Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old star of Disney’s live-action Snow White and Broadway’s Romeo + Juliet, has made headlines once again, this time for issuing a public apology to President-elect Donald Trump after a series of scathing social media posts that sparked conservative backlash. Zegler’s original comments, posted on Instagram following Trump’s 2024 election victory, included the provocative statements, “Fuck Donald Trump” and “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.” The remarks, which also described a “deep sickness” in the country, drew fierce criticism from right-wing commentators, with some calling for her dismissal from Disney. In a surprising turn, Zegler’s apology, shared on Instagram on November 14, 2024, expressed regret for contributing to “negative discourse” and emphasized her commitment to fostering peace. The apology, while seen by some as a pragmatic move to salvage her career, has reignited debates about free speech, Hollywood’s political landscape, and the pressures faced by young stars in the public eye.
The Outburst: Zegler’s Post-Election Rant
Following Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, Zegler took to her Instagram Stories on November 6, 2024, to express her dismay. Writing during a break between acts of her Broadway production of Romeo + Juliet, she described feeling “speechless” and “heartbroken” about “another four years of hatred” under Trump’s leadership. “There is a deep, deep sickness in this country that is shown in the sheer amount of people who showed up for this man who threatens our democracy,” she wrote, echoing sentiments from musician Ethel Cain by adding, “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.” Her post concluded with a blunt, “Fuck Donald Trump,” and a call for followers to abandon X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, whom she accused of aiding Trump’s campaign.
Zegler’s comments, made in the heat of the moment, were not entirely out of character. The actress has been outspoken on political issues, including her support for Palestine and criticism of conservative figures. Earlier in 2024, she urged voters to support Harris to preserve voting rights, and her posts often reflect a progressive worldview shaped by her Colombian-American heritage and experiences with online harassment. However, her election-related outburst crossed a line for many conservatives, who viewed it as an attack on half the country’s voters. Right-wing pundit Megyn Kelly led the charge, calling Zegler a “pig” on her SiriusXM show and demanding Disney fire her from Snow White, comparing her remarks to those of Gina Carano, who was dismissed from The Mandalorian in 2021 for controversial posts.
The Backlash: A Firestorm of Criticism
Zegler’s posts, which were deleted after 24 hours as part of Instagram Stories’ temporary nature, were screenshotted and shared widely on X, amplifying the controversy. Conservative commentators seized on her words, with Fox News reporting that her remarks could jeopardize Snow White’s box office prospects, given its $200 million budget. The Ruthless podcast hosts echoed Kelly’s sentiments, arguing that Zegler’s rhetoric alienated a significant portion of Disney’s audience. On X, users like @visegrad24 highlighted her statements, while @mynerdyhome posted a YouTube video titled “DISNEY DAMAGE CONTROL,” suggesting Zegler’s apology was a corporate mandate.
The backlash wasn’t new for Zegler, who has faced conservative ire since her 2021 casting as Snow White, a role some criticized due to her Latina heritage and her comments dismissing the original 1937 film’s “stalker” prince. David Hand, son of the original Snow White co-director, called the remake “insulting” and “woke,” while Ben Shapiro criticized its “girl boss” narrative. Zegler’s pro-Palestine posts also stirred controversy, particularly given her Snow White co-star Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance, further fueling speculation of a feud between the two actresses.
The Apology: A Bid for Peace
On November 14, 2024, Zegler posted an apology on her Instagram Stories, addressing the backlash head-on. “Hi everyone, I would like to sincerely apologize for the election post I shared on Instagram last week. I let my emotions get the best of me,” she wrote. “Hatred and anger have caused us to move further and further away from peace and understanding, and I am sorry I contributed to the negative discourse.” She emphasized that “everyone has the right to their opinion, even when it differs from my own,” and pledged to “contribute positively toward a better tomorrow.”
The apology, reported by outlets like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Teen Vogue, was seen as a strategic move to mitigate damage to her career, particularly with Snow White’s March 21, 2025, release looming. Reddit users on r/Fauxmoi speculated that Disney or her Romeo + Juliet producers pressured her to apologize, noting the formal tone and uppercase lettering unusual for Zegler’s typically casual style. “She never uses upper case in her posts or stories, I doubt she wrote this herself,” one user commented, suggesting corporate influence. Disney, contacted by Forbes and Fox News, remained silent on the matter, indicating a cautious approach as the company navigates the film’s already rocky reception.
Public and Media Reactions: A Divided Response
The response to Zegler’s apology was predictably polarized. Supporters on X praised her for taking accountability while maintaining her right to personal views. “Rachel’s apology shows maturity, but she shouldn’t have to grovel for speaking her mind,” one user wrote. Others, however, saw it as insufficient, with conservative commentators like Lisa Boothe on Fox & Friends Weekend arguing that her initial remarks revealed a “deep-seated bias” unfit for a Disney star. On Reddit, fans expressed frustration, with one user lamenting, “I hate that they made her apologise, nothing she said was wrong.”
Media outlets framed the apology within the broader context of Zegler’s controversies. The Guardian noted her history of clashing with conservatives, from her Snow White comments to her outspoken support for progressive causes. Newsweek highlighted her call to abandon X, linking it to her criticism of Elon Musk’s role in Trump’s campaign. TheWrap questioned whether the controversy would impact Snow White’s performance, noting Disney’s preference for apolitical stars, especially after firing Gina Carano for less inflammatory remarks. However, MovieWeb argued that Zegler’s apology was unlikely to sway critics already boycotting the film, pointing out the irony of conservative calls for her cancellation while decrying “cancel culture.”
The Bigger Picture: Hollywood, Politics, and Free Speech
Zegler’s apology highlights the delicate balance young stars must strike in an era of intense political polarization. Her outspokenness, while resonating with progressive fans, has repeatedly placed her in the crosshairs of conservative media, particularly given Snow White’s high stakes for Disney. The film, co-starring Gal Gadot and co-written by Greta Gerwig, has faced scrutiny for its $270 million budget and polarizing changes to the original story, making Zegler’s public image a critical factor in its success.
The incident also underscores broader tensions in Hollywood, where celebrities face pressure to temper their political views to avoid alienating audiences. Zegler’s apology mirrors those of other stars, like Billie Eilish, who faced backlash for calling Trump’s victory a “war on women.” Unlike Carano, who refused to apologize and pursued a lawsuit against Disney with Musk’s support, Zegler’s decision to retract her statements reflects a pragmatic approach to preserving her career.
Zegler’s Career: Resilience Amid Controversy
Despite the controversy, Zegler’s career remains robust. Her performance as Eva Perón in the West End’s Evita has earned rave reviews, with The New York Times praising her “Snow White smile” and vocal clarity. Her Broadway role in Romeo + Juliet opposite Kit Connor, running through February 16, 2025, has solidified her stage credentials, and upcoming projects like Y2K and Spellbound showcase her versatility. Her recent romance with Evita dancer Nathan Louis-Fernand, confirmed at BST Hyde Park, has also kept her in the spotlight, though it sparked its own drama with ex-boyfriend Josh Andrés Rivera.
Zegler’s ability to weather controversies—from her Snow White casting to her political outspokenness—demonstrates her resilience. In a 2024 Teen Vogue interview, she spoke of feeling “Teflon” against criticism, saying, “Nothing can hurt anymore because they’ve said the worst that can be said.” Her apology to Trump, while a concession, aligns with this mindset, prioritizing her professional future over personal grievances.
Looking Ahead: A Test for Snow White and Beyond
As Snow White approaches its March 2025 release, Zegler’s apology may help mitigate conservative boycotts, but the film’s success remains uncertain. Its $16 million global box office to date, reported by Bao Lam Dong, suggests challenges ahead, compounded by the ongoing rumored feud with Gadot over their political differences. Disney’s silence indicates a cautious approach, likely to avoid further inflaming the situation.
For Zegler, the apology marks a pivot toward diplomacy, but it’s unlikely to fully appease her critics. As one X user noted, “Rachel’s apology won’t change the minds of those already against her, but it shows she’s trying to rise above.” Whether this incident will define her career or fade into the background depends on her ability to let her work—on stage, screen, and beyond—speak for itself. In a polarized world, Zegler’s journey from fiery critic to conciliatory star is a testament to the complexities of fame, where every word carries weight, and every apology is a step toward navigating the spotlight.
