Rachel Zegler’s Disney+ Profile Erased: Unraveling the Controversy

In a development that has sent shockwaves through the Disney fanbase, Rachel Zegler’s profile has reportedly been wiped from Disney+, sparking widespread speculation and outrage. The 24-year-old actress, who starred as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake released in March 2025, has been at the center of controversies that have dogged the film’s production and reception. Fans first noticed the “shocking change” in early June 2025, as documented in posts on X, with one user asking, “Can someone with Disney+ check and see if this is true?” This article explores the context of this mysterious erasure, the events leading up to it, and what it means for Zegler’s relationship with Disney and her future in Hollywood, drawing on web-based information for a comprehensive analysis.

The Context: A Troubled Journey with Disney

Rachel Zegler’s association with Disney began with high hopes. Cast in 2021 as Snow White for the live-action remake of the 1937 animated classic, Zegler was fresh off her Golden Globe-winning performance in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Her casting was celebrated as a step toward diversity, with Zegler, a Latina of Colombian and Polish descent, bringing a new perspective to the iconic princess. However, the decision also ignited debates, as some fans argued that Snow White, traditionally described as having “skin as white as snow,” should not be played by a Latina actress. Zegler addressed these criticisms, emphasizing the fairy tale’s adaptability and her personal connection to Disney’s 1997 Cinderella, which starred Brandy, a Black actress.

The Snow White remake faced additional hurdles. The decision to replace the seven dwarfs with CGI “magical creatures” after criticism from actor Peter Dinklage about perpetuating stereotypes drew ire from fans and disability advocates. Zegler’s comments about the original 1937 film, calling it “dated” and the prince a “stalker,” further alienated Disney purists. Her political activism, including a 2024 X post stating “and always remember, free Palestine” and post-election Instagram remarks wishing “Trump supporters never know peace,” intensified the backlash. These statements, which amassed millions of views, led Disney to hire a social media guru to vet her posts, as reported by Variety, and reportedly sparked death threats against her co-star Gal Gadot, necessitating additional security.

The film itself was a commercial and critical flop, grossing $225 million globally against a $410 million total cost, including marketing. A 40% critic approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 1.6/10 IMDb score reflected its poor reception, with some attributing the failure to Zegler’s polarizing public image. Disney’s scaled-back premiere in Spain and limited press tour fueled rumors of a rift between Zegler and the studio, as well as tensions with Gadot, whose pro-Israel stance clashed with Zegler’s views. By April 2025, posts on X claimed Zegler had been “cancelled by Disney for being a disastrous PR nightmare,” setting the stage for the latest controversy: the erasure of her Disney+ profile.

The Incident: A Profile Vanishes

The discovery that Zegler’s Disney+ profile had been wiped came to light around June 8, 2025, when a YouTube video titled “Zegler’s Disney+ Profile WIPED – Fans Notice SHOCKING Change” went viral. Fans on X, including user @IstaPhobos, urged others to verify the claim, noting that Zegler’s actor profile, which typically lists her roles and contributions to Disney projects, was no longer accessible on the platform. While Disney+ still hosted Snow White and credited Zegler in the film’s cast, her individual profile page—often used to highlight an actor’s body of work with the studio—had vanished without explanation.

This erasure is highly unusual for Disney, a studio known for meticulously curating its streaming platform to promote its stars and projects. For comparison, profiles for other Disney remake stars, like Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid) and Emma Watson (Beauty and the Beast), remain intact, even years after their films’ releases. The absence of Zegler’s profile has fueled speculation about Disney’s intentions. Some fans believe it signals a deliberate distancing from Zegler due to her controversies, while others wonder if it’s a technical glitch or a precursor to further action, such as removing Snow White from Disney+ entirely, as was reported earlier in 2025.

The timing of the profile wipe is significant. It follows a string of high-profile setbacks for Zegler, including the Snow White box office disaster, reported at a $115 million loss, and public criticism from Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, who called Zegler “immature” and “narcissistic” in a now-deleted Instagram post. Platt’s comments, in response to a fan questioning his father’s intervention over Zegler’s social media, suggested her actions hurt the film’s performance. The profile erasure also coincides with Zegler’s preparations for her role as Eva Perón in Evita at the London Palladium, a project unrelated to Disney, raising questions about whether the studio is severing ties.

Why Was the Profile Wiped?

Several theories explain the disappearance of Zegler’s Disney+ profile, based on the film’s troubled history and industry dynamics:

Damage Control After Snow White’s Failure: Disney may be minimizing Zegler’s association with the studio to avoid further backlash. The film’s poor performance, coupled with the “review-bombing” campaign and boycotts from fans upset over Zegler’s political views and casting, has made Snow White a liability. Removing her profile could be a subtle way to reduce her visibility on Disney+, especially after the film was pulled from the platform earlier in 2025, as reported by sources like DailyMail.com.

Contractual or Strategic Disengagement: Zegler’s contract with Disney may have included specific terms for her Disney+ profile, which could have expired or been terminated post-release. Alternatively, Disney may be reevaluating its live-action remake strategy, as suggested by box office analyst Jeff Bock, who noted that Snow White’s failure highlights the risks of adapting pre-1989 classics. Erasing Zegler’s profile could signal a shift away from promoting the film and its star.

