Rachel Zegler, the star of Disney's live-action remake of “Snow White,” sparked a social media storm with an anti-Israel post on Monday.
The actress, who has already polarized audiences with her outspoken liberal political views and criticism of the more traditional themes of the original “Snow White” film, furthered the controversy with a “Free Palestine” message attached to the end of a post thanking fans for watching the latest “Snow White” trailer.
“And always remember: Free Palestine,” the “Hunger Games” actress shared with X on Monday.
LIBERAL HOLLYWOOD CHARACTERS CONDEMN HAMAS AS “BRUTAL” TERRORISTS AND CALL ON BIDEN NOT TO LEAVE HOSTAGES BEHIND
“Snow White” reboot actress Rachel Zegler recently wrote “Free Palestine” in an X-rated post. (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
The message followed her original post, which read: “Love you all so much! Thank you for the love and 120 million views on our trailer in just 24 hours! What a whirlwind. I'm in the middle of rehearsals for Romeo + Juliet so I'm out of here. Bye for now.”
Disney released the first official trailer for the new Snow White adaptation over the weekend, featuring a new image of the title character (played by Zegler), the CGI-enhanced Seven Dwarfs, and the evil queen played by Israeli actress Gal Gadot.
Zegler's “Free Palestine” post sparked a wave of intense backlash on X, including people accusing her of making a subtle attack on her co-star Gadot.
Gadot has defended her home country from anger and criticism following the Oct. 7 massacre by Hamas, which killed some 1,500 people. Last year, the actress headlined a Hollywood screening of a 47-minute video about Hamas atrocities during the Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel.
The screening sparked violent protests and was criticized for being “insensitive” toward Palestinians. Zegler’s pro-Palestinian message comes at a time when anti-Israel agitators have called for a boycott of the film because of Gadot’s role.
'STRANGER THINGS' STAR SUPPORTS ISRAEL IN A STRONG STATEMENT AND CRITICISES THOSE WHO JUSTIFY VIOLENCE
Zegler's “Snow White” co-star Gal Gadot is Israeli and has defended her country from anti-Israel sentiment following the Oct. 7 massacre. (Reuters/Mike Blake)
Newsweek opinion contributor Joel Peltin called Zegler's post a criticism of Gadot, writing: “Rachel Zegler is trolling her much more famous and beautiful Snow White co-star Gal Gadot. Disney keeps hiring the wrong actors to represent their brand. Instead of promoting a movie, they choose to embarrass themselves and the studio.”
Tablet Magazine's deputy audience editor Isaac de Castro commented: “She could have turned down this role instead of starring alongside Gal Gadot. She could also have not worked with Spielberg, who gave her the role that launched her to stardom. Instead, she'll tweet petty slights directed at her co-star to muddy the fact that she can't even stick to her own principles when it's not convenient for her career.”
Pro-Israel journalist Eve Barlow wrote: “There is nothing less classy than a piece of shit from your co-star, who is far superior to her.”
Jewish author and commentator Uri Kurlianchik wrote: “Disney has an interesting marketing strategy for Snow White. It co-stars Israeli Gal Gadot, making sure that Israel-haters boycott it, and Israel-hater Rachel Zegler, making sure that pro-Israel people are reluctant to watch it. Is there a way to alienate neutral viewers as well?”
Others simply criticized Zegler for expressing that opinion.
Journalist Katya Sedgwick responded to the actress by saying: “Liberate Palestine from centuries of Arab terror.”
ILTV Israel News reporter Emily Schrader wrote: “What a sad, mean and ignorant person you are.”
And conservative commentator Ian Haworth criticized the studio behind the new “Snow White” for casting Zegler, saying: “Great choice @Disney.”
Representatives for Disney and Zegler did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
