Are Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot Feuding? Snow White Lead Star Reveals 'Chilling' Threats Faced During Rollout

Rachel Zegler has revealed she received threats to her safety during the rollout of Disney's live-action Snow White, as reports of a rift between her and co-star Gal Gadot continue to circulate. The two actresses, who hold opposing public positions on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, have not directly addressed the alleged tension between them.

Zegler, an American actress of Colombian and Polish descent, spoke to Harper's Bazaar UK about the intense backlash she faced following her casting in the title role. Speaking about the period, she said the experience left her wishing she could have been shielded from it entirely.

What Happened Between Zegler and Gadot

The reported friction between the two stars predates the November 2025 Instagram unfollow that first caught widespread attention. In March 2025, following a joint appearance at the Academy Awards where the pair co-presented an award, Zegler referred to Gadot in an Instagram reply as 'a professional pageant queen.' The remark was described by sources at the time as 'a dismissive way to characterise a fellow actress.'

Political differences between the two had already created a difficult working environment during production. Zegler made a number of pro-Palestinian posts during filming, while Gadot, who is Israeli and completed mandatory military service in the Israel Defence Forces, publicly expressed solidarity with Israel following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks. According to reports, Disney arranged for separate promotional schedules for the two actresses and funded additional security for both. At the 'Snow White' premiere, the co-stars were seated several rows apart rather than together.

The unfollow was discovered in November 2025. As of writing, Gadot still follows Zegler on Instagram..

'Nothing in Common'

A source close to the production attributed the distance between Zegler and Gadot less to overt conflict than to a fundamental lack of common ground. Zegler was in her early twenties when filming began; Gadot was already a mother of four. Their professional relationship, the source suggested, was defined largely by the roles they played on screen.

'This isn't like a "stay away from me" situation,' the source

'Snow White' Controversy

Zegler faced significant online criticism after being cast in the lead role of Snow White, a character traditionally depicted with pale skin. She also received what she described as threats to her physical safety.

Speaking to Harper's Bazaar UK, she 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.'

Neither Zegler nor Gadot has directly responded to questions about their relationship since the unfollow, and no joint projects between the two are currently scheduled.