Disney Boosts Security for Gal Gadot Amid “Snow White” Fallout
Disney reportedly increased security for actress Gal Gadot, star of the upcoming live-action “Snow White” film, following alleged death threats stemming from her public support of Israel. This protective measure was implemented after controversy arose from a pro-Palestine social media post by her co-star, Rachel Zegler, according to a recent report highlighting the escalating tensions surrounding the highly anticipated movie.
Social Media Post Sparks Controversy
Rachel Zegler, 23, Gadot’s “Snow White” colleague, ignited criticism with an August 2024 post on X (formerly Twitter). In a message expressing gratitude for fan enthusiasm regarding the “Snow White” trailer, Zegler included, “and always remember, free palestine.” This statement, as reported by Variety, circulated widely within Disney and reportedly surprised many executives at the studio, especially given its insertion into promotional activities for the $270 million production.
Disney’s Reaction and Concern
Sources indicate that Zegler’s social media activity caused significant unease at Disney. An executive allegedly contacted Zegler’s representatives to express concern, and “Snow White” producer Marc Platt reportedly traveled to New York to engage with the “West Side Story” actress personally. The worry purportedly centered on the potential repercussions of Zegler’s political commentary on the film and its stars.
Escalating Threats and Security Measures for Gal Gadot
Variety claims that death threats directed at Gal Gadot, 39, intensified after Zegler’s “free palestine” message. Faced with these heightened threats, Disney allegedly decided to shoulder the expenses for enhanced security to safeguard Gadot, who previously served in the Israel Defense Forces and is known for her role in “Wonder Woman.”
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Zegler’s Past Social Media Controversies
This incident is not the first time Zegler’s social media posts have generated controversy. She previously faced backlash after expressing strong disapproval of Donald Trump’s election victory in a prior social media post. According to reports, following interventions from Disney and producer Platt, a social media consultant, paid by Disney, was purportedly tasked with reviewing Zegler’s online posts leading up to the “Snow White” premiere on March 21.
Strained Relations Between Co-stars?
Adding to the complexity, reports suggest a possible rift between Zegler and Gadot, potentially unrelated to differing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Following a joint appearance at the Oscars, Zegler reportedly referred to Gadot as “a professional pageant queen” in an Instagram comment. Insiders suggest this remark was perceived as dismissive towards a fellow actress, potentially contributing to a tense atmosphere between the “Snow White” co-stars.
Gal Gadot “Shocked” by Backlash
In a recent interview with Variety, preceding her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony that was disrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, Gal Gadot expressed her astonishment at the negative responses she has encountered for her pro-Israel stance following the October 7, 2023 attacks.
“I was shocked by the amount of hate, by the amount of how much people think they know when they actually have no idea, and also by how the media is not fair many times. So I had to speak up,” Gadot stated.
Gadot on Politics and Art
Gadot further elaborated on her approach to public discourse post-October 7th. “After October 7th [2023], I don’t talk politics — because who cares about the celebrity talking about politics? I’m an artist. I want to entertain people,” she explained. “I want to bring hope and be a beacon of light whenever I say anything about the world.”
However, she emphasized her compelling need to speak out regarding the events of October 7th, stating, “But on October 7th, when people were abducted from their homes, from their beds, men, women, children, elderly, Holocaust survivors, were going through the horrors of what happened that day, I could not be silent.”