In a recent episode of her SiriusXM show, Megyn Kelly expressed strong criticism of actress Rachel Zegler following controversial remarks made by the “Snow White” star regarding supporters of President-elect Donald Trump. Zegler’s comments, which included a wish for Trump supporters to “never know peace,” sparked backlash and led Kelly to call her a “pig” while condemning Disney for what she perceives as hypocrisy in its handling of political expressions by its stars.
Kelly highlighted a double standard in the entertainment industry, emphasizing how another public figure, Gina Carano, was fired from Disney’s “The Mandalorian” for comments far less provocative than Zegler’s. “Hello, Disney! You’re gonna have to redo your film again…” Kelly remarked, indicating her frustration with the company’s inconsistency in handling public statements from its actors.
Zegler, who plays the eponymous role in the upcoming Disney live-action remake, had previously voiced her concerns on social media about the direction of the country post-election, expressing fears for the future of her (currently nonexistent) daughter. Her comments reflect a growing trend among younger artists to engage publicly with political issues, which sometimes leads to significant controversy.
The film itself has undergone changes, including postponements and re-vamps in character portrayals after receiving criticism for its interpretation of traditional elements, such as the seven dwarves. Zegler’s previous remarks about the original narrative of “Snow White” being “weird” and her comments concerning the portrayal of the prince have further added to the headlines surrounding the film.
Despite the controversies, it’s essential to view the engagement of young artists like Zegler as part of a broader cultural dialogue. Their willingness to confront complex topics can stimulate important discussions, although it may also result in backlash.
Looking ahead, the live-action “Snow White,” directed by Marc Webb and written by Greta Gerwig, is set to be released in 2025, which will allow time for the production to potentially realign with audience expectations and deliver a fresh take on a classic tale. As the conversation continues, there remains hope that such dialogues can foster understanding and bridge divides in an increasingly polarized society.