In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through Hollywood, Josh Andrés Rivera, the rising actor known for his roles in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, has publicly criticized his former girlfriend and co-star, Rachel Zegler. The statement, made during an emotional interview on August 10, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of speculation and debate among fans and industry insiders alike. Rivera’s biting words—“She is the venomous snake, she deceived me”—have cast a shadow over what was once considered one of Hollywood’s most charming love stories, leaving many to wonder what led to such a dramatic fallout.
A Once-Enviable Romance
Rachel Zegler and Josh Andrés Rivera’s relationship began in 2019 on the set of Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, where Zegler played the iconic Maria and Rivera portrayed Chino. Their chemistry, both on and off the screen, quickly blossomed into a real-life romance that captivated fans. By February 2022, Zegler confirmed their relationship with a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing selfies of the couple and declaring her love for Rivera. The pair became a fixture at red-carpet events, from the Academy Awards to the Grammys, and their mutual support was evident in interviews where they praised each other’s talent and groundedness.
Their professional collaboration continued with The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in 2023, where Zegler starred as Lucy Gray Baird and Rivera as Sejanus Plinth. In interviews, they spoke warmly of the comfort of working together, with Zegler telling People magazine, “Having a familiar face on any set is the biggest form of comfort.” Rivera echoed her sentiments, describing their time filming in a foreign country as “absolutely lovely.” Their relationship seemed to thrive on mutual respect and shared ambition, with Zegler crediting Rivera for keeping her grounded amid her rapid rise to fame.
However, by late 2024, cracks began to appear. Fans noticed that Zegler had edited several Instagram posts to remove images of Rivera, sparking breakup rumors. While the couple initially remained silent, a source confirmed to Us Weekly in July 2025 that they had “quietly split” in late 2024. The news came as a surprise to many, given their public displays of affection and Rivera’s supportive comments about Zegler’s Broadway debut in Romeo + Juliet as recently as October 2024. What remained unclear—until Rivera’s explosive statement—was the reason behind their breakup.
The Explosive Interview
On August 10, 2025, Rivera appeared on a popular entertainment podcast, where he was expected to discuss his latest project, the FX series American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez. Instead, the conversation took a deeply personal turn when the host asked about his experience navigating fame alongside Zegler. Rivera’s demeanor shifted, and his response was raw and unfiltered. “Rachel? She’s not who you think she is,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “She is the venomous snake, she deceived me. I trusted her, and she broke that trust in ways I can’t even begin to explain.”
The comment stunned the host and listeners, as Rivera had rarely spoken negatively about anyone in the industry, let alone his former partner. He declined to elaborate further, stating, “I don’t want to air all the dirty laundry, but let’s just say I learned the hard way who she really is.” The podcast clip quickly went viral, trending across social media platforms and prompting a flood of reactions from fans, ranging from shock and support to skepticism and criticism.
The Fallout and Public Reaction
Rivera’s accusation has divided fans and sparked intense speculation about what prompted such a strong statement. On social media, some rallied behind Rivera, praising his candor and expressing sympathy for what they perceived as a betrayal. “Josh deserves better. He’s always been so supportive of her,” one fan tweeted. Others speculated about the nature of Zegler’s alleged deception, with theories ranging from infidelity to professional jealousy. The timing of Rivera’s comments, coming shortly after Zegler was photographed kissing her Evita co-star Nathan Louis-Fernand at a Sabrina Carpenter concert in London, fueled rumors that her new relationship may have played a role in the breakup.
Conversely, Zegler’s supporters were quick to defend her, accusing Rivera of airing private grievances publicly to damage her reputation. “Calling her a ‘venomous snake’ is so uncalled for. If he’s hurt, handle it privately,” one fan wrote on Instagram. Others pointed out that Zegler had never spoken ill of Rivera, even after their split, and questioned the fairness of his attack. “Rachel’s been nothing but professional. This feels like a low blow,” another commented.
The controversy has also reignited discussions about Zegler’s public persona. The actress, known for her outspoken advocacy on social issues and her candid social media presence, has faced criticism in the past for comments about her Snow White role and other projects. Some detractors have labeled her as polarizing, while her fans admire her authenticity and willingness to stand up for her beliefs. Rivera’s statement has added fuel to this ongoing debate, with critics seizing the opportunity to question her character and supporters doubling down on their loyalty.
Zegler’s Response and New Romance
As of August 15, 2025, Zegler has not directly addressed Rivera’s comments. However, she posted a cryptic Instagram Story the day after the podcast aired, featuring a photo of herself on stage as Eva Perón in the West End revival of Evita, captioned, “Grateful for the truth in art.” Fans interpreted this as a subtle response, suggesting that Zegler is focusing on her work rather than engaging in a public feud. Her representative declined to comment on the matter, stating only that Zegler is “focused on her performances and upcoming projects.”
Zegler’s new relationship with Nathan Louis-Fernand, a backup dancer in Evita, has also drawn attention. The pair went Instagram official in July 2025, shortly after Zegler’s split from Rivera was confirmed. Their public appearances, including the widely publicized kiss at the Sabrina Carpenter concert, have painted a picture of a happy and carefree romance. However, some speculate that the timing of Zegler’s new relationship may have contributed to Rivera’s hurt and subsequent outburst.
The Impact on Their Careers
The public fallout comes at a pivotal time for both actors. Zegler, 24, is riding high on the success of Evita, which has earned critical acclaim for its innovative staging and her powerhouse performance. Her role as Snow White in Disney’s live-action adaptation, released in March 2025, has further solidified her status as a leading lady in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Rivera, 29, is gaining traction with his starring role as Aaron Hernandez in American Sports Story, set to premiere on FX in September 2025. His performance has already generated buzz for its intensity and depth, positioning him as an actor to watch.
However, Rivera’s decision to publicly criticize Zegler may have repercussions. Industry insiders suggest that his comments could alienate potential collaborators, as Hollywood tends to favor discretion in personal matters. “Josh is incredibly talented, but this kind of public airing of grievances can be a risky move,” one producer commented anonymously. “It might overshadow his work on American Sports Story.” For Zegler, the controversy could add to the scrutiny she already faces, but her supporters argue that her talent and work ethic will keep her career on an upward trajectory.
A Tale of Trust and Betrayal
The saga of Josh Andrés Rivera and Rachel Zegler is a stark reminder of the complexities of relationships in the public eye. What began as a fairy-tale romance born on the set of West Side Story has unraveled into a narrative of hurt and accusation. Rivera’s claim that Zegler deceived him has left fans searching for answers, while Zegler’s silence suggests a desire to rise above the drama. Whether the truth behind their breakup will ever come to light remains uncertain, but the incident has undoubtedly left a mark on both their personal lives and public personas.
For now, the spotlight remains on Zegler’s performances in Evita and Rivera’s upcoming projects, as both actors navigate the fallout of their broken romance. The entertainment world watches closely, wondering if this chapter will define them or become just another footnote in their burgeoning careers. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: in Hollywood, where love and ambition intertwine, even the most enchanting stories can take an unexpected turn.
