On June 9, 2025, at 2:30 PM +07, a bombshell allegation has rocked Hollywood, with claims that Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old star of Disney’s troubled Snow White remake, disrespected a co-star by spitting on her during production. The accusation, which has yet to be substantiated, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and reignited debates about Zegler’s polarizing presence. Known for her breakout role in West Side Story and her embattled tenure as Snow White, Zegler now faces a new layer of scrutiny that could jeopardize her already fragile career. As the story unfolds, fans and critics are left questioning the truth behind the claims and the broader implications for her future in film.

The Allegation Surfaces

The controversy erupted when an anonymous source, claiming to be a crew member from the Snow White set, posted a detailed account on a popular entertainment forum. The post alleged that Zegler, frustrated during a tense scene, spat on her co-star—widely speculated to be Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen—before storming off set. The incident, said to have occurred during reshoots in 2023, was described as a culmination of ongoing tensions fueled by creative differences and Zegler’s reportedly difficult behavior. The source claimed the act was witnessed by several crew members, though no video evidence has surfaced to corroborate the story.

The timing of the leak, just weeks after Snow White’s disappointing theatrical release on March 21, 2025, and its subsequent pull from Disney+, has amplified its impact. The film, which cost $270 million to produce and an additional $111 million to market, grossed only $143.1 million globally, resulting in a staggering $115 million loss for Disney. This financial debacle, combined with Zegler’s history of controversial statements, has made the spitting allegation a lightning rod for criticism, with some seeing it as the final straw in her tumultuous rise and fall.

Context of a Troubled Production

The Snow White set was no stranger to drama. Reports from Variety and other outlets detailed a production plagued by reshoots, a fire on location, and a writers’ strike, all of which delayed the film from its original March 2024 release date. Zegler’s casting as a Latina Snow White sparked immediate backlash in 2021, with racist comments targeting her heritage, a challenge she addressed in a since-deleted Instagram post: “Yes I am Snow White, no I am not bleaching my skin for the role.” Her subsequent remarks at the 2022 D23 Expo, dismissing the original 1937 film as “extremely dated” and its prince as a “stalker,” further polarized audiences.

Tensions reportedly escalated with Gadot, whose Israeli background clashed with Zegler’s political stances, including her “Free Palestine” post in August 2024, which triggered death threats against Gadot and prompted Disney to hire additional security. Producer Marc Platt’s intervention, flying to New York to reprimand Zegler, and the studio’s decision to assign her a social media guru, underscore the strained dynamics. The spitting allegation, if true, could be seen as an extreme manifestation of these underlying conflicts, though skepticism persists given the lack of concrete evidence.

Industry and Fan Reactions

The entertainment community has reacted with a mix of shock and caution. On X, reactions range from disbelief—“Rachel spitting on Gal Gadot? This feels like a stretch”—to outrage—“If this is real, she’s done.” Some fans defend Zegler, arguing the claim might be a fabricated attack by detractors amid her Snow White struggles, while others point to her past controversies, including her anti-Trump posts and the Britney Spears video debacle, as evidence of a pattern of disrespect. Industry insiders suggest the allegation could deter future collaborations, with one anonymous executive telling a trade publication, “No one wants that kind of drama on set.”

Gadot has remained silent, a contrast to her low-profile approach during prior controversies. Zegler’s team has not commented, leaving the narrative open to speculation. The lack of an official response from Disney, which scaled back Snow White’s press tour and premiere, fuels theories that the studio might be distancing itself, though no termination has been confirmed. The incident echoes the firing of Gina Carano from The Mandalorian for less severe social media remarks, raising questions about Disney’s tolerance for its stars’ behavior.

Unpacking the Claim

Without video or firsthand accounts from Gadot or other cast members, the spitting allegation remains unverified. Critics of the narrative argue it could be a smear campaign, possibly by a disgruntled crew member or rival, exploiting Zegler’s vulnerability post-Snow White. Her history of candidness—admitting to mental health struggles after Ansel Elgort’s assault allegations and facing harassment for speaking Spanish—suggests she’s a target for exaggerated attacks. Conversely, supporters of the claim point to Jonah Platt’s public criticism of Zegler’s “narcissism” and Ariana DeBose’s deleted Instagram post echoing that sentiment, hinting at backstage friction.

The production’s chaotic environment, with long underwater shoots and strict costume demands, might have contributed to heightened emotions. Zegler’s own accounts of 48 hours of scuba training for a lake scene, as shared with Cosmopolitan, paint a picture of grueling conditions that could lead to outbursts. However, spitting on a co-star crosses a line that even the most stressful sets rarely breach, making the story’s credibility a focal point of debate.

Career Implications

Zegler’s career hangs in the balance. Her next project, Evita, set to debut at the London Palladium on June 14, 2025, was meant to showcase her theater roots, but the spitting allegation could dampen its reception. She Gets It From Me, an indie comedy with Marisa Tomei, offers another chance, though her mainstream appeal appears diminished. The Snow White flop, coupled with this scandal, has led some to predict a retreat from Hollywood, with X posts like “Her career’s over after this” gaining traction.

Yet, her talent remains undeniable. Her Golden Globe win and roles in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes ($349 million box office) highlight a skill set that could endure if she navigates this crisis. The industry’s long memory, however, might favor caution, with directors potentially wary of her reputation. Disney’s silence suggests a wait-and-see approach, possibly hoping the storm passes without further action.

Cultural and Industry Reflections

This incident reflects broader tensions in Hollywood. Zegler’s casting and modernization of Snow White—reimagining the dwarfs as CGI creatures and focusing on leadership over love—mirror a cultural shift toward diversity and empowerment, met with resistance from traditionalists. The accusation, whether true or not, amplifies the scrutiny faced by young actresses challenging norms, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Her experience with harassment, including people spitting on her for speaking Spanish, as she told Daily Mail, adds irony to the current claim, suggesting a possible retaliation narrative.

The lack of accountability for such allegations—without evidence—also highlights the industry’s reliance on gossip, a trend accelerated by social media. Disney’s handling of Zegler, from hiring a PR fixer to scaling back promotions, indicates a struggle to control narratives in an era where stars’ personal lives dominate headlines. This case could set a precedent for how studios manage controversial talent, balancing creative freedom with commercial viability.

What Lies Ahead?

As of now, Zegler’s response is pending, and the truth remains elusive. If the allegation holds, an apology and professional reckoning might be her only path forward, though her past apologies—such as for the Trump remarks—have had mixed success. If proven false, it could galvanize support, framing her as a victim of a smear campaign. Either way, the spotlight on Evita and her mental health, hinted at in her collapse after the Disney+ pullback, will be critical.

The spitting claim, whether fact or fiction, underscores the volatile nature of modern stardom. For Zegler, it’s a test of resilience against a backdrop of a faltering film and a divided fanbase. For Hollywood, it’s a reminder of the fine line between talent and turmoil. As the clock ticks past 2:30 PM +07, the world waits, poised to see if this scandal marks the end of Rachel Zegler’s fairy tale or the beginning of a comeback narrative.