Response to Ongoing Controversies: Zegler’s political statements, particularly her pro-Palestine post and anti-Trump remarks, created significant PR challenges. Disney’s reported hiring of a social media handler and producer Marc Platt’s intervention indicate the studio’s frustration. The profile wipe could be a punitive measure or a way to avoid reigniting debates, especially given the reported tensions with Gadot, whose Disney+ profile remains active.

Technical Error or Temporary Glitch: Though less likely, the erasure could be a technical issue on Disney+’s backend. However, the lack of an official statement from Disney and the timing—months after the film’s release—suggest a deliberate action rather than an oversight.

Disney’s silence on the matter has only amplified speculation. Unlike the Gina Carano case, where Disney publicly addressed her firing from The Mandalorian over social media posts, the studio has not commented on Zegler’s profile status. This contrast, noted by ThatParkPlace.com, highlights a perceived double standard, as Carano faced immediate dismissal for less inflammatory remarks, while Zegler received support, such as the social media guru, before this apparent distancing.

Public and Industry Reactions

The reaction to Zegler’s profile wipe has been polarized, mirroring the broader discourse around her and Snow White. On X, fans and critics have clashed, with some celebrating the move as Disney “finally cancelling” Zegler for her “PR disasters.” Users like @Alphafox78 and @vinhlegacy echoed this sentiment, framing her as a liability. Conversely, supporters, including film critic Kelechi Ehenulo, argue that Zegler is being unfairly targeted as a young Latina actress caught in “culture wars.” A Reddit thread on r/blankies praised Zegler’s performance, with users noting that the film’s failure stems from its “bland” direction rather than her acting, and criticized Disney for scapegoating her, as they did with The Acolyte director Leslye Headland.

Industry observers see the profile wipe as a symptom of Disney’s broader struggles with live-action remakes. The studio’s recent flops, including Dumbo (2019) and The Marvels (2023), suggest a need for innovation, as seen in Cruella (2021). The Snow White debacle, compounded by costly reshoots, a UK set fire, and strike delays, has led to calls for Disney to rethink its approach. Some analysts speculate that the studio may prioritize upcoming projects like Moana 2 or Cruella 2, which face less controversy, over promoting Zegler’s work.

Zegler’s supporters highlight her resilience. Despite the backlash, she has continued to engage with fans, as seen in her heartfelt interactions at a Snow White screening, where she signed a “magic apple” for a child. Her apology for her election-related comments, posted on Instagram in November 2024, showed a willingness to adapt, though it did little to quell critics. Her move to non-Disney projects, like Evita, suggests she is diversifying her portfolio to avoid being defined by this controversy.

The Bigger Picture: Disney, Zegler, and the Culture Wars

The erasure of Zegler’s Disney+ profile is more than a technical anomaly; it reflects the intersection of celebrity culture, corporate strategy, and societal polarization. Zegler’s experience parallels that of other young actresses, like Halle Bailey and Millie Bobby Brown, who faced scrutiny for their roles and public personas. However, Zegler’s outspokenness and the high stakes of Snow White—Disney’s first animated feature—amplified the backlash. Her comments, while reflective of her Gen Z values, clashed with the nostalgia-driven expectations of Disney’s audience, as noted by BBC commentator Brittany Eldridge.

Disney’s handling of Zegler also raises questions about its approach to free speech and diversity. The studio’s hesitation to publicly reprimand Zegler, likely due to the Gina Carano lawsuit, contrasts with its swift action against Carano, highlighting inconsistencies. The profile wipe, if intentional, could be seen as a compromise—avoiding a public firing while signaling a break. This move risks alienating Zegler’s supporters, who view her as a trailblazer for inclusive casting, while failing to fully appease critics who demand accountability.

For Zegler, the incident underscores the challenges of navigating fame in a polarized world. Her talent, evident in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, has been overshadowed by controversies that may not entirely be her fault. The Snow White script, direction, and marketing decisions—such as the CGI dwarfs and scaled-back premiere—contributed to its failure, yet Zegler has borne the brunt of the blame. Her upcoming role in She Gets It From Me alongside Marisa Tomei offers a chance to pivot, but her Disney chapter may leave lasting scars.

What’s Next for Zegler and Disney?

For Rachel Zegler, the path forward involves rebuilding her public image while capitalizing on her undeniable talent. Her Evita role, which has struggled with ticket sales according to DailyMail.com, is a high-stakes opportunity to prove her stage presence. Media training and a more measured social media presence could help her avoid future controversies, though her authenticity is part of her appeal. Projects outside Disney’s orbit will be crucial to diversifying her brand and moving beyond the Snow White fallout.

Disney faces a reckoning with its live-action remake strategy. The Snow White failure, following Dumbo and Pinocchio (2022), suggests that nostalgia alone cannot sustain these projects. The studio may need to embrace bolder innovations, as seen in Cruella, or focus on newer IPs. Restoring Zegler’s profile or issuing a statement could clarify the studio’s stance, but silence risks further speculation. The long-term impact on Disney+’s credibility as a platform for all Disney stars remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The wiping of Rachel Zegler’s Disney+ profile is a dramatic chapter in a saga that began with promise but descended into controversy. Whether a deliberate snub or a technical oversight, it symbolizes the fractured relationship between a young star and a studio grappling with its legacy. Zegler’s talent and resilience offer hope for a comeback, but the scars of Snow White and the culture wars it ignited will linger. As fans continue to debate her fate, the question remains: will Disney and Zegler find a way to mend this fairy tale, or is this the end of their story? Only time will tell, but the drama is far from over.