Rachel Zegler's 'Free Palestine' call sparks backlash amidst Snow White promotion

Rachel Zegler, the actress playing Snow White in Disney's upcoming live-action remake, is facing criticism for her recent social media post calling to "free Palestine". The post, which followed the release of the film's trailer, was perceived by many as a direct attack on her Israeli co-star, Gal Gadot.

Zegler's statement has ignited a heated debate online, with some accusing her of being anti-Israel and insensitive towards Gadot, who has served in the Israeli military. This incident adds to the growing controversy surrounding the Snow White remake, which has already faced criticism for Zegler's past remarks about the original film and her recent demands for higher streaming residuals.

Meanwhile, Gadot herself has been subject to antisemitic attacks since the trailer's release, with pro-Palestinian commentators criticizing her casting and calling for a boycott due to her Israeli background.

This controversy underscores the challenges faced by Hollywood in navigating sensitive political issues, especially in an increasingly polarized climate. It also highlights the potential pitfalls of social media activism, where well-intentioned statements can easily be misinterpreted or weaponized.

As the film's release date approaches, Disney will likely face increased pressure to address the controversy surrounding Zegler's comments. Whether this will impact the film's reception or Zegler's future with the studio remains to be seen.