Rachel Zegler’s Backstage Collapse: The Snow White Disney+ Controversy

In a moment that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old star of Disney’s live-action Snow White, reportedly collapsed backstage in tears after learning that Disney+ had pulled the film from its streaming platform. The incident, captured in viral footage circulating on platforms like YouTube, marks a dramatic low point in the troubled journey of the Snow White remake, which has been plagued by controversy since its inception. This article explores the context of Zegler’s emotional breakdown, the reasons behind Disney’s decision, and the broader implications for Zegler’s career and Disney’s live-action remake strategy, drawing on web-based information to provide a comprehensive picture.

The Backdrop: A Film Mired in Controversy

The Snow White remake, released in theaters on March 21, 2025, was intended to be a bold reimagining of Disney’s 1937 animated classic, the first feature-length animated film in history. Directed by Marc Webb and produced by Marc Platt, the $270 million production starred Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. The film promised a modern take, emphasizing Snow White’s leadership over romance and replacing the prince with a new character, Jonathan, played by Andrew Burnap. However, the project faced relentless scrutiny from the moment Zegler’s casting was announced in June 2021.

Zegler, a Latina actress of Colombian and Polish descent, faced racist backlash from some fans who argued she didn’t fit the traditional description of Snow White, whose “skin as white as snow” was a focal point of criticism. The decision to reimagine the seven dwarfs as CGI characters, following comments from actor Peter Dinklage about perpetuating stereotypes, further fueled debates. Zegler’s own remarks about the original film, calling it “dated” and criticizing the prince’s “stalker” behavior, alienated purists who cherished Disney’s legacy. Her political activism, particularly a 2024 X post saying “and always remember, free Palestine” after promoting the film’s trailer, sparked tensions with Disney and reportedly led to increased death threats against Gadot, an Israeli actress, necessitating additional security.

The film’s theatrical run was a financial disaster, grossing just $43 million domestically and $225 million globally against a $410 million total cost, including marketing. A 66% drop in its second weekend and empty theater screenings, some shared on social media, underscored its failure. Critics panned the “woke” reimagining, and fans boycotted over Zegler’s comments and political stance, including her post-election Instagram outburst against Donald Trump and his supporters, which she later apologized for. Disney’s scaled-back premiere in Spain, attended by local influencers rather than global press, signaled the studio’s attempt to distance itself from the controversy.

The Incident: Zegler’s Backstage Collapse

The specific incident occurred in early 2025, shortly after Disney+ reportedly pulled Snow White from its streaming platform, a move that stunned fans and industry insiders alike. According to a YouTube video titled “BREAKDOWN Footage: Zegler COLLAPSES Backstage After Disney+ Pulls Snow White,” published on June 7, 2025, Zegler was preparing for a promotional appearance when she received the news. The footage, though not independently verified, allegedly shows Zegler, visibly distraught, collapsing into the arms of a crew member as she sobbed, “I gave everything to this role!” The cameras, poised to capture a smiling star, instead recorded a moment of raw vulnerability.

The decision to pull the film from Disney+ is unprecedented for a major Disney release, especially one tied to the studio’s foundational legacy. While Disney has not officially commented, industry sources suggest the move was driven by the film’s poor performance and ongoing controversies. The streaming platform, a key revenue stream for Disney’s live-action remakes, typically hosts such films shortly after their theatrical run. However, Snow White’s toxic public reception, coupled with Zegler’s polarizing image, may have prompted Disney to limit further exposure. Some speculate the studio aimed to avoid additional backlash on Disney+, where viewership metrics could further highlight the film’s failure.

Zegler’s emotional collapse reflects the immense pressure she faced. At 23, she carried the weight of a $270 million production while navigating racist harassment, death threats, and public vilification. Her 2022 YouTube video, where she tearfully addressed trolling and loneliness, foreshadowed the toll of this scrutiny. The backstage incident, whether staged or genuine, underscores the human cost of Hollywood’s culture wars, where young stars are often caught in the crossfire of ideological battles.

The Reasons Behind Disney’s Decision

Disney’s choice to pull Snow White from Disney+ likely stems from a combination of financial, strategic, and reputational factors. The film’s $115 million loss, as reported by Deadline, made it one of Disney’s biggest flops, comparable to Dumbo (2019) and Solo: A Star Wars Story. The studio’s live-action remakes, once reliable hits like The Lion King (2019), have faced diminishing returns with pre-1989 classics, as seen with Dumbo and Maleficent. Snow White’s failure, exacerbated by costly reshoots, a UK set fire, and strike-related delays, highlighted the risks of reimagining sacred IPs.

