In a fiery outburst that has ignited a heated debate across social media, UFC fighter Paulo Costa has publicly criticized Disney’s decision to cast an Indian actress as the iconic Snow White in the upcoming live-action remake of the classic fairy tale. Known for his blunt and unfiltered takes, Costa took to X to express his frustration, posting a scathing question: “Why da fuc Disney putting an Indian lady be the Snow White princess? 🤦‍♀️.” Accompanied by side-by-side images—one of the actress in Snow White’s signature blue and red costume and another of Costa himself in his fighting physique—the post quickly went viral, sparking a firestorm of reactions from fans, critics, and cultural commentators alike.

Costa’s comment, shared via his verified X handle @BorrachinhaMMA, has thrust the already controversial casting decision into the spotlight, raising questions about representation, fidelity to source material, and the evolving landscape of Hollywood’s approach to diversity. While Disney has yet to officially respond to Costa’s remarks, the fighter’s outspoken critique has added fuel to an already polarized conversation about the remake, set to release in 2025. Let’s dive into the details of this controversy, Costa’s perspective, and what it means for Disney’s latest reimagining of a beloved classic.

Paulo Costa’s Viral Reaction: A Fighter’s Take on Fairy Tales

Paulo Costa, a Brazilian UFC middleweight known for his powerful punches and larger-than-life personality, isn’t one to shy away from controversy. With a massive following of over 1 million on X, Costa often uses his platform to share his opinions on everything from politics to pop culture, frequently with a humorous or provocative twist. His latest target? Disney’s decision to cast an Indian actress as Snow White, a character traditionally depicted as having “skin as white as snow” in the original 1937 animated film and the Brothers Grimm fairy tale that inspired it.

Costa’s post on X didn’t mince words. The fighter’s question—“Why da fuc Disney putting an Indian lady be the Snow White princess?”—was paired with a facepalm emoji, signaling his exasperation with the casting choice. The accompanying images added a layer of irony: one showed the actress in full Snow White regalia, smiling brightly in the iconic costume, while the other featured a shirtless Costa, flexing his chiseled physique in a post-fight moment. The juxtaposition seemed to underscore Costa’s point—he’s a fighter who values authenticity and tradition, and he expects the same from a story as timeless as Snow White.

The post quickly gained traction, racking up thousands of likes, retweets, and comments within hours. Fans of Costa, many of whom share his no-nonsense attitude, rallied behind him, echoing his sentiment that Disney’s casting decision strays too far from the character’s origins. “Snow White is supposed to be pale—that’s literally her name! Why change it now?” one user commented. Another added, “Paulo speaking facts! Disney’s just pandering, and it’s getting ridiculous.”

However, not everyone agreed with Costa’s take. Critics of the fighter’s comment accused him of missing the point of Disney’s push for diversity and inclusion, arguing that fairy tales should evolve to reflect the world we live in today. “Snow White can be anyone—she’s a fictional character, not a historical figure. Why does her race matter?” one user countered. Another pointed out, “Disney’s been reimagining their classics for years. If you’re mad about this, where were you when they cast a Black Ariel?”

The Snow White Remake: A Controversial Casting Choice

Disney’s live-action Snow White remake has been under scrutiny since the project was first announced. The film, directed by Marc Webb and featuring music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White, a role that has drawn significant attention—and backlash—due to Zegler’s Latina heritage. However, Costa’s comment appears to reference a different casting rumor: reports that an Indian actress had been considered or cast in a related role, possibly as a reimagined version of Snow White in a separate adaptation or promotional campaign. While Disney has not confirmed these rumors, Costa’s post seems to conflate the broader discourse around the remake with this specific casting speculation.

The decision to cast Zegler as Snow White already sparked controversy when it was announced in 2021. Zegler, known for her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, is of Colombian and Polish descent, and her casting marked a departure from the traditional depiction of Snow White as a fair-skinned European princess. Disney defended the choice, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity and reimagining classic stories for a modern audience. “Rachel’s extraordinary vocal abilities are just the beginning of her gifts,” a Disney spokesperson said at the time. “Her strength, intelligence, and optimism will bring a fresh perspective to the role of Snow White.”

