As of 5:30 PM +07 on July 25, 2025, Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old actress who rose to fame with her Golden Globe-winning role in West Side Story (2021), finds herself at a career crossroads following explosive revelations about her past behavior. Once hailed as a rising star with roles in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) and Disney’s live-action Snow White (2025), Zegler’s reputation has taken a severe hit after alleged incidents of unprofessional conduct resurfaced. Reports suggest her actions on set and in public have alienated colleagues, fueled controversies, and contributed to the poor performance of Snow White, which earned a disappointing $43 million domestically in its March 2025 opening weekend. With her West End debut as Eva Perón in Evita looming this summer, the question remains: can Zegler recover, or has her career been irreparably damaged?

The Rise and Fall of a Young Star

Zegler’s ascent began in 2018 when, at 17, she landed the role of Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story after responding to an open casting call with YouTube covers. Her debut earned critical acclaim, a Golden Globe, and positioned her as a fresh face in Hollywood. Subsequent roles in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) and The Hunger Games prequel showcased her versatility, while her casting as Snow White marked a pinnacle—or so it seemed. Yet, her rapid rise has been overshadowed by a series of controversies, culminating in recent exposés that paint a troubling picture of her conduct.

The latest blow came in mid-July 2025, when anonymous sources and former colleagues alleged instances of “dirty behavior” during her early career, including diva-like tantrums, dismissive attitudes toward crew members, and clashes with co-stars. These claims, amplified by posts on social media platforms, suggest a pattern of entitlement that contrasts sharply with her public image as a passionate, outspoken actress. The timing couldn’t be worse, as Snow White’s failure—blamed partly on her off-screen remarks and on-set demeanor—has intensified scrutiny.

The Snow White Debacle

The Snow White remake, a $270 million Disney project, became a lightning rod for controversy long before its release. Zegler’s 2022 comments calling the original 1937 film “weird” and criticizing its “stalker” prince sparked backlash from fans who felt she disrespected a classic. Her political statements, including a pro-Palestine post tied to the film’s trailer and a post-election rant against Trump supporters, further polarized audiences. Variety reported that producer Marc Platt flew to New York to address her “Free Palestine” tweet, which allegedly triggered death threats against co-star Gal Gadot, prompting Disney to fund extra security.

Behind the scenes, insiders now claim Zegler’s behavior exacerbated tensions. Reports of her clashing with background actors and complaining about long waits during filming have surfaced, painting her as difficult to work with. One source told a tabloid, “She acted like the star from day one, but didn’t deliver the humility expected of a newcomer.” The film’s dismal box office performance—against a $350 million production and marketing cost—has led some to pin the blame on her, with critics arguing her controversies deterred family audiences. Disney’s scaled-back premiere and limited press events hint at an attempt to distance themselves from the fallout.

Exposés of Past Misconduct

The recent exposés, detailed in outlets like the Daily Mail and Page Six, allege specific incidents from Zegler’s past that have reignited the narrative of her “dirty behavior.” Claims include her allegedly berating crew members during West Side Story rehearsals for minor oversights and displaying a dismissive attitude toward less prominent cast members. A former collaborator, speaking anonymously, described an instance where Zegler reportedly walked off set after a disagreement with a director, delaying production. These accounts, though unverified, have gained traction online, with fans and detractors debating their validity.

Her social media history has also come under fire. A resurfaced 2022 video of Zegler dramatically reading Britney Spears’ tweets to her sister, followed by a tepid apology, is being reinterpreted as evidence of insensitivity. Posts on X suggest a sentiment that her outspokenness—once seen as bold—now appears reckless, with some labeling her a “narcissist” echoing Jonah Platt’s deleted Instagram rant. While these claims lack concrete evidence, the cumulative effect has shifted public perception, with many questioning her professionalism.

Industry and Fan Reactions

The entertainment industry is divided. Some insiders, like PR expert Jon Harris, argue her talent—evident in West Side Story—could salvage her career if she pivots strategically. “She needs to show humility and focus on her craft,” Harris told a news outlet. Others, however, see her as a liability, with one studio executive reportedly stating, “Disney doesn’t know what to do with her after Snow White.” Her upcoming Evita role has sparked mixed reactions, with Madonna rumored to disapprove, adding another layer of tension.

Fans are equally split. Supporters on social media praise her resilience, with comments like “She’s still a star despite the hate,” while detractors call for her cancellation, citing her “arrogance.” The controversy has fueled a broader debate about young actresses facing disproportionate scrutiny, with some arguing Zegler’s Latina background makes her a target for backlash, as noted by film critic Kelechi Ehenulo. Others contend her behavior, not her ethnicity, is the issue, pointing to a perceived lack of gratitude for her opportunities.

The Impact on Her Career

The fallout threatens Zegler’s trajectory. Snow White’s failure has paused Disney’s Tangled remake, and her lack of confirmed film roles post-2025 raises concerns. Her Evita debut, starting this summer at the London Palladium, is a critical test. A successful run could redeem her, leveraging her musical theater roots—where she shone as Juliet in Broadway’s Romeo + Juliet (2024)—but any misstep could cement her decline. Industry watchers note that her $76 million West Side Story success once promised a decade of stardom, yet current sentiment suggests a potential career stall.

Financially, the impact is unclear. Zegler’s earnings from past projects and her current stage work may cushion the blow, but a tarnished reputation could limit future offers. Her decision to cover “Who I’d Be” from Shrek the Musical for MCC Theater’s album hints at a return to safer, musical ground, though it’s seen as a modest move amid the storm.

A Path to Redemption?

Recovery hinges on Zegler’s next steps. Apologizing for past remarks, as she did after her Trump comments, might not suffice this time—fans and industry figures demand tangible change. Taking on roles that showcase her singing and acting without courting controversy, like a potential Gypsy adaptation, could rebuild her image. Her Evita performance, if well-received, might shift focus to her talent over her scandals.

Critics argue the industry’s tendency to scapegoat young stars, as seen with Snow White’s broader production issues, unfairly burdens Zegler. Yet, her alleged behavior—unverified but widely discussed—suggests personal accountability is key. Whether she can navigate this crisis, as Halle Bailey did after The Little Mermaid debates, remains uncertain. For now, her career hangs in the balance, a cautionary tale of fame’s double-edged sword.

A Cultural Moment

Zegler’s ordeal reflects broader tensions in Hollywood—balancing artistic freedom with commercial demands, navigating cultural wars, and managing young talent under pressure. Her story echoes past cases like Gina Carano’s Mandalorian exit, though Zegler’s youth and rapid rise amplify the stakes. As the industry watches her Evita debut, her ability to reclaim her narrative could redefine her legacy—or mark the end of a promising chapter. In a landscape where public forgiveness is rare, Zegler’s next act will determine if her career can rise from the ashes of this controversy.