Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old actress who gained prominence with her Golden Globe-winning role in West Side Story (2021), is no stranger to controversy. However, her latest project, the indie comedy-drama She Gets It From Me, has reportedly ignited unprecedented behind-the-scenes drama, with Zegler allegedly demanding “queen treatment” from the production team. The film, co-starring Marisa Tomei and directed by German filmmaker Julia von Heinz, marks Zegler’s first major role since the tumultuous release of Disney’s Snow White remake in March 2025. Sources claim that Zegler’s behavior on set—ranging from diva-like demands to clashes with the crew—has created a tense working environment, further fueling the narrative of a young star struggling to navigate fame. This article explores the reported drama, Zegler’s history of controversies, and the broader implications for her career, drawing on recent online discussions and industry insights.
The Alleged Drama: Demanding “Queen Treatment”
The drama surrounding She Gets It From Me came to light on May 6, 2025, when a YouTube video titled “Rachel Zegler’s New Film TRIGGERS DRAMA Behind The Scenes Like Never Before!” went viral, amassing over a million views in a single day. The video, posted by user @Draculordx on X, claimed that Zegler had caused significant friction on set by demanding “queen treatment.” According to anonymous sources cited in the video, Zegler insisted on luxurious accommodations, a larger trailer than her co-star Marisa Tomei, and a personal assistant dedicated solely to her needs—requests that reportedly clashed with the film’s modest budget. One source alleged that Zegler declared, “I want queen treatment—I’m the star of this movie,” during a heated exchange with the production team.
Further reports from tabloids like Daily Mail suggest that Zegler’s behavior extended beyond material demands. She allegedly arrived late to set multiple times, refused to rehearse certain scenes unless her conditions were met, and clashed with director Julia von Heinz over creative decisions. A source claimed that Zegler demanded script changes to give her character more screen time, arguing that her role as the daughter should overshadow Tomei’s as the mother. These actions have reportedly strained her relationship with the crew, with some describing the set as a “powder keg” ready to explode.
While these claims remain unverified, they have reignited debates about Zegler’s professionalism. Her history of public controversies—most notably her outspoken criticism of Disney during the Snow White fallout—has made her an easy target for such allegations. However, supporters argue that these reports may be exaggerated, reflecting a broader pattern of scrutiny faced by young women in Hollywood, particularly those who challenge industry norms.
The Context: A Career Under Siege
Zegler’s latest drama cannot be viewed in isolation—it’s part of a larger narrative that has followed her since her rapid rise to fame. Her role in Snow White, Disney’s live-action remake of the 1937 classic, was a commercial and critical disaster, grossing only $142.7 million against a $270 million budget. The film faced backlash from the outset, with Zegler’s casting as a Latina Snow White drawing racist criticism from traditionalists who argued she didn’t fit the character’s “skin as white as snow” description. Zegler’s comments about the original film, calling it “dated” and the prince a “stalker,” further alienated fans, as did her political posts, including a “free Palestine” statement that led to death threats against her co-star Gal Gadot.
The Snow White fallout took a toll on Zegler’s public image. Disney reportedly hired a social media guru to monitor her posts after her anti-Trump remarks in November 2024, and producer Marc Platt flew to New York to address her behavior, urging her to “post heedfully.” Zegler’s relationship with the studio deteriorated, culminating in her May 2025 Instagram Stories where she accused Disney of “ruining” her career through mismanagement and lack of support. She claimed the studio scapegoated her for the film’s failure, leaving her to face the brunt of public backlash without adequate protection.
Since Snow White, Zegler has struggled to regain her footing. Her Broadway run in Romeo + Juliet (2024-2025) received mixed reviews, and she was snubbed by the Tony Awards, adding to her professional setbacks. Reports of her being spotted intoxicated at New York bars in early May 2025 raised concerns about her well-being, with some fans attributing her behavior to the immense pressure she’s faced. Now, with She Gets It From Me, Zegler appears to be at a crossroads, with her alleged on-set demands fueling a narrative of a young star spiraling out of control.
Public Reaction: A Divided Narrative
The online reaction to Zegler’s reported behavior on the set of She Gets It From Me has been predictably polarized. On X, critics have seized the opportunity to paint her as a diva, with users like @HollywoodInsiderX posting, “Rachel Zegler demanding ‘queen treatment’ on a small indie film? She’s delusional—Marisa Tomei deserves better.” Others have tied her alleged actions to her past controversies, with one user writing, “First she trashes Disney, now she’s making life hell for her new crew. Zegler needs a reality check.” Conservative commentators, already critical of her political activism, have amplified the narrative, framing her as an entitled Gen Z star who lacks professionalism.
However, Zegler’s supporters argue that the backlash is overblown and rooted in misogyny and racism. On platforms like Reddit, fans on subreddits like r/popculturechat have defended her, suggesting that the “queen treatment” allegations may be exaggerated by a media eager to tear down a young Latina actress. One user wrote, “Rachel Zegler is 24, dealing with years of hate, and now working on a low-budget film after a Disney disaster. Of course she’s stressed—why are we vilifying her for asking for better conditions?” Others point to the double standard in Hollywood, noting that male stars like Christian Bale or Joaquin Phoenix have thrown tantrums on set without facing the same level of scrutiny.
Celebrities have also weighed in. Ariana Grande and Helen Mirren, who previously supported Zegler during the Snow White backlash, have reportedly reached out privately, according to a Business Insider report from March 2025. Meanwhile, West Side Story co-star Ariana DeBose, who once called Zegler “narcissistic” in a now-deleted post, has remained silent, suggesting lingering tensions. The divided response underscores the broader cultural debate surrounding Zegler—a talented actress whose outspokenness and identity have made her a lightning rod for controversