Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White, released in March 2025, was meant to be a magical reimagining of the 1937 classic, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Instead, it has become a lightning rod for controversy, with tensions between its two leading ladies—Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler—taking center stage. Reports of Gadot “losing it” over Zegler’s actions have fueled tabloid headlines and social media speculation, turning what should have been a fairy-tale triumph into a public relations nightmare for Disney. But what exactly happened between these two stars, and how did it escalate to this point? Let’s dive into the drama, drawing from recent developments and broader context to uncover the truth behind the headlines.

The seeds of discord were planted long before Snow White hit theaters. Rachel Zegler, a 23-year-old rising star of Colombian descent, was cast as Snow White in 2021, sparking immediate backlash from traditionalists who argued she didn’t fit the “fairest of them all” mold due to her Latina heritage. Meanwhile, Gal Gadot, the 39-year-old Israeli actress known for her role as Wonder Woman, was tapped to play the Evil Queen, bringing her signature charisma to the iconic villain. On paper, the pairing seemed promising: a fresh face opposite a Hollywood heavyweight. But beneath the surface, their differing personalities, political views, and approaches to the project set the stage for conflict.

The first public hint of trouble came during the film’s promotional phase. In August 2024, Zegler posted on X about the Snow White trailer, which had garnered over 120 million views in 24 hours. She concluded her message with “and always remember, free Palestine”—a statement that ignited a firestorm. Gadot, who served in the Israeli Defense Forces and has been vocal about her support for Israel, especially after the October 7, 2023, attacks, reportedly felt blindsided. Sources claim her security team noted a spike in online death threats following Zegler’s post, prompting Disney to beef up protection for the actress and her family. While neither star addressed the other directly, the incident marked a turning point in their relationship.

Disney insiders were quick to react. According to reports, producer Marc Platt flew to New York to meet with Zegler, urging her to tone down her political commentary to protect the film’s commercial prospects. Zegler, however, stood her ground, refusing to delete the post. This defiance strained her already rocky relationship with the studio, which had been fraying since 2022 when she criticized the original Snow White as outdated and “weird” during the West Side Story awards campaign. Her outspokenness, while endearing to some fans, clashed with Disney’s carefully curated family-friendly image—a tension that Gadot, a seasoned professional, navigated with more restraint.

The rift deepened at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, when Gadot and Zegler presented the Best Visual Effects award together. The joint appearance was a rare moment of synergy, but behind the scenes, cracks were showing. In an Instagram reply afterward, Zegler referred to Gadot as “a professional pageant queen”—a comment sources described as “dismissive” and biting, given Gadot’s past as Miss Israel 2004. While Zegler’s supporters saw it as playful shade, others interpreted it as a jab at Gadot’s polished persona, contrasting with Zegler’s raw, unfiltered style. Gadot, known for her composure, reportedly bristled at the remark, though she maintained her public silence.

As Snow White approached its March 15 premiere, Disney scaled back the red carpet event, excluding press to avoid tough questions about the brewing feud. Gadot and Zegler posed together alongside Platt, but eyewitnesses noted a palpable distance—Zegler sat two rows ahead of Gadot during the screening. The film opened to a disappointing $87 million worldwide against a $270 million budget, a far cry from Disney’s expectations. Critics were mixed: some praised Zegler’s vibrant performance and the film’s lush visuals, while others panned Gadot’s “flat” and “overacted” Evil Queen, likening it to a high school play. The box office flop intensified scrutiny on the stars’ off-screen dynamic.

Rumors of Gadot “losing it” on Zegler peaked in late March 2025, fueled by posts on X and tabloid reports. One insider claimed Gadot confronted Zegler privately after the premiere, fed up with her co-star’s social media antics and their impact on the film. “Gal enjoyed filming and had no personal beef with Rachel initially,” the source said. “But the constant drama—especially the threats—pushed her over the edge. She felt Rachel didn’t grasp the stakes.” Another report suggested Gadot vented to Disney execs, blaming Zegler for alienating audiences and tanking the movie. However, no concrete evidence of a direct outburst has surfaced, and some dismiss these accounts as exaggerated gossip.

Zegler, for her part, has leaned into the narrative of resilience. On opening day, she posted an emotional Instagram tribute with behind-the-scenes photos—none featuring Gadot—thanking the cast and crew for a “life-changing” experience. Her supporters rallied around her, arguing she’s been unfairly scapegoated for the film’s failure, while Gadot’s critics pointed to her performance as the real “poison apple.” Meanwhile, Gadot promoted Snow White solo at Disneyland, maintaining her poised demeanor but offering little comment on the controversy beyond a vague remark to Variety about “online hostility.”

The clash between Gadot and Zegler reflects broader cultural fault lines. Zegler’s vocal support for Palestine and her critiques of the original fairy tale have made her a darling of progressive fans but a target for conservatives and Disney purists. Gadot’s pro-Israel stance and Hollywood polish have drawn ire from activist circles, with some boycotting the film over her involvement. The Israel-Palestine conflict, a lightning rod in global politics, amplified their personal differences, turning a Disney flick into a battleground for ideology. Add in the “woke” debate—Zegler’s casting, the reimagined dwarves, and the film’s feminist slant—and Snow White became a perfect storm of contention.

Yet, amid the noise, there’s evidence the feud may be overstated. Sources close to production insist Gadot and Zegler “got along well” on set, with no overt clashes during filming. Their limited press interactions could simply reflect Disney’s damage control, not personal animosity. Gadot, a mother of four with a decade-long career, and Zegler, a Gen Z newcomer, may just inhabit different worlds—professionally and philosophically—without needing a dramatic showdown. Still, the perception of discord has overshadowed the film itself, proving that in Hollywood, narrative often trumps reality.

So, did Gal Gadot really “lose it” on Rachel Zegler? The truth likely lies somewhere between heated exaggeration and quiet frustration. What’s clear is that Snow White’s drama extends far beyond the screen, ensnaring two talented actresses in a saga of politics, PR, and public perception. For Disney, it’s a cautionary tale about casting chemistry and managing stars in the social media age. For fans, it’s a messy footnote to a fairy tale that, ironically, was always about envy and rivalry. As the dust settles, both Gadot and Zegler are rumored to be eyeing MCU roles—perhaps a chance to leave this poisoned apple behind. Until then, the mirror on the wall reflects a tale that’s anything but fair.