket sales. Director Jamie Lloyd and producers Michael Harrison and Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals face pressure to address the controversy, either by standing by Zegler or distancing the production from her personal scandals.

Rogan’s involvement adds another layer of complexity. His massive platform, with millions of listeners, amplifies the controversy, potentially shaping public perception of Zegler in ways that are difficult to counter. While Rogan’s critiques are not new—he has previously criticized Zegler’s political statements—his focus on the leaked audio frames her as reckless, a narrative that could stick unless Zegler or her team responds effectively.

What’s Next for Zegler?

As of May 26, 2025, neither Zegler nor her representatives have issued an official statement regarding the leaked audio. Her social media accounts have been notably quiet since the leak surfaced, a departure from her usual engagement with fans and critics alike. This silence may be strategic, allowing her team to assess the situation and craft a response that addresses the allegations without further inflaming tensions.

Zegler’s next steps will be critical. A successful run in Evita could help restore her reputation, showcasing her undeniable talent and commitment to her craft. However, resolving the legal dispute with the Evita team and mitigating the fallout from the leaked audio will require careful navigation. Engaging a crisis PR team, as some industry observers have suggested, could help Zegler rebuild her image and focus on her artistic contributions rather than her controversies.

Conclusion: A Star at a Crossroads

Rachel Zegler’s 2025 has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and the leaked audio controversy, coupled with Joe Rogan’s scathing critique, marks a new low point. The audio, whether authentic or manipulated, has reignited debates about Zegler’s professionalism, her role in Snow White’s failure, and her future in Hollywood. While Rogan’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among her critics, they also oversimplify a complex situation, ignoring the systemic pressures and cultural dynamics at play.

As Zegler prepares to take the stage in Evita, she faces a pivotal moment. Her ability to weather this storm, address the allegations, and deliver a standout performance could determine whether she emerges as a resilient talent or remains mired in controversy. For now, the entertainment world watches closely, waiting to see how this young star navigates the latest chapter in her extraordinary—and extraordinarily challenging—career.