Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old star who soared to fame in West Side Story and captivated Broadway in Romeo + Juliet, was poised to become Disney’s next fairy-tale icon as Snow White in the studio’s live-action remake. But the 2025 release has been a colossal disappointment, with dismal box office numbers and a firestorm of online backlash. Now, controversial media firebrand Piers Morgan has reportedly entered the fray, delivering a scathing critique of Zegler, blaming her for the film’s disastrous failure. Known for his unfiltered attacks, Morgan’s alleged tirade has sparked a frenzy, pitting his provocative commentary against Zegler’s rising star power. As Disney grapples with the fallout, this clash is igniting debates about fame, responsibility, and the future of the House of Mouse. Uncover the drama and find out why this feud is dominating the conversation.

The Snow White Fiasco: A Dream Turned Nightmare

Disney’s live-action Snow White was envisioned as a bold reimagining of the 1937 animated classic, a cornerstone of the studio’s legacy. Directed by Marc Webb and starring Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film aimed to modernize the tale with themes of empowerment and diversity. Zegler, a Latina actress with a crystalline voice, was celebrated as a fresh face for the role, while Gadot’s commanding presence promised a chilling antagonist. With a budget exceeding $200 million, Disney banked on the film to replicate the success of remakes like Beauty and the Beast or Aladdin.

Instead, Snow White became a lightning rod for controversy. Zegler’s comments about updating the character to be a leader rather than a damsel in distress sparked outrage among fans of the original, who felt Disney was disrespecting tradition. The decision to replace the seven dwarfs with a diverse group of companions further fueled accusations of “woke” overreach. When the film hit theaters in 2025, audiences largely stayed away, with early estimates suggesting it grossed far below projections, potentially costing Disney hundreds of millions. Social media platforms like X erupted with hashtags like #SnowWhiteFlop, amplifying the film’s failure into a cultural flashpoint.

Piers Morgan’s Alleged Attack

Enter Piers Morgan, the polarizing British broadcaster whose career thrives on controversy. Known for his blunt takes on everything from politics to pop culture, Morgan has built a massive following through his television shows, columns, and social media presence. He’s no stranger to targeting Disney, having criticized the studio’s recent output for prioritizing progressive agendas over storytelling. According to unverified reports, Morgan has now set his sights on Rachel Zegler, unleashing a blistering critique that pins Snow White’s failure squarely on her shoulders.

The alleged takedown, delivered via a fiery segment on his show or a viral social media post, reportedly called Zegler out for her “arrogant” comments about the original film, accusing her of alienating audiences and tanking the remake’s appeal. Morgan is said to have mocked her as a “woke princess” whose inexperience and outspokenness doomed the project, while questioning Disney’s decision to cast a relatively untested star in such a high-stakes role. The attack, laced with Morgan’s signature bombast, has reportedly sent shockwaves through Zegler’s fanbase and the industry, reigniting debates about her role in the film’s collapse.

Why Target Zegler?

Morgan’s focus on Zegler fits his pattern of zeroing in on young, outspoken figures who embody cultural shifts he often critiques. At 24, Zegler represents a new generation of Hollywood talent—diverse, socially conscious, and unafraid to challenge norms. Her comments about Snow White, while intended to highlight the character’s evolution, were perceived by some as dismissive of the original’s legacy, making her an easy target for Morgan’s brand of outrage-driven commentary. By framing her as the face of the film’s failure, Morgan taps into a broader narrative about “woke” culture gone awry, a theme that resonates with his audience.

Zegler’s public persona also makes her vulnerable. Her candid social media presence, where she’s addressed everything from racism in casting to her mental health struggles, has endeared her to fans but also drawn criticism. Past controversies, like her response to Snow White backlash or a Family Guy parody, have painted her as a lightning rod, and Morgan’s alleged attack capitalizes on this perception. By singling her out, he sidesteps the film’s broader issues—script problems, marketing missteps, or cultural fatigue with remakes—to create a personal, attention-grabbing narrative.

The Fallout: Zegler, Disney, and the Fans

For Zegler, Morgan’s alleged critique is a brutal blow. Already battered by Snow White’s poor reception and online hate, she’s now facing a high-profile attack from one of media’s loudest voices. The emotional toll could be significant, especially for a young star who’s spoken about her anxiety and the pressure of representing her Latina community. While Zegler has yet to respond publicly, her fans have rallied on platforms like X, decrying Morgan’s comments as unfair and misogynistic, with hashtags like #StandWithRachel trending in her defense. Others, however, have echoed Morgan’s sentiments, arguing that Zegler’s remarks alienated audiences and hurt the film.

Disney, meanwhile, is caught in a precarious position. The studio’s live-action remake strategy, once a cash cow, is under scrutiny after a string of underperformers. Snow White’s failure, combined with Morgan’s public piling-on, amplifies perceptions of a company out of touch with its audience. Internally, executives are likely scrambling to manage the crisis, weighing whether to defend Zegler, distance themselves from the controversy, or pivot to new projects. The film’s financial losses, estimated in the hundreds of millions, add urgency to their response, as does the need to protect Zegler and Gadot, both tied to future Disney endeavors.

The Bigger Picture: Culture Wars and Celebrity Scrutiny

Morgan’s alleged attack on Zegler is more than a personal feud—it’s a microcosm of the culture wars raging in entertainment. Disney’s push for diverse, modernized storytelling has become a lightning rod for critics like Morgan, who argue it alienates traditional audiences. Zegler, as a young woman of color leading a reimagined classic, embodies this shift, making her a focal point for broader debates about representation, authenticity, and corporate agendas. Morgan’s critique, whether rooted in genuine belief or calculated provocation, fuels a narrative that pits “woke” progress against nostalgic tradition.

The incident also highlights the intense scrutiny facing young stars in the digital age. Zegler’s every word is dissected, from press interviews to casual tweets, with detractors quick to label her as entitled or divisive. This dynamic is particularly acute for women of color, who face disproportionate criticism in an industry that often demands conformity. Morgan’s decision to target Zegler, rather than Gadot or the film’s creative team, underscores these double standards, raising questions about who gets blamed when a project fails.

What’s Next for Zegler and Disney?

For Zegler, the path forward is fraught but not insurmountable. Her upcoming comedy She Gets It From Me offers a chance to pivot to a lighter, less controversial role, showcasing her charisma and versatility. A strategic response to Morgan—perhaps a poised statement emphasizing her pride in Snow White or a focus on her next project—could help reclaim the narrative. Her Broadway success and loyal fanbase provide a strong foundation, and her resilience, honed through past controversies, will be key to navigating this storm.

Disney faces a tougher road. The studio must reassess its remake strategy, balancing innovation with respect for its classics. Future projects, like Mufasa: The Lion King, will test whether it can regain audience trust. Supporting Zegler, perhaps through a public show of confidence or a new role, could mitigate damage and signal commitment to diverse talent. For Morgan, the controversy is another feather in his cap, reinforcing his brand as a provocateur who thrives on sparking debate.

Conclusion

Piers Morgan’s alleged hammering of Rachel Zegler over Snow White’s failure is a clash of titans—old media vs. new Hollywood, tradition vs. progress, provocation vs. passion. Whether his critique was a calculated jab or a genuine grievance, it’s amplified the film’s fallout, thrusting Zegler into the center of a cultural maelstrom. As Disney grapples with its missteps and Zegler fights to protect her legacy, this drama underscores the high stakes of fame in a divided world. The internet is ablaze, and the story is far from over—Rachel Zegler’s next move will determine whether she rises above the noise or becomes its latest casualty.