Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old actress thrust into the spotlight with West Side Story and later embroiled in controversy with Disney’s Snow White, has found herself at the center of a new scandal. Reports of a dramatic collapse during rehearsals for the West End production of Evita have surfaced, sparking rumors of a Hollywood ban that could derail her rising career. As the actress battles physical and professional setbacks, the incident raises questions about the pressures of fame, her polarizing persona, and whether the industry is turning its back on her.

The Evita Breakdown

Zegler was set to make her West End debut as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Evita, scheduled to run from June 14 to September 6, 2025, at the London Palladium. The role, featuring iconic songs like “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” was seen as a chance to reclaim her footing after the Snow White box office flop. However, whispers of trouble began circulating in May 2025, with accounts of a heated rehearsal environment and Zegler’s alleged disruptive behavior.

The alleged collapse occurred during a grueling rehearsal session, reportedly on May 15, 2025. Sources claim Zegler, exhausted from the demanding role and ongoing public scrutiny, fainted on stage, requiring medical attention. Videos purportedly showing security escorting her offstage have fueled speculation, though no official footage has been verified. Some suggest the incident was a physical manifestation of stress, while others speculate it was a staged attempt to garner sympathy amid growing tensions with the cast.

The Evita production has struggled with ticket sales, with reports indicating rows of unsold seats despite prices starting at £29.50. This financial strain, combined with Zegler’s reported absences—scheduled for July 14 and other dates—has led to claims of a “diva meltdown.” Insiders allege she clashed with director Jamie Lloyd and cast members, with some accusing her of unprofessional conduct. Whether the collapse was genuine or exaggerated, it has intensified the drama surrounding her latest project.

Hollywood’s Alleged Ban

The collapse has coincided with rumors of a Hollywood blacklist. Sources suggest studios are distancing themselves from Zegler, labeling her “untouchable” due to her history of controversial statements and the Snow White debacle. Her remarks about the original Snow White being “dated” and her political posts—such as wishing “no peace” for Trump supporters after the 2024 election—have alienated segments of her audience. The Snow White film, released March 21, 2025, grossed just $205 million against a $269 million budget, with some blaming her for its failure.

The Evita fallout appears to have sealed her fate. Reports from early May 2025 claim studios and brands are quietly dropping her, with one insider stating she “doesn’t know when to shut up.” The poor ticket sales, coupled with alleged cast revolts, have led to speculation that Lloyd may have fired her, though no official confirmation exists. If true, this would mark a stunning fall for an actress once hailed as a future star.

Zegler’s supporters argue the ban is exaggerated, pointing to her continued professional engagements, like her Broadway Romeo and Juliet run in 2024. However, the lack of upcoming film projects and the Evita struggles suggest a cooling interest. Disney’s reported hiring of a “social media guru” to monitor her posts during Snow White hints at an industry wary of her unpredictability.

The Weight of Controversy

Zegler’s career has been a rollercoaster since her 2021 West Side Story debut. Her Golden Globe win showcased her talent, but her unfiltered nature has drawn ire. Her casting as Snow White, a Latina in a traditionally “white” role, sparked debates about representation, while her comments on the film’s love story being “weird” and her political stances fueled boycotts. The tension with co-star Gal Gadot, exacerbated by their differing views, added to the narrative of a divided set.

The Evita collapse fits into this pattern of scrutiny. Some see it as a cry for help from an actress overwhelmed by pressure, while critics view it as another example of her instability. Her past, including moving from her apartment in 2023 due to harassment, underscores the personal toll. Yet, the industry’s response—amplified by media narratives—suggests a willingness to punish rather than support.

A Divided Public Response

Online reactions reflect the polarization. On platforms like X, fans defend Zegler, citing her vocal talent and the unfair targeting of a young actress. Others mock her, with comments like “Hollywood’s done with her tantrums” gaining traction. The collapse has sparked sympathy from some, who blame overwork, but skepticism dominates, with many questioning her professionalism.

The media’s role is notable. Outlets have highlighted the Evita drama, often framing Zegler as the instigator. This mirrors the Snow White coverage, where her comments were blamed for the film’s underperformance, despite production issues like the CGI dwarfs. The narrative shift—turning a potential health crisis into a career-ending scandal—raises questions about whether the industry is scapegoating her to protect bigger players.

The Industry’s Double Standards

Zegler’s situation exposes Hollywood’s fickleness. Male actors like Timothée Chalamet face less vitriol for similar outspokenness, while female stars are often branded difficult. Her youth—24 in a high-stakes environment—amplifies this, with every misstep magnified. The alleged ban, if real, could be less about her actions and more about a cultural backlash against “woke” casting and progressive voices, a trend seen in the Snow White boycott.

Disney’s handling of Zegler contrasts with its support for other stars. Gal Gadot received security upgrades amid threats, while Zegler faced scaled-down premieres and canceled interviews. This disparity suggests a studio prioritizing damage control over nurturing talent, a pattern that may extend to other producers wary of her baggage.

What Lies Ahead

As of June 17, 2025, Zegler’s future hangs in the balance. The Evita run continues, but her involvement remains uncertain. If she’s sidelined, it could end her West End debut and cement her blacklist status. Her next film, She Gets It From Me with Marisa Tomei, is in pre-production, but delays are rumored. Without a clear comeback, her career risks stalling.

The collapse, whether physical or theatrical, symbolizes her precarious position. Hollywood’s alleged ban reflects not just her actions but a broader reckoning with its own casting choices and public expectations. For Zegler, the challenge is to navigate this storm—assuming she gets the chance. For the industry, it’s a test of whether it can support a flawed but talented star or discard her as collateral damage.

The drama surrounding Rachel Zegler’s Evita shoot and the rumored Hollywood ban underscores the high stakes of fame. Her collapse, real or rumored, is less a singular event than a culmination of pressures that have defined her rise. Whether she rebounds or fades depends on her resilience—and the industry’s willingness to forgive.