Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler present together at the Oscars

Disney’s Snow White has been a public relations nightmare from the start, but now, it seems the controversy has gone beyond bad trailers and box office projections. The two lead actresses, Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler, appear to be on completely opposite sides of one of the most divisive global conflicts of our time—and it may be showing in more ways than one.

At an Anti-Defamation League (ADL) event this week, Gadot received the ADL International Leadership Award and delivered a passionate speech affirming her support for Israel and condemning what she sees as growing hostility toward the Jewish community. The speech comes just months after Zegler posted “#FreePalestine” while promoting the Snow White trailer, directly tying the Disney film to her stance on the Middle Eastern conflict.
Rachel Zegler Snow White

Rachel Zegler singing the original song “Waiting on a Wish” from Disney’s Snow White live action remake – YouTube, Disney

While Gadot never directly mentioned Zegler, the timing, wording, and strong rebuke of those who “celebrate hostility” certainly feel like a pointed response.

And if that wasn’t enough, the tension between the two actresses became even more obvious when they appeared together at the Academy Awards this week.

Oscars Moment: Gadot Won’t Even Look at Zegler

Both Gadot and Zegler were paired together as presenters at the Oscars, but anyone watching could tell there was noticeable tension between them.

First off, Gadot never once looks at Zegler while they stood at the podium. Her body was visibly leaning away from Zegler, creating clear distance between them. It looked as though she were almost repelled by Zegler’s presence. She also keeps her focus entirely on the audience, barely acknowledging her co-star’s presence.

 

For two actresses leading the same film, this interaction—or lack thereof—was striking. It’s hard to believe it wasn’t intentional, especially considering the undeniable contrast in how the two have approached the conflict in recent months.

Gadot’s Speech vs. Zegler’s Social Media Post—A Stark Divide

Gadot’s ADL speech was deeply personal, reflecting on her family history and her newfound willingness to speak publicly on these issues:

“I never really wanted to talk about politics. I kind of tried really, really hard to avoid it because no one wants to hear celebrities talking about political issues,” she said.

This line is especially telling because it directly contradicts Zegler’s public behavior, which has been anything but reserved.
Gal Gadot Snow White

Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen in Disney’s live-action SNOW WHITE. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

For example, Zegler actively ties political messages to her work, as seen in her Snow White promotion post, which ended with ”#FreePalestine.” She also has a history of emotionally charged social media outbursts, including her infamous post-election meltdown after Donald Trump’s win, which forced her into a corporate PR-style apology.

Gadot, on the other hand, emphasized that she never wanted to discuss these topics publicly but felt she had no choice given recent events. This directly contrasts Zegler’s approach, making it hard to believe this wasn’t, in some way, a subtle rebuke of her co-star.

Disney’s Dilemma—Two Leads, Two Opposing Viewpoints

The Oscars moment and ADL speech only deepen the growing PR problem for Disney.

Snow White is already projected to open between $48–$58 million, far below what’s needed. It has been mired in backlash from Disney fans due to drastic story changes. It’s also facing growing public fatigue with Zegler, who has been a lightning rod for controversy.

And now, the studio has two lead actresses whose worldviews appear to be in direct conflict.
Snow White Apple

(L-R): Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen and Rachel Zegler as Snow White in Disney’s live-action SNOW WHITE. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This likely explains why Disney has quietly reduced Zegler’s screen time in trailers while keeping Gadot’s role as the Evil Queen front and center. The film’s marketing has lately relied more on nostalgia for the 1937 film rather than pushing the “bold reinvention” angle Zegler originally touted.

Additionally, the film’s UK premiere was scrapped, possibly to avoid unwanted media attention on this very issue and keep the press away from Zegler.

Final Thoughts—Is Snow White Doomed?

At this point, Snow White is no longer just a box office gamble—it’s a full-fledged PR catastrophe.

If Gadot’s ADL speech was indeed a subtle response to Zegler, it only cements the division between them. And now, after their awkward Oscars moment, it’s clear to audiences that these two actresses are not on good terms.
Snow White and the 7 CGI Dwarves

Rachel Zegler as Snow White in Snow White (2025), Walt Disney Studios

Disney is stuck with a major marketing dilemma: How do you sell a movie when your two leads appear to be at odds, both politically and personally?

With less than a month until release, Snow White is looking more and more like one of the biggest disasters Disney has ever produced.

Do you think Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler can co-exist during the Snow White promotional tour? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!