Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actor known for her roles in West Side Story and the upcoming live-action Snow White, has issued an apology after facing widespread backlash for her criticism of Donald Trump and his supporters following his re-election. Zegler, who is currently starring in Broadway’s reimagined Romeo + Juliet, initially took to social media to voice her dismay over the election results, describing what she called a “deep, deep sickness” in America. She expressed fear over the ongoing support for Trump, who she accused of “threatening democracy,” and echoed a sentiment shared by singer Ethel Cain, writing, “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.” Zegler concluded her post with an expletive aimed at the former president, stating, “F*** Donald Trump.”
The post quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from conservative commentators. Right-wing pundit Megyn Kelly referred to Zegler as “a pig,” and others accused the actor of fostering division with her harsh rhetoric. In response to the backlash, Zegler released a statement on Instagram apologizing for her remarks. In her post, 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. This week has been emotional for so many of us, but I firmly believe that everyone has the right to their opinion, even when it differs from my own. I am committed to contributing positively towards a better tomorrow.”
While some applauded Zegler for taking responsibility, others accused her of backtracking under pressure from critics. This is not the first time Zegler has sparked controversy. She previously made headlines for comments about Disney’s 1937 animated Snow White, calling its story “weird” and criticizing the portrayal of its romantic themes. Zegler also defended Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation, in which she stars, as a more progressive take that shifts focus from romance to leadership. Her remarks drew criticism from fans of the original and even David Hand, the son of one of the original film’s directors, who called the new version “a disgrace” and “insulting.”
Zegler’s comments on Trump and her subsequent apology come amidst a larger trend of celebrity reactions to his re-election. Cardi B expressed sadness over the results, while John Cusack described the outcome as a sign of “deep nihilism,” referring to Trump as a “convicted felon rapist and Nazi.” These reactions highlight the deep political divide in America and the challenges public figures face when sharing their opinions on contentious issues.
Despite the controversy, Zegler’s career continues to rise. She is set to star in Disney’s $200 million live-action Snow White alongside Gal Gadot, with a screenplay co-written by Greta Gerwig. The film, delayed by the pandemic and the 2023 actors’ strike, is scheduled for release in March 2025. Zegler recently led The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, further solidifying her status as a major Hollywood talent. Whether her apology will quell the criticism remains to be seen, but her prominence in both the entertainment industry and public discourse shows no signs of waning.
Sources:
- Joe Raedle/Getty Images – AFPI Gala coverage
- Rachel Zegler’s Instagram statement
- Vanity Fair interview on Snow White adaptation
- The Telegraph interview with David Hand
- The Guardian coverage of celebrity reactions to Trump’s re-election