Despite Disney’s intentions, the casting decision has been a lightning rod for criticism, with some fans arguing that it undermines the character’s defining traits. Snow White’s pale complexion, a key element of her name and description in the original story, has long been a point of contention in discussions about race and representation. Critics of the remake argue that changing such a fundamental aspect of the character erases the cultural context of the fairy tale, which originated in 19th-century Germany. Others, however, see the casting as a necessary step toward inclusivity, pointing out that fairy tales are fictional and can be adapted to reflect diverse identities.

Costa’s comment about an “Indian lady” playing Snow White adds another layer to this debate. While it’s unclear whether he was referring to Zegler or a rumored Indian actress, his reaction taps into a broader frustration among some fans who feel that Disney’s diversity efforts are going too far. For Costa, a fighter who thrives on discipline and tradition, the idea of altering a character’s core identity may feel like a betrayal of the story’s roots—a sentiment shared by many of his followers.

The Bigger Picture: Representation vs. Tradition in Hollywood

Costa’s outburst highlights a larger cultural tension in Hollywood: the push for representation versus the desire to preserve tradition. Disney has been at the forefront of this shift, with recent live-action remakes like The Little Mermaid (2023), which cast Black actress Halle Bailey as Ariel, and Mulan (2020), which embraced an all-Asian cast to honor the story’s Chinese origins. These decisions have been praised for giving underrepresented groups a chance to see themselves in beloved stories, but they’ve also faced backlash from fans who feel that the changes compromise the integrity of the originals.

The Snow White remake is no exception. Beyond the casting controversy, the film has faced criticism for other creative choices, such as the decision to reimagine the seven dwarfs as “magical creatures” to avoid perpetuating stereotypes—a move that some fans have called unnecessary. Costa’s comment, while focused on the casting, reflects a broader unease with Disney’s approach to reimagining its classics. For many, Snow White isn’t just a character—she’s a symbol of nostalgia, a reminder of childhood memories tied to the 1937 animated film. Changing her race, her story, or her companions risks alienating a fanbase that holds the original dear.

On the other hand, proponents of Disney’s casting decisions argue that fairy tales have always been adaptable. The Brothers Grimm version of Snow White differs from earlier oral traditions, and Disney’s 1937 film took its own liberties with the story. If fairy tales can evolve across centuries, why can’t they evolve to reflect the diversity of today’s world? For many, casting an Indian or Latina actress as Snow White isn’t about “erasing” the character’s identity—it’s about expanding it, allowing new generations to connect with the story in a meaningful way.

Paulo Costa’s Role in the Debate: A Voice of Tradition or a Misstep?

As a public figure, Paulo Costa wields significant influence, and his comments on the Snow White casting have amplified an already contentious debate. For his supporters, Costa’s bluntness is a breath of fresh air in an industry often accused of prioritizing political correctness over authenticity. They see him as a champion of tradition, unafraid to call out what he perceives as a misstep by Disney. His background as a fighter, where rules and boundaries are clear-cut, may inform his perspective—he’s someone who values the “rules” of a story as much as the rules of the octagon.

However, Costa’s critics argue that his comment was tone-deaf and potentially harmful. By questioning why an “Indian lady” would play Snow White, Costa risks perpetuating a narrow view of who can embody a fairy-tale princess, a narrative that has historically excluded people of color. Some have called for the fighter to educate himself on the importance of representation, pointing out that his platform comes with a responsibility to consider the impact of his words.

What’s Next for Disney—and Costa?

As the release of Disney’s Snow White remake approaches in 2025, the controversy surrounding its casting is unlikely to die down. Paulo Costa’s viral post has ensured that the debate will remain a hot topic, with fans on both sides continuing to clash over the direction of the film. For Disney, the challenge will be to balance its commitment to diversity with the expectations of a global audience that holds Snow White close to their hearts. For Costa, the fallout from his comment may lead to further scrutiny of his views, but it’s also solidified his reputation as a polarizing figure unafraid to speak his mind.

Ultimately, the Snow White remake will be judged not by its casting alone, but by its ability to tell a timeless story in a way that resonates with audiences today. Whether Paulo Costa will watch the film—or double down on his criticism—remains to be seen. For now, his fiery X post has left an indelible mark on the conversation, proving that even a fairy tale can pack a punch in the modern era.