Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress who captured hearts with her Golden Globe-winning performance in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), has recently been thrust into the spotlight for reasons far removed from her on-screen triumphs. On May 20, 2025, reports surfaced that Zegler had parted ways with her long-term partner, Josh Andrés Rivera, after a relationship that spanned over four years. The breakup, which allegedly left Zegler in tears, has stunned fans who had come to see the couple as a Hollywood fairy tale. Compounding the personal drama, this news comes amidst a tumultuous period for Zegler, whose career has been rocked by controversies surrounding Disney’s Snow White remake and a chaotic exit from the West End production of Evita. This article explores the details of Zegler’s breakup, the emotional toll it has taken, and the broader context of her personal and professional struggles.
A Love Story That Began on Set
Zegler and Rivera’s romance began in 2019 on the set of West Side Story, where Zegler played the lead role of Maria and Rivera portrayed Chino, a character initially set up as her love interest before she falls for Tony (Ansel Elgort). The two confirmed their relationship in February 2021, with Zegler publicly declaring her affection on social media, writing, “I love Josh Andres Rivera,” alongside a series of selfies. Their bond deepened as they continued to work together, notably in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023), where Zegler played Lucy Gray Baird and Rivera took on the role of Sejanus Plinth. The couple often spoke about the comfort of working together, with Zegler telling People in November 2023, “Having a familiar face on any set, I think any young actor can attest, is the biggest form of comfort. And also as [Josh’s] girlfriend, his friend, and his coworker, it’s amazing to see the trajectory of his career, and to witness his rise to stardom. I love him so much.”
Their relationship was a source of joy for fans, who celebrated their red-carpet appearances and heartfelt social media posts. Zegler frequently gushed about Rivera, calling him her “favorite scene partner” and “life partner” in a November 2023 Instagram post, and marking his 29th birthday in May 2024 with a touching tribute: “I love him so very much. He is my very best friend. And I am so lucky to be loved by him.” Rivera, in turn, shared rare comments about their relationship in August 2024, telling Men’s Health, “We understand each other, which is really nice. It’s helpful to have somebody who understands your experience and is with you as a part of a community.” For a time, Zegler and Rivera seemed to be a Hollywood power couple in the making, balancing their rising careers with a supportive partnership.
The Breakup: A Heartbreaking Turn
The first signs of trouble emerged in November 2024, when fans noticed that Zegler had edited several Instagram photos to exclude Rivera, sparking breakup rumors. Rivera also unfollowed Zegler’s Hunger Games co-star Tom Blyth on social media, leading to speculation about underlying tensions. Neither Zegler nor Rivera addressed the rumors at the time, leaving fans to wonder about the state of their relationship. However, on May 20, 2025, sources confirmed that the couple had indeed parted ways, with reports indicating that Zegler was left “in tears” over the split. The breakup, which reportedly occurred earlier in the month, was described as a mutual but deeply emotional decision, driven by the pressures of their demanding careers and differing personal goals.
According to insiders, the past year had been particularly challenging for Zegler, who faced intense public scrutiny following the release of Disney’s Snow White remake in March 2025. The film, which grossed only $182.6 million worldwide against a $270 million budget, was a financial disappointment for Disney, and Zegler bore the brunt of the backlash. Her comments during the press tour—calling the 1937 animated classic “dated” and the prince a “stalker”—alienated some fans, while her pro-Palestine posts clashed with co-star Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance, fueling rumors of a feud. Zegler’s subsequent social media outburst in April 2025, where she accused Gadot of creating a “toxic” environment on set, only added to the chaos, with Disney executives reportedly viewing her as a liability.
Amid this professional turmoil, Zegler’s personal life began to unravel. The stress of her career, combined with the long-distance nature of her relationship with Rivera—who was busy filming the FX series American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez—put a strain on their bond. Sources suggest that the couple struggled to find time for each other, with Zegler’s commitments to Evita rehearsals in London and Rivera’s projects in the U.S. creating physical and emotional distance. “They tried to make it work, but the timing just wasn’t right,” a source revealed. “Rachel was heartbroken. She loved Josh deeply, and losing that relationship felt like losing a part of herself.”
