Rachel Zegler has been under fire recently due to the ongoing Rachel Zegler Snow White controversy, prompting her Evita co-star James Olivas to speak out in her defense. In a recent interview, Olivas dismissed much of the backlash aimed at Zegler, calling her an “easy target” in the highly charged public debate. He highlighted that Zegler’s challenges extend beyond Snow White to include criticism of her role in Evita and her outspoken political views.
Olivas Compares Public Reaction to Zegler and Eva Perón
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Olivas explored the intense scrutiny Zegler has faced, noting parallels between the actress’s public reception and that of the iconic Eva Perón. He stated,
In very similar ways to Eva Perón, she was loved and hated.
Olivas emphasized that Zegler’s young age and identity as a woman of color have made her vulnerable to disproportionate negativity, saying,
It’s people just choosing to be angry at her because she is a woman of color. And she is young, an easy target.
Clarifying Zegler’s Role in the Snow White Project
Addressing the specific backlash related to Zegler’s remarks about Snow White, Olivas reminded critics that the actress’s role is limited to performing rather than shaping the story. He argued,
Do you think that she’s the writer? Do you think she’s the director? She’s an actor, she was given lines, she was given a job.
This comment sought to separate her personal views from the creative decisions behind the film.
Defending Zegler’s Performance in Evita Amid Audience Reactions
Following the London Palladium’s Evita opening, some audience members expressed disappointment for missing the live performance of “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina” from the balcony, despite paying premium prices. Olivas responded to this feedback, highlighting the overall positive reception to the moment, stating,
There’s not been a single person that has come to see the show that has anything less than loved what that moment is in the theater and how it reads outside.
Impact and Continuing Discussion Surrounding Rachel Zegler
James Olivas’s defense of Rachel Zegler brings attention to the complexities young actors, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, face in the public eye. As the Rachel Zegler Snow White controversy continues to unfold, debates about criticism’s fairness and the role of artists in controversial projects are likely to persist. Olivas’s remarks suggest a need to reassess how criticism is directed, especially when it disproportionately targets identity rather than performance or actions.
