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Disney Star Rachel Zegler Issues Apology After Controversial Comments About Trump Supporters Spark Backlash
Edited by: TJVNews.com
Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress starring in Disney’s upcoming live-action Snow White, has issued a public apology following widespread backlash over her comments targeting supporters of President-elect Donald Trump. As reported by The New York Post, Zegler’s remarks, in which she wished that Trump and his supporters would “never know peace,” sparked calls for a boycott of Disney and drew sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.
The controversy began earlier this week when Zegler, who has 2.3 million Instagram followers, posted an emotionally charged Instagram Story condemning Trump’s election victory and his supporters. In her post, Zegler described herself as “speechless” over the election outcome, accusing Trump of fostering hatred and threatening democracy.
That half-hearted apology was money driven, without question. Go ahead and start writing your next hate filled post when your movie bombs 💣 😉
— LeapYrPat (@LpYearPat) November 15, 2024
“There is a deep sickness in this country … shown in the sheer amount of people who showed up for this man who threatens our democracy,” she wrote, as was indicated in The Post report. She added, “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.”
Her comments immediately ignited a firestorm, with critics accusing the young actress of hypocrisy and intolerance. Social media was flooded with calls to boycott Disney, with many pointing out that her remarks contradicted Disney’s family-friendly brand.
In the wake of mounting backlash, Zegler took to Instagram late Thursday to issue an apology, which The New York Post described as “groveling.” She expressed regret for allowing her emotions to override her judgment, acknowledging the harm her words had caused.
I forgive you. That is what you are supposed to do as an adult….even though you did wish me harm. Might I suggest therapy for yourself? #RachelZegler pic.twitter.com/rUv65RKIPU
— Whitney Stevens (@whitneystevs3) November 15, 2024
“I let my emotions get the best of me,” Zegler wrote. “Hatred and anger have caused us to move further and further away from peace and understanding, and I am sorry I contributed to the negative discourse.”
The actress also emphasized the importance of respecting differing opinions, even amid emotionally charged situations. “This week has been emotional for so many of us, but I firmly believe that everyone has the right to their opinion, even when it differs from my own,” she added, as was reported by The New York Post.
Concluding her apology, Zegler expressed a commitment to fostering positivity, writing, “I am committed to contributing positively toward a better tomorrow.”
Absolutely NOT.
There are 2 kinds of apologies:
1. The genuine apology – Recognizing wrongdoing and willing to make amends.
2. The fake apology – Doesn’t care about what one did. Just wants to avoid the oncoming consequences -> that’s #RachelZegler.— Andre Beck (@Johnny_Canuck69) November 15, 2024
Despite Zegler’s attempt to mitigate the fallout, her apology has been met with mixed reactions. While some praised her for taking accountability, others accused her of issuing a forced and insincere statement due to the threat of a Disney boycott, The New York Post report said.
Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly was particularly scathing in her criticism of Zegler. The report in The New York Post said that during her SiriusXM show, Kelly called the actress a “pig” and blasted Disney for what she saw as a double standard in handling controversies involving its stars.
@rachelzegler is a bigot https://t.co/kkU1pNnwHf
— Tal (@naturespuresoap) November 15, 2024
“You fired Gina Carano for far less than this nonsense,” Kelly remarked, referring to Disney’s decision to remove Carano from The Mandalorian in 2021 after the actress compared the treatment of conservatives in the U.S. to the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany.
The backlash has also fueled broader conversations about the challenges public figures face in navigating political discourse, especially in a polarized environment.
Zegler’s remarks have placed Disney in a difficult position. As The New York Post highlighted, the entertainment giant has faced similar controversies in the past, leading to significant public and financial repercussions. The calls for a boycott come at a critical time for Disney, as the company has heavily invested in Zegler’s upcoming role as Snow White, a cornerstone of its live-action reboot strategy.
While Disney has yet to issue an official statement, industry analysts suggest that the company will be closely monitoring public sentiment to assess the potential impact on its brand and box office prospects.
Zegler’s comments and the subsequent fallout illustrate the delicate balance between personal expression and public accountability for high-profile figures. Her remarks have not only sparked outrage but have also reignited debates over cancel culture, freedom of speech, and corporate responsibility in addressing controversial behavior.
As The New York Post report observed, Zegler’s situation mirrors broader societal divisions, with the entertainment industry increasingly becoming a battleground for political and cultural debates. Whether her apology will suffice to quell the controversy—or whether Disney will take further action—remains to be seen.
