Rachel Zegler Claims West Side Story Bosses Questioned Her Colombian Heritage, Felt She Had to ‘Prove Identity to a Bunch of White Executives’

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Rachel Zegler Opens Up About Heritage Scrutiny and Snow White Backlash

Rachel Zegler, 23, revealed in a recent Allure interview that executives behind West Side Story (2021) questioned her Colombian heritage during casting. The actress, who starred as María in Steven Spielberg’s remake, recalled feeling “utter confusion” as “a bunch of white executives” pressed her to “prove” her identity. “Do you want me to bring my abuelita in?” she quipped. Zegler’s mother is Colombian, with her grandmother immigrating from Barranquilla in the 1960s, while her father is of Polish descent.

Zegler as María in Spielberg’s remake, a role that earned her a Golden Globe.

The scrutiny contrasts with her current role in Disney’s Snow White remake, which has faced criticism for reimagining the classic tale. The film replaces the Seven Dwarfs with “magical creatures” and abandons the original romance plot, deemed “sexist” by Zegler. She defends the changes, stating, “Snow White chooses kindness and still makes change,” while hoping the film inspires “a new dawn of acceptance.”

The remake has sparked debate over its diverse casting and plot changes.

Zegler’s casting as Snow White—a character traditionally depicted as pale-skinned—drew backlash, prompting her to address critics in a since-deleted post: “Yes, I am Snow White. No, I am not bleaching my skin.” Director Marc Webb praised her dedication to Disney’s legacy, citing her vocal talent as key to her casting. “She delivers the music with unironic grace,” he said.

However, insiders claim Disney is struggling to manage Zegler’s outspokenness. A source told Page Six the studio finds her “out of control,” citing her critiques of the original film’s “dated” love story and her political remarks. Disney reportedly limited press access and scaled back premieres to avoid further controversy.

Zegler promoted the film in Spain amid muted press events.

The star’s comments about the original Snow White—calling the prince a “stalker” and the plot “weird”—fueled backlash. Despite this, Zegler remains focused on her vision: “There’s nothing wrong with choosing what’s right… kindness takes power.”

With Snow White’s release approaching, Disney faces an uphill battle to balance modern storytelling with fan expectations, all while navigating its star’s polarizing presence.

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