Zegler’s controversies played a significant role. Her “free Palestine” post, which garnered 8.8 million views, overshadowed the film’s trailer promotion, prompting producer Marc Platt to fly to New York to address her social media use. Her subsequent anti-Trump comments, including “May Trump supporters never know peace,” alienated a significant portion of the audience, with Disney hiring a social media guru to vet her posts. These incidents, combined with her criticism of the original film, fueled a narrative of Zegler as a “loose cannon,” as one insider told DailyMail.com. Disney, wary of further backlash after a lawsuit from The Mandalorian actress Gina Carano over free speech, hesitated to publicly reprimand Zegler but clearly sought to mitigate damage.

The reported feud between Zegler and Gadot, fueled by their differing political views, added another layer of complexity. Sources claim the actresses had “nothing in common,” and Zegler’s Instagram posts from the set notably excluded Gadot, suggesting tension. The spike in death threats against Gadot, attributed to Zegler’s activism, forced Disney to invest in private security, further straining the production’s budget and public image. Pulling the film from Disney+ may have been an attempt to avoid reigniting these conflicts on a platform accessible to millions.

Strategically, Disney may be reevaluating its live-action remake model. The success of Cruella (2021), with its avant-garde approach, contrasts with the straight adaptations of Dumbo and Snow White, suggesting audiences prefer innovative takes over nostalgic retreads. By shelving Snow White on Disney+, the studio could be signaling a pivot, focusing resources on upcoming projects like Moana 2 or Cruella 2, which face less baggage.

The Aftermath: Public and Industry Reactions

The public response to Zegler’s collapse and Disney’s decision has been polarized. Supporters, including film critic David Ehrlich and actress Melissa Barrera, praised Zegler’s integrity and talent, framing her as a victim of a Disney-orchestrated “hit job.” An open letter signed by over 50 journalists condemned Variety’s reporting as unfair, arguing it scapegoated Zegler for the film’s failure. Fans on X and Reddit lauded her performances in West Side Story and The Hunger Games, with some calling the backlash “racist” and “overblown.” One X user wrote, “Rachel Zegler RULES and has a lifetime of incredible roles ahead,” echoing sentiments of her resilience.

Critics, however, were unrelenting. Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, accused Zegler of dragging her politics into the film’s promotion, hurting its box office. Social media posts mocked her for watching the film in a near-empty theater, with some calling for a GoFundMe to cover Disney’s losses. The narrative of Zegler as a “narcissist” or “PR disaster” persists, with X users labeling her “the most unlikeable actress” for her perceived disrespect toward Disney’s legacy. The viral footage of her collapse, while evoking sympathy in some, was dismissed by others as a publicity stunt, given her history of addressing controversies publicly.

For Disney, the fallout is a cautionary tale. The studio’s failure to address Zegler’s comments early, as noted by a top agent in Variety, allowed the narrative to spiral. The decision to pull Snow White from Disney+ risks alienating fans who awaited its streaming release, though it may protect the platform’s brand from further controversy. Industry analysts, like Jeff Bock of Exhibitor Relations, argue that Disney’s live-action strategy needs an overhaul, with early influencer screenings potentially mitigating negative buzz.

Zegler’s Future and Disney’s Legacy

For Rachel Zegler, the Snow White debacle is a pivotal moment. Her talent, evident in her Golden Globe-winning role in West Side Story and her Broadway debut in Romeo + Juliet, remains undeniable. Upcoming projects, including She Gets It From Me with Marisa Tomei and Evita at the London Palladium, suggest she is far from finished. However, her public image requires careful management. Her apologies for political comments and newfound praise for Disney on Good Morning America indicate a shift toward diplomacy, but rebuilding trust with audiences will take time.

Disney faces a reckoning with its live-action remakes. The Snow White failure, following Dumbo and The Marvels, underscores the need for innovative storytelling over formulaic adaptations. The studio’s hesitation to fully back Zegler, as seen in the scaled-back premiere and streaming pull, reflects a broader struggle to balance creative freedom with commercial viability. As Disney navigates this landscape under studio boss David Greenbaum, the focus may shift to projects that resonate with modern audiences without alienating nostalgists.

Conclusion

Rachel Zegler’s backstage collapse is a poignant symbol of a star caught in the crucible of Hollywood’s expectations and public scrutiny. The decision to pull Snow White from Disney+ marks a low point for a film that promised to reimagine a classic but instead became a lightning rod for controversy. Zegler’s tears reflect not just personal pain but the broader challenges of adapting beloved stories in a polarized world. As Disney rethinks its strategy and Zegler charts her next steps, the saga of Snow White serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between art, commerce, and public perception. The fairytale may be over for now, but the story of its star and studio is far from finished.