‘Miss Israel World International’ Responds to Snow White Controversy: Rachel Zegler Offends Gal Gadot
As an Israeli director coaching young Broadway talent in New York and the winner of the “Miss Israel World International 2025” I found myself deeply offended by actress Rachel Zegler’s comment on March 2, in which she referred to her co-star Gal Gadot in the new Disney remake of “Snow White” as a “typical beauty queen.”
This statement, combined with Zegler’s support for a pro-Palestinian tweet, her failure to call for the return of the hostages, and to condemn the October 7 massacre, has led to a strong backlash within the Israeli and Jewish communities, including my own.
With “Snow White” now holding the lowest rating in IMDb history at 1.6 out of 10, it raises an important question: What can we learn when the release of a film is overshadowed by the controversies surrounding its lead actress?
Zegler not only labeled the classic tale of Snow White as “old-fashioned,” but she also confessed that she had rarely watched the beloved Disney film, describing it as “weird.” This dismissive attitude was perceived as both arrogant and disrespectful, leading to criticism of her portrayal of a beloved character—an interpretation that some have dubbed a “Disney disaster.” It is important to remember that she was cast in an acting role, not a political capacity.
By trivializing Gadot’s achievements since winning the Miss Universe Israel in 2004, Zegler not only disrespects Gadot’s talent as an artist but also offends the global of the Pageant World.
Reducing Gal Gadot to a stereotype and labeling her as “typical,” reflects how we choose to recognize and value ourselves, which in turn affects how we respect others, including public figures.
Zegler dismisses the acknowledgment of Gadot’s contributions to championing various causes that share messages of unity and peace. On March 4, Gadot was honored with the Anti-Defamation League’s International Leadership Award, and on March 18, she was celebrated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Zegler’s comments might lead to a fallout that could damage a career. Meanwhile, I’d like to take this opportunity to raise a toast to Gal Gadot—Wonder Woman herself—who is now portraying the “evil queen” in “Snow White.” She serves as a shining example of authenticity and inspires us to uplift voices that promote unity rather than dismiss them as merely “typical.”