Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress who rose to fame with her Golden Globe-winning performance in West Side Story (2021), has been no stranger to controversy in 2025. Following the commercial failure of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake and a wave of public backlash, Zegler’s latest project—a West End revival of Evita at London’s Palladium Theatre—has become the center of a new storm. Multiple YouTube videos and posts on X claim that Zegler was kicked out of rehearsals for shocking behavior, with alleged leaked footage exposing her being dragged out by security after a dramatic meltdown. However, as of May 21, 2025, a closer look at these claims reveals a murky narrative filled with speculation, unverified reports, and potential misinformation. This article examines the Evita rehearsal drama, the credibility of the leaked footage, and what this means for Zegler’s already turbulent career.

The Alleged Drama: Zegler’s Evita Rehearsal Meltdown

The story of Rachel Zegler’s alleged removal from Evita rehearsals began circulating in mid-May 2025, with a flurry of YouTube videos claiming to have insider details and leaked footage. According to these sources, Zegler, cast as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s West End revival of the musical, caused chaos during rehearsals at the Palladium Theatre. Videos with titles like “Rachel Zegler DRAGGED Out By Security After EVITA Rehearsal Drama Gets Outrageous” (May 17, 2025) and “Rachel Zegler DROPPED from Evita! Hidden Camera Reel Exposes Secret Cast Switch!” (May 19, 2025) allege that Zegler’s behavior was so disruptive that she was forcibly escorted out by security. Some reports claim she had a “diva meltdown,” clashing with the director, cast, and production team, while others suggest she walked off set and refused to return.

The Evita production, set to open on June 14, 2025, and run through September 6, was announced as a significant moment for Zegler. A Vulture article (March 14, 2025) noted that director Jamie Lloyd was “struck by her incredible passion for this show,” predicting she would “blow the roof off the London Palladium.” The role of Eva Perón, a rags-to-riches icon and polarizing First Lady of Argentina, seemed a fitting challenge for Zegler, who had previously starred in a successful Broadway run of Romeo + Juliet. However, the YouTube videos paint a starkly different picture, claiming Zegler’s actions led to her being replaced, with some alleging that fans spotted a new actress in a viral rehearsal clip.

Posts on X reflect public curiosity about the incident, with users sharing the YouTube links and asking for updates on Zegler’s status in the production. One user (@Shelley_OBR, May 18, 2025) asked a theater journalist to address reports of Zegler creating problems with her behavior, including walking off set. Another video (May 20, 2025) claimed that the Evita director called Zegler a “nightmare” in leaked private notes, further fueling the narrative of her unprofessionalism. The story, if true, would mark a significant blow to Zegler’s career, already battered by the Snow White fallout.

The Leaked Footage: Fact or Fabrication?

Central to the controversy is the alleged “leaked footage” that supposedly exposes Zegler’s removal from rehearsals. YouTube videos claim to show her being dragged out by security, with some describing the scene as chaotic and others alleging a hidden camera reel revealed her replacement by a new actress. However, a critical examination raises serious doubts about the authenticity of this footage. None of the videos provide verifiable evidence—no actual clips are embedded in the descriptions, and the content relies heavily on sensationalized narration, often delivered by AI-generated voices.

The lack of concrete evidence mirrors a broader trend of misinformation targeting Zegler in 2025. Similar fabricated controversies have emerged involving South Park and The Simpsons, where YouTube channels falsely claimed Zegler was mocked in new episodes, using old clips to create the illusion of fresh content. The Evita rehearsal drama appears to follow a similar pattern, with videos exploiting Zegler’s existing controversies to drive engagement. One video (May 18, 2025) even claims that Hollywood studios have “blacklisted” Zegler following the incident, a claim that lacks substantiation from any credible outlet and seems designed to sensationalize the narrative.

The Palladium Theatre and the Evita production team have not issued any official statements confirming Zegler’s removal or the existence of such footage. Without verified clips, firsthand accounts, or official reports, the “leaked footage” remains speculative at best. The YouTube videos often include disclaimers about containing “gossip-based information, rumors, or exaggerated portrayals,” further undermining their credibility. It’s possible that some rehearsal tensions occurred—creative differences are common in theater—but the dramatic narrative of Zegler being forcibly removed by security appears to be a fabrication, likely amplified for clicks and views.

Zegler’s Career Context: A Star Under Siege

To understand why Zegler has become a target for such rumors, it’s essential to examine her career trajectory and the challenges she has faced in 2025. Zegler first gained acclaim for her role as Maria in West Side Story, earning a Golden Globe and positioning her as a rising star. Her casting as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake was initially celebrated for its diversity, but the film’s release in March 2025 was a commercial and critical disappointment. Earning just $143.1 million globally against a $350 million budget, the film resulted in a reported $115 million loss for Disney, as noted by the Daily Mail (April 9, 2025).

Zegler’s promotional comments, where she called the 1937 original “outdated” and emphasized a modernized Snow White focused on leadership, drew backlash from fans who felt she was disrespecting a classic. Her political statements—such as a “free Palestine” post in August 2024 and a “F*** Donald Trump” message after the 2024 election—further alienated some audiences, leading to boycott threats and hashtags like #WokeSnowWhite trending online. Industry insiders blamed Zegler for the film’s failure, with some suggesting her activism and promotional missteps made her a liability, as reported by Vanity Fair (March 29, 2025).

The Evita role was seen as a chance for Zegler to pivot to the stage, leveraging her Broadway success and vocal talents. However, the rumored rehearsal drama has cast a shadow over this opportunity. A Daily Mail article (April 11, 2025) also noted tension with Madonna, who played Eva Perón in the 1996 Evita film and reportedly felt “slighted” by Zegler’s failure to acknowledge her iconic performance. While this tension is unrelated to the rehearsal incident, it underscores the broader narrative of Zegler struggling to navigate her public image and professional relationships.

Critical Examination: Misinformation or Meltdown?

The narrative of Zegler being kicked out of Evita rehearsals for shocking behavior, with leaked footage exposing the incident, must be critically examined. The YouTube videos and posts on X are inconclusive, relying on sensationalized claims without verifiable evidence. The absence of official statements from the Palladium Theatre, Jamie Lloyd, or Zegler herself suggests that the story may be a fabrication, possibly designed to capitalize on Zegler’s existing controversies. The pattern of misinformation targeting her—seen in false South Park and Simpsons rumors—supports this skepticism, as does the lack of actual footage in the so-called “leaked” content.

However, it’s worth considering whether there could be a kernel of truth buried in the rumors. Rehearsals for high-profile productions like Evita can be tense, especially for a young actress under scrutiny like Zegler. Creative differences, stress, or miscommunication could have led to a minor incident that was exaggerated into a full-blown “meltdown” narrative. Zegler’s comments about a “toxic rehearsal culture,” as alleged in a YouTube video (May 14, 2025), could point to underlying tensions, though this claim is unverified. Without firsthand accounts or official confirmation, the story remains speculative, and the dramatic portrayal of Zegler being dragged out by security appears to be a product of clickbait culture.

Implications for Zegler’s Future

The Evita rehearsal drama, whether real or fabricated, adds to the mounting challenges Zegler faces in 2025. Her career has been battered by the Snow White fallout, with industry insiders labeling her a liability and some casting directors reportedly hesitant to work with her. The rumored Evita incident—if believed—further damages her reputation, painting her as unprofessional and difficult to work with. A YouTube video (May 17, 2025) even claims that studios have “banned” Zegler following the incident, though this lacks substantiation and seems exaggerated.

Despite these challenges, Zegler is not without upcoming projects. She is set to star in the indie romcom She Gets It From Me alongside Marisa Tomei, a move that suggests a strategic pivot to smaller, less scrutinized roles. The Evita production, if she remains involved, could still be a chance for her to showcase her stage talents, leveraging her Broadway experience from Romeo + Juliet. However, the lack of official updates on her status in the show—combined with rumors of her replacement—creates uncertainty about her involvement.

The broader implications of this controversy highlight the harsh realities of fame for young actresses, particularly those who speak out on political issues. Zegler’s activism has made her a lightning rod for cultural debates, as noted in industry discussions, with some arguing that her outspokenness has alienated audiences. The misinformation surrounding the Evita incident exacerbates this scrutiny, creating a distorted image of Zegler as a problematic star. Yet, her talent—evident in her West Side Story performance and vocal prowess—suggests she has the potential to rebound, provided she can navigate the current storm and find projects that allow her to shine.

Conclusion: A Narrative Clouded by Speculation

The story of Rachel Zegler being kicked out of Evita rehearsals for shocking behavior, with leaked footage exposing the incident, is a narrative clouded by speculation and misinformation. As of May 21, 2025, the YouTube videos and posts on X alleging her removal by security lack verifiable evidence, and the absence of official statements from the production team suggests the story may be a fabrication. The pattern of clickbait targeting Zegler—seen in false South Park and Simpsons rumors—supports this skepticism, as does the lack of actual footage in the so-called “leaked” content.

For Zegler, this rumored drama adds to the challenges she faces in rebuilding her career after a tumultuous year. At 23, she has already demonstrated immense talent, but the relentless scrutiny and misinformation she faces threaten to overshadow her achievements. As she moves forward with projects like She Gets It From Me and, potentially, Evita, Zegler’s resilience will be key to overcoming this noise. The Evita controversy serves as a reminder of the power of misinformation to shape public perception—and the importance of seeking truth in an era where sensationalism often reigns supreme.