Rachel Zegler revealed she faced safety threats during the release of Disney’s live-action Snow White, amid ongoing reports of tension with co-star Gal Gadot. The discord between the actresses, rooted partly in their opposing views on the Israel–Palestinian conflict, has not been publicly addressed by either party.
The Origins of the Strain Between Zegler and Gadot
The reported friction between Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot began well before their notable Instagram unfollow in November 2025 drew public attention. In March 2025, during a joint appearance at the Academy Awards where they presented an award together, Zegler referred to Gadot as “a professional pageant queen” in an Instagram comment. Insider accounts at the time described this as
“a dismissive way to characterise a fellow actress.”
Underlying tensions were compounded by conflicting political viewpoints during the film’s production. Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent, shared several pro-Palestinian posts throughout filming. In contrast, Gadot, an Israeli who served in the Israel Defence Forces, publicly voiced her support for Israel after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. These divisions reportedly created a challenging environment on set.
Sources say that Disney attempted to manage the strain by scheduling separate promotional events for the actresses and providing enhanced security for both stars. Notably, at the Snow White premiere, Gadot and Zegler were seated several rows apart rather than together. Although Zegler unfollowed Gadot on Instagram in November 2025, Gadot continues to follow Zegler’s account.
Fundamental Differences Behind Their Distance
A source close to the production emphasized that the separation between Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler stems more from basic differences than active hostility. The source noted that their disparity in age and life stage—Zegler being in her early twenties during filming and Gadot a mother of four—contributed to a lack of common ground.
Rather than overt conflict, their relationship was largely professional and confined to their on-screen roles. The insider explained,
“This isn’t like a stay away from me situation,”
suggesting that personal animosity may be less significant than the divergence in their perspectives and experiences.
Public Backlash and the ‘Snow White’ Controversy
Rachel Zegler faced widespread criticism and significant online backlash after being cast as Snow White, a role traditionally portrayed as a character with very pale skin. The actress also disclosed that she received threats to her personal safety during the film’s promotional period.
Discussing the intense response in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, Zegler said,
“If I’d been able to predict everything that would come my way, the threats to my safety, I would have just thrown my phone into the ocean. I think any sane person would have… In the public eye at least, when you’re two things, you’re simultaneously nothing. But I refuse to assimilate for anybody else’s comfort.”
– Rachel Zegler, Actress
The controversy surrounding the movie and the feud between the lead actresses captured public attention, as reflected in online reactions. One Twitter user remarked,
“Disney made a Snow White movie? LmaoI didn’t see Jack about that movie, not until I read an article detailing Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot’s feud….”
– $on (@Jayyy_son_)
Since the Instagram unfollow incident, neither Gal Gadot nor Rachel Zegler have publicly commented on their relationship, and there are no announced future projects involving both actors together.
What Lies Ahead for Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler?
The strained dynamic between Gadot and Zegler highlights how deep political and personal differences can affect professional relationships, especially amid intense public scrutiny. With Disney taking precautions to separate their promotional activities and the actresses maintaining distance, it seems unlikely their relationship will improve soon.
This public feud could influence future collaborations, potentially limiting opportunities for the two actresses to work together. Moreover, the situation underscores ongoing challenges within Hollywood related to diversity, representation, and the political views of public figures.
Disney made a Snow White movie? Lmao
I didn’t see Jack about that movie, not until I read an article detailing Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot’s feud….— $on (@Jayyy_son_) April 1, 2025
