Racist and entitled fans frequently present a significant challenge for actors of color. Rachel Zegler is all too familiar with this issue. After being cast as Snow White in a live-action Disney remake, she faced a torrent of abhorrent online abuse. Her remarks regarding the film’s updates ignited a fierce backlash from individuals who aren’t even part of Disney’s target demographic for princess narratives.
The abuse escalated to death threats. A now-deleted user on Twitter/X told Zegler, “Someone should kill you,” back in August. In response, she showcased her cleverness by promoting her upcoming role in Romeo and Juliet while tagging the FBI.
fun fact i will be dying eight times a week on broadway this fall!!!!! get your tickets, lee! also @FBI https://t.co/slyBwBQD1a
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) August 12, 2024
With the Broadway debut of Romeo and Juliet now a reality, Zegler and her co-star Kit Connor shared insights through a Teen Vogue interview. While they discussed the Shakespearean tale, they also opened up about the unique struggles they encounter as a Latina woman and a bisexual man in the spotlight. (Notably, Connor had to publicly reveal his sexuality after facing accusations of ‘queerbaiting’ from fans of Heartstopper.)
Amid discussions about the relationship between fans and personal boundaries, Zegler reflected on the impact of social media, particularly in light of Chappell Roan’s experience in redefining her fan interactions for mental health protection.
“I believe you lose some of your humanity as you’re viewed more as a product or an object of admiration, disdain, or obsession,” she expressed. Both Zegler and Connor acknowledged the dual aspects of social media but Zegler underscored, “Unfortunately, I’ve encountered mostly the negative aspect. I’ve been doxxed, had strangers outside my home, and dealt with individuals protesting my existence simply based on my skin color. I don’t engage with it anymore. I really don’t.”
Zegler’s sentiments are entirely justified. While her Twitter/X account is still active, it has seen little activity since the alarming death threat. Her latest post concluded with “and always remember, free Palestine” —a meaningful message to leave her followers with.
and always remember, free palestine.
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) August 12, 2024
“I’m done with Twitter. F**k Twitter,” Zegler stated emphatically. “It can be very toxic. I witnessed its effects on [Kit]. I have experienced it myself. Throughout my life, I’ve seen women, in particular, being relentlessly attacked. Why Jameela Jamil? Why Taylor Swift? Jennifer Lawrence? Anne Hathaway? Halle Bailey? I recognize the pattern, but the public will never learn… now they’ve moved on to Chappell. F**k them.”
Teen Vogue further addressed a sobering topic involving another actress portraying Juliet, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, who faced severe racist harassment when cast alongside Tom Holland in a West End production. The abuse was so severe that a coalition of Black female and non-binary creatives issued an open letter advocating for better protections against racism for performers.
Zegler shared that she reached out to Amewudah-Rivers. “My friend Dujonna Gift from Snow White is very close to her, and I sent her a DM saying, ‘Hey, I think you’re amazing.’ She expressed her gratitude to those who supported her when she was facing such harsh criticism.”
However, Zegler’s primary message was this: “I believe she was let down by those around her. It’s imperative to safeguard individuals when you cast them, as you must be aware—you’re not naive; you know the public’s reactions can be harsh due to long-standing patterns in behavior.”
She continued, “It is essential to act swiftly and ensure her safety. The things said about her were shockingly vile. It cost me nothing to send a tweet saying she was my Juliet.” It’s appalling how racism persists on platforms like social media. The Elon Musk-owned X does not deserve a talent like Zegler, and the entertainment industry has substantial work to do regarding the racism and abuse suffered by actors.
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