Rachel Zegler has dealt with her fair share of backlash recently. Especially when it was announced that she would be taking the role of Snow White in Disney‘s upcoming live-action adaptation. Now Rachel Zegler has acknowledged the backlash in a recent statement where she claims to have received it for being outspoken.
This was revealed by Zegler via TheWrap, who listed her as one of their trailblazers for the publication’s Latino Power List 2023. She felt honored for being included in the list and began by explaining how it can be difficult for Latino actors in the industry.
Here’s how she began:
“It’s an honor to be recognized in a way that both celebrates our heritage and lifts up the contributions we all make to this industry, where it can be particularly hard for us to be seen and heard in a meaningful way.”
She continued:
“I still don’t think I’m quite ready for the life I already have, despite being extremely grateful for it and for every opportunity it has brought me.”
Zegler added some advice for other Latino actors that hope to have a part in the industry:
“To young Latino performers coming up in the industry, I would tell them to know their worth, and to make sure they’re loud about having seats at the tables they deserve to be at.”
Finally, Rachel Zegler commented on the backlash that she’s faced:
“I have learned the hard way that we have to be fearless and loud in order to be heard, and to prepare for the backlash that occasionally comes with that outspokenness.”
Fans may know which comments of Zegler have sparked such backlash. Specifically, while discussing the elements of Snow White that will differ in the live-action interpretation, she made criticisms regarding the original dwarfs, the Prince character, and even the film’s love story. Many fans were upset and even perplexed when it was revealed that Snow White would have completely different motivations as well.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that Zegler is defending her point-of-view, and claiming that the backlash is merely a result of her outspoken attitude. As such, we’ll have to see how things continue to develop, especially by the time Snow White eventually hits theaters.