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Rachel Zegler made an appearance at an event for the movie “Snow White” in Spain without her co-star Gal Gadot as Disney reduced its marketing efforts for the controversial film.
The actress from “West Side Story,” who portrays Snow White in the updated version, performed the original song “Waiting on a Wish” at Alcázar de Segovia in Spain on Wednesday, the same castle that served as inspiration for the 1937 animated classic.
Zegler, aged 23, looked stunning in a white gown adorned with intricate beaded patterns. To complete her ensemble, she accessorized with a purse shaped like a crystallized apple, a reference to the poisoned fruit from the movie, and silver strappy heels.
The actress posed for photos with “Snow White” director Marc Webb and interacted with fans who showed up to see the show.
Noticeably absent was Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen in the film.
The “Wonder Woman” star’s nonattendance comes after Disney scaled back promotion for the movie, which is set to hit theaters on March 21, over backlash it has received.
Variety reported Tuesday that only photographers and a house crew will be allowed on the red carpet during the premiere on Saturday rather than the media outlets who would typically interview the cast.
Both Zegler and Gadot, 39, are expected to attend the screening at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.
Fans initially criticized Disney for casting a Latina as Snow White.
Zegler then faced backlash for saying the plot of the animated “Snow White” film was “dated” because the prince “literally stalks Snow White.”
The “Y2K” star was also slammed for voicing her support for Palestine and sharing an anti-President Trump Instagram post after he defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 election last November.
After people called for Zegler to be fired from the live-action film, she issued an apology, saying she had let her “emotions get the best of” her when she spoke about the election.
A movie insider told Page Six exclusively Thursday: “Disney’s lead actress is out of control. They don’t know what to do … she’s an outspoken 20-something, and Disney chiefs have called her directly and asked her to tone down her posts. They’ve called her management, but she won’t listen.
“It’s been this way the entire way through filming. But it’s the tying of her politics to ‘Snow White’ that is upsetting,” the source added.
Meanwhile, Gadot, who is Jewish, has been an outspoken supporter of Israel on social media.
Disney also faced criticism for perpetuating negative stereotypes by casting little people as the Seven Dwarfs in the remake. The company later changed the dwarves to “magical creatures” of all sizes and genders to appease fans.