Rachel Zegler, the actress who starred in Disney’s big-budget Snow White remake, is stirring fresh controversy. Over the weekend, she shared an Instagram Story of herself wearing a T-shirt that read “ICE out of New York City,” according to Breitbart News. The shirt is sold by the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, a group that Breitbart describes as a “far-left activist organization.”
The post comes amid ongoing backlash against Zegler, who has become a polarizing figure in Hollywood. Her Snow White remake, released in 2025, was one of the biggest box-office bombs in Disney’s history, losing at least $170 million, according to Breitbart. That figure does not include marketing and other costs, making the film the Mouse House’s most expensive flop ever.
A History of Controversy
Zegler’s troubles began well before the film’s release. She made headlines for a series of statements that drew ire from conservative audiences, including calling the original Snow White “misogynistic” and describing her version as “woke” and feminist. She also made comments about Trump voters and expressed support for Hamas-led Palestinians—remarks that Breitbart characterized as “outrageous.”
In a particularly explosive post-election Instagram Story, Zegler wrote that she wished Trump supporters and Trump himself would “never know peace.” She also called the 76.8 million Americans who voted for Trump part of a “deep, deep sickness in this country.” She later apologized, but for many, the damage was done.
Funding and Backlash
The group behind the T-shirt, the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, has received funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Tides, Oxfam, and George Soros’s Open Society Foundations, according to Breitbart. The outlet framed this as evidence of the group’s radical ties, though the group itself is a well-known immigrant-rights advocacy organization.
Zegler’s latest post has reignited criticism online, with many pointing to the irony of a millionaire actress calling for ICE to leave New York City while her own career struggles. Breitbart also noted that Zegler had previously claimed to be the first “Latina” to make it big in Hollywood, a statement that was met with mockery and dismissal from many in the industry.
Victim Narrative and Mental Health
Amid the backlash, Zegler has spoken publicly about the toll it has taken on her mental health. She told media outlets that she had to attend therapy and take anti-anxiety medication to cope with the criticism. Critics, however, have accused her of playing the victim after courting controversy.
As of this writing, Zegler has not commented on the backlash to her latest Instagram Story, which remains live on her account. It is unclear whether Disney has responded to the post.
The Snow White remake, which was expected to be a major hit for Disney, instead became a cautionary tale in Hollywood, illustrating how off-screen controversies can tank a film’s box-office prospects. Zegler’s role in the movie was meant to launch her into superstardom; instead, it has become a flashpoint in the culture wars.
Breitbart’s report is the latest installment in a long-running saga that shows no signs of cooling. Whether Zegler’s career can recover remains an open question, but her recent actions suggest she is not backing down from the political statements that have defined her public persona.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2026/08/25/disneys-snow-white-star-rachel-zegler-demands-ice-out-of-new-york-city/