Rachel Zegler Criticizes Hollywood Execs Over Ethnicity Queries

Rachel Zegler, the actress portraying Snow White in Disney's upcoming live-action remake, has revealed that she faced skepticism regarding her Latina heritage from 'white executives' while auditioning for her previous role as Maria in West Side Story. Zegler, who has Colombian roots, expressed her disbelief at being asked to prove her identity during the casting process, questioning if she should bring her grandmother to authenticate her background. In a recent interview with Allure, she emphasized the importance of investing in diverse talent, regardless of appearances, and noted that her talent in singing played a crucial role in her casting. The Snow White film has been mired in controversy, including criticism of its portrayal and Zegler's outspoken views on social issues, which have led to both support and backlash. Additionally, tensions have arisen due to differing political stances between Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot, further complicating the film's reception. Zegler remains committed to her heritage and hopes for progress in diversity and representation within Hollywood.