On June 9, 2025, at 1:55 PM +07, a shocking revelation has sent ripples through Hollywood and beyond, leaving fans of actress Rachel Zegler in a state of disbelief. A leaked voicemail, purportedly featuring Zegler disparaging a director, has surfaced online, igniting a firestorm of controversy. The 23-year-old star, best known for her roles in West Side Story and the embattled Disney remake Snow White, finds herself at the center of yet another scandal. This incident, following a series of polarizing public statements, has left her supporters stunned and raised questions about her future in an industry already wary of her outspoken nature.
The Leaked Voicemail Unveiled
The controversy began when an audio clip, allegedly recorded by Zegler, was anonymously uploaded to a social media platform late last week. In the voicemail, a voice identified by fans as Zegler’s unleashes a scathing critique of an unnamed director, describing them as “incompetent” and “out of touch.” The context suggests the conversation may relate to her recent work on Snow White, which premiered to mixed reviews and a disappointing box office performance on March 21, 2025. The clip, lasting just over two minutes, includes expletives and a sarcastic remark about the director’s creative decisions, prompting immediate speculation about the target.
While no official confirmation has identified the director, industry insiders point to Marc Webb, who helmed Snow White, or possibly a collaborator from her upcoming project She Gets It From Me with Marisa Tomei. The leak’s authenticity remains unverified, but the timing—following Snow White’s commercial flop and Zegler’s prior controversies—has fueled its rapid spread. Within hours, the audio garnered millions of views, with fans and critics alike dissecting every word.
A Pattern of Polarization
This incident is not Zegler’s first brush with public backlash. Since her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), she has courted controversy with candid remarks. Her comments at the 2022 D23 Expo, where she criticized the original Snow White as “outdated” and dismissed its love story, drew ire from traditionalists. Subsequent social media posts, including “Free Palestine” and anti-Trump statements after the 2024 election, amplified the divide. Disney reportedly hired a “social media guru” to monitor her activity, and producer Marc Platt intervened personally, underscoring the studio’s frustration.
The leaked voicemail adds a new layer, shifting the narrative from political stances to professional relationships. Fans who once defended her as a victim of “culture wars,” as noted by film critic Kelechi Ehenulo, now face a dilemma. Some argue the recording could be manipulated or taken out of context, while others see it as evidence of a reckless attitude that may have contributed to Snow White’s $115 million loss for Disney. The film, burdened by a $270 million budget and reimagined elements like CGI dwarfs, struggled amid “review-bombing” and boycott threats tied to Zegler and co-star Gal Gadot’s diverging political views.
Fan Reactions: Shock and Division
The fan response has been a mix of shock, disappointment, and defiance. On X, one user wrote, “Rachel Zegler badmouthing a director? This is wild—didn’t see this coming after all her other drama.” Another defended her, suggesting, “If this is real, it’s probably frustration from a tough set. She’s human.” The polarized reactions mirror the broader debate around Zegler, with some labeling her a “diva” and others praising her unfiltered authenticity.
Supporters point to her Golden Globe win for West Side Story and her resilience amid backlash, including death threats reported after her political posts. Critics, however, argue her behavior risks alienating collaborators, a concern echoed by Variety’s report of Disney scaling back her Snow White press tour. The voicemail has intensified calls for accountability, with some fans urging her to apologize, as she did after her Trump remarks, while others question if Disney might distance itself further.
Industry Implications
Hollywood’s reaction has been cautious but telling. Zegler’s next project, She Gets It From Me, an indie comedy-drama, represents a potential pivot after Snow White’s misfire. Yet, the leaked voicemail could jeopardize her standing. Industry insiders suggest directors and producers may hesitate to work with her, fearing similar outbursts. This echoes the experience of Melissa Barrera, fired from Scream 7 for political statements, though Zegler remains employed, suggesting Disney’s commitment—or reluctance to admit a casting error.
The audio also raises questions about workplace dynamics in film. Directors like Webb, known for The Amazing Spider-Man, often face intense scrutiny, and Zegler’s alleged comments could reflect broader tensions on set. However, without the director’s response or official confirmation, the narrative remains one-sided. Disney’s silence on the matter, combined with past efforts to control Zegler’s image, hints at a strategy of damage limitation rather than confrontation.
The Broader Context
Zegler’s journey reflects a larger cultural shift. As a Latina actress cast in traditionally white roles, she has faced unique challenges, from queries about her heritage during West Side Story auditions to racist backlash over Snow White. Her defenders argue the voicemail leak exploits these pressures, possibly by a disgruntled crew member or rival. Skeptics, however, see it as a self-inflicted wound, given her history of unfiltered remarks.
The Snow White debacle, with its reported $350 million production and marketing budget yielding just $143.1 million globally, has already strained Disney’s live-action remake strategy. Blaming Zegler, as some insiders have, may oversimplify a complex failure involving creative choices and market saturation. The voicemail, whether genuine or fabricated, amplifies this narrative, turning her into a convenient scapegoat—a role she’s navigated before, as noted by Vanity Fair.
What’s Next for Zegler?
As of now, Zegler has not publicly addressed the leak, a silence that could either defuse or escalate the situation. Her team may be strategizing a response, potentially an apology or a denial, depending on legal advice. She Gets It From Me, set to begin production later in 2025, offers a chance to rebuild, but the indie route suggests a diminished mainstream appeal for now.
For fans, the stunned reaction underscores a love-hate relationship with Zegler. Her talent, evident in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), remains undeniable, yet her off-screen persona continues to polarize. The leaked voicemail, if authentic, could mark a turning point, forcing her to recalibrate her public image or double down on her authenticity.
This incident, unfolding in real-time, highlights the precarious balance celebrities strike between personal expression and professional survival. Whether Zegler emerges stronger or fades depends on her next moves—and the industry’s willingness to forgive. For now, the leaked voicemail stands as a stark reminder of the scrutiny that defines modern stardom, leaving fans and observers alike grappling with the fallout.
