Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress who rose to fame with her role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), has recently been at the center of both professional and personal scrutiny. Her starring role in Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, released on March 21, 2025, has been mired in controversy, contributing to its disappointing box office performance. Amid this professional turmoil, rumors have surfaced about a potential breakup with her boyfriend, Josh Andrés Rivera, her co-star from West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023). While neither Zegler nor Rivera has confirmed these speculations, a series of events, including their reduced public appearances together and the intense backlash Zegler faced over Snow White, has fueled online discussions. This article explores the timeline of their relationship, the controversies surrounding Snow White, and the factors contributing to the breakup rumors.

The Rise of Rachel Zegler and Josh Andrés Rivera’s Relationship

Rachel Zegler and Josh Andrés Rivera’s romance began on the set of West Side Story, where Zegler played María and Rivera portrayed Chino, a supporting character. Their chemistry extended beyond the screen, and by early 2021, the couple was publicly sharing their relationship on social media. Zegler, known for her candid and heartfelt online presence, often posted affectionate messages about Rivera, while he reciprocated with supportive comments about her burgeoning career.

Their professional paths converged again in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, where Zegler starred as Lucy Gray Baird, and Rivera played Sejanus Plinth. The film, released in November 2023, was a commercial success, grossing $349 million worldwide against a $100 million budget. During this period, Zegler and Rivera were frequently seen together at premieres and promotional events, presenting a united front. Their shared experiences in high-profile projects and mutual support endeared them to fans, who admired their seemingly strong bond.

The Snow White Controversy: A Turning Point

Disney’s live-action Snow White was anticipated as a major milestone in Zegler’s career, but it became a lightning rod for controversy long before its release. The film, directed by Marc Webb and co-starring Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, faced backlash on multiple fronts, which significantly impacted Zegler’s public image and, indirectly, her personal life.

Casting Backlash and Racial Criticism

When Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent, was cast as Snow White in 2021, she faced racist backlash from some audiences who argued that the character, traditionally described as having “skin as white as snow,” should be played by a white actress. Zegler addressed the criticism head-on, stating in a since-deleted social media post, “Yes I am Snow White no I am not bleaching my skin for the role.” She further called out detractors as “losers obsessed with maintaining the bloodline purity of a cartoon princess.” Despite support from many fans and advocates for diverse casting, the racist abuse escalated, with Zegler revealing that some individuals even showed up at her home to harass her.

Feminist Reimagining and Public Comments

Zegler’s comments about the Snow White remake further fueled controversy. At the 2022 D23 Expo, she described the original 1937 animated film as “outdated” and overly focused on a “love story,” emphasizing that the remake would portray Snow White as a feminist leader aiming to overthrow the Evil Queen. These remarks drew ire from conservative critics and fans of the original, who accused Zegler of disrespecting Disney’s legacy. David Hand Jr., son of the original Snow White director, publicly stated, “There’s no respect for what Disney or my father did.”

The film’s modernized plot, which replaced the traditional romance with a narrative of Snow White liberating her kingdom, also polarized audiences. Critics noted the use of CGI dwarfs instead of actors with dwarfism, prompting accusations of ableism, despite earlier consultations with actors like Peter Dinklage.

Political Backlash and Rumored Feud with Gal Gadot

The most significant controversy arose from the clashing political stances of Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot. Zegler has been vocal about her support for Palestine, notably tweeting “free Palestine” shortly after the Snow White trailer debuted in 2024. In contrast, Gadot, an Israeli-born former IDF instructor, has expressed pro-Israel views. Their differing positions, amplified by the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, led to speculation about a feud, especially since the two did not conduct joint interviews during the film’s limited press tour. Online observers pointed to Zegler’s Instagram post, which thanked her co-stars but omitted Gadot, as evidence of tension.

The political backlash contributed to a boycott campaign from both Zegler’s and Gadot’s supporters, further damaging the film’s box office prospects. With a budget of nearly $270 million, Snow White grossed only $200.2 million worldwide, resulting in a projected $115 million loss for Disney. The film received mixed reviews, with a 40% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, though Zegler’s performance was widely praised as a highlight.

Breakup Rumors: Evidence and Speculation

Amid the Snow White fallout, rumors about Zegler and Rivera’s relationship began circulating in early 2025. Several factors have contributed to the speculation:

Reduced Public Appearances

Zegler and Rivera, once a visible couple at red-carpet events, have not been photographed together since late 2024. While Zegler attended high-profile events like the European Snow White premiere in Segovia, Spain, on March 12, 2025, Rivera was notably absent. Similarly, Zegler’s social media posts have shifted away from personal content about Rivera, focusing instead on her professional endeavors, such as her upcoming role as Eva Perón in a West End revival of Evita starting in July 2025.

Cryptic Social Media Activity

In early 2025, Zegler posted a cryptic message on Instagram, describing the past year as “neither good nor bad,” which some fans interpreted as a reference to personal struggles. While the post did not directly mention Rivera, its ambiguous tone fueled speculation about their relationship status. Rivera, who maintains a lower social media presence, has not shared any recent posts about Zegler, adding to the uncertainty.

Professional Pressures and Public Scrutiny

The intense scrutiny Zegler faced over Snow White may have strained her personal life. Sources suggest that Disney attempted to attribute the film’s failure to Zegler’s political comments, placing undue blame on her. Additionally, public figures like journalist Megyn Kelly and Jonah Platt, son of Snow White producer Marc Platt, criticized Zegler, with Platt accusing her of “narcissism” and “dragging her personal politics” into the film’s promotion. Ariana DeBose, Zegler’s West Side Story co-star, also appeared to take a swipe at her by reposting Platt’s comments, though she later clarified it was unintentional.

The cumulative effect of these events—racist harassment, professional backlash, and personal criticism—may have created a challenging environment for Zegler and Rivera’s relationship. While no concrete evidence confirms a breakup, the absence of joint appearances and the timing of the Snow White controversy have led fans to speculate about underlying tensions.

Zegler’s Career Moving Forward

Despite the Snow White debacle, Zegler remains a talented and resilient actress with several projects on the horizon. She has secured a role in the comedy-drama She Gets It From Me alongside Marisa Tomei, playing the daughter of Tomei’s free-spirited character. The film, directed by Julia von Heinz, is set to begin global pre-sales at Cannes in 2025. Additionally, Zegler’s stage career continues to thrive, with her acclaimed performance in Broadway’s Romeo + Juliet in 2024 and her upcoming Evita role.

Critics and supporters argue that Zegler’s performance in Snow White was a bright spot, with her vocal and acting abilities earning praise despite the film’s shortcomings. Pop singer Lily Allen and broadcaster Miquita Oliver have defended Zegler, suggesting that her willingness to stand up for her beliefs aligns with Disney’s themes of empowerment.

Conclusion

The rumors of Rachel Zegler and Josh Andrés Rivera’s breakup remain unconfirmed, but they reflect the intense pressure Zegler has faced in the wake of Snow White’s controversies. From racist backlash and political criticism to professional setbacks, Zegler has navigated a tumultuous period that may have impacted her personal life. While the couple’s reduced visibility and Zegler’s cryptic social media posts have sparked speculation, no definitive evidence supports the breakup claims. As Zegler moves forward with new projects and continues to assert her voice in Hollywood, her resilience in the face of adversity remains evident. Whether she and Rivera are still together or have parted ways, their shared history and professional achievements underscore their significance in each other’s lives. For now, fans can only wait for clarity while supporting Zegler’s promising career trajectory.