A Public Outpouring of Emotion
Zegler’s emotional state following the breakup was evident in her public appearances. On May 18, 2025, just days before the breakup news broke, she was spotted in New York City, visibly emotional as she attended a charity event. Witnesses described her as “teary-eyed” and “withdrawn,” a stark contrast to her usual vibrant demeanor. The confirmation of her split with Rivera on May 20 only intensified the public’s concern, with fans flooding social media with messages of support. Posts on X reflected a mix of sadness and empathy, with one user writing, “Rachel Zegler doesn’t deserve all this. First Snow White, then Evita, and now a breakup? She needs a break.” Another added, “Seeing Rachel in tears over her breakup with Josh breaks my heart. They were so perfect together.”
Zegler has yet to address the breakup directly, but her recent social media activity hints at her emotional struggle. On May 19, she shared an Instagram Story featuring a black-and-white photo of herself, captioned simply, “Trying to find the light.” The post, which came shortly after her exit from Evita rehearsals—where she was allegedly escorted off stage by security following a reported meltdown—suggests that Zegler is grappling with both personal and professional challenges. Her earlier reflections on her 23rd birthday in May 2024, where she described the past year as “the hardest year of my life so far” due to online criticism and safety concerns, take on new weight in light of these recent events.
A Career in Crisis
The breakup with Rivera is only the latest in a series of setbacks for Zegler, whose career has taken a tumultuous turn in 2025. The Snow White debacle, which saw Disney lose over $115 million, was followed by Zegler’s controversial exit from the West End production of Evita. Reports emerged on May 16 that Zegler had been forcibly removed from rehearsals after a heated confrontation, with leaked footage allegedly showing her being escorted off stage by security. Just days later, on May 20, private notes attributed to director Jamie Lloyd surfaced, describing Zegler as a “nightmare” to work with due to her uncooperative and disruptive behavior. The fallout has been severe, with rumors circulating that Zegler has been “blacklisted” by Hollywood studios, a claim that, while unverified, reflects the growing perception of her as a risky talent.
Zegler’s Broadway debut in Romeo + Juliet (2024) had been a bright spot, with the production recouping its $7 million budget and attracting a young audience. However, her Evita drama has overshadowed that success, and ticket sales for the London Palladium run have reportedly plummeted, with rows of seats remaining unsold. The combination of her professional struggles and personal heartbreak has left Zegler at a crossroads, with many wondering how she will navigate this challenging chapter.
A Path Forward
Despite the turmoil, Zegler’s talent and resilience cannot be understated. At 23, she has already achieved what many actors dream of—a Golden Globe win, leading roles in major franchises, and a Broadway debut. Her performances in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes have been widely praised, with critics noting her “captivating” presence and ability to convey nuance on screen. While her recent controversies have tarnished her image, they also reflect the intense pressure she faces as a young star in the digital age, where every statement and action is scrutinized.
The breakup with Rivera, though painful, may offer Zegler an opportunity for growth. Her reflections on past challenges, such as the online hate she faced during Snow White, show a self-awareness that could guide her through this difficult period. In a May 2024 Instagram Story, she wrote, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn where the love in my life truly lies,” a sentiment that may take on new meaning as she heals from her split. Zegler’s upcoming role in the comedy-drama She Gets It From Me alongside Marisa Tomei could provide a fresh start, allowing her to showcase her versatility in a new genre.
For now, Zegler’s fans remain a source of support, rallying around her as she navigates this heartbreak. The image of her in tears after her breakup with Rivera is a stark reminder of her humanity—a young woman facing the same emotional struggles as anyone else, despite her fame. As she moves forward, Zegler will need to find a balance between her personal healing and professional redemption, a journey that will undoubtedly shape the next chapter of her career. For a star who has already overcome so much, there’s little doubt that Rachel Zegler will rise again—stronger, wiser, and ready to reclaim her place in Hollywood.
