Rachel Zegler as Evita
Rachel Zegler as Evita (via Rachel Zegler's IIG))

Rachel Zegler's highly anticipated West End debut in Evita was meant to be a triumphant new chapter in her blossoming career.

However, her abrupt exit mid-performance on 24 July due to a mystery illness, followed by a wave of audience criticism, has sparked renewed speculation about the state of her mental health — particularly whether she may still be battling the anxiety she previously discussed during the fallout from Disney's Snow White remake.

Abrupt Exit Raises Questions

The 24-year-old actress left the London Palladium stage partway through Thursday's performance, with her absence only announced at intermission. Understudy Bella Brown stepped in to complete the role of Eva Perón, delivering a well-received performance and earning a near five-minute standing ovation.

Zegler returned the very next evening, on 25 July, and posted several behind-the-scenes photos and a video of her curtain call on Instagram, writing that it was a 'proud day to be at Evita.' While her swift return suggests physical recovery, it hasn't stopped murmurs that the real reason behind her exit may have been more emotional than physical.

A History of Anxiety and Backlash

Zegler has previously opened up about struggling with severe anxiety during the promotional campaign for Disney's live-action Snow White. Following intense public backlash over her casting and her comments about the original film, she admitted the negativity took a serious toll on her mental health.

She described the period as one in which she 'just wasn't functioning,' prompting her to seek professional help. Zegler revealed she had started therapy and began taking prescribed medication, calling it a 'game-changer' that helped her regain her confidence and ability to carry out daily activities.

Given this public history, some have speculated that the stress of live theatre, coupled with renewed scrutiny, may have contributed to her sudden departure from Evita — even if only momentarily.

Controversy Over 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina'

Adding fuel to the fire, the production's most famous number, 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina,' has itself drawn criticism — not for Zegler's performance, but for how it's staged. During the song, Zegler leaves the main theatre and sings from an outdoor balcony, with the audience inside watching the performance on a screen.

While some audience members praised the moment as 'poetic' and 'symbolic,' others were far less impressed. 'Sorry, are you saying I've paid that much for two tickets and she's singing the biggest number outside at people who haven't paid?' one attendee posted online. Another added, 'Not sure how I feel about watching the most iconic moment on a screen.'

Applause and Support Amid the Noise

Despite the criticism, Zegler has continued to perform and remains publicly positive. She praised her understudy for stepping in during Thursday's performance, saying it highlighted the value of understudies and swings in theatre. Brown returned the favour, calling Zegler 'an angel' and saying it was an honour to share the stage with her.

Audience reviews of Zegler's performances have been largely positive, with fans posting about her 'incredible stage presence' and emotional delivery. For some, her return following the illness was seen as a testament to her professionalism and resilience.

Balancing Pressure with Personal Life

Offstage, Zegler has been spotted enjoying her downtime in London, including outings with backup dancer Nathan Louis-Fernand, sparking rumours of a budding romance.

She's also spoken warmly about the cast and crew of Evita, describing the production as a 'dream come true' and saying she feels "held" and supported in the role.

An Ongoing Conversation About Mental Health

Though there has been no official word that Zegler's anxiety has resurfaced, the combination of her past openness, the sudden illness, and the intense attention surrounding Evita naturally leads to questions. In a profession that demands constant performance under scrutiny, it's understandable that moments of overwhelm might occur — even for someone as talented and seasoned as Zegler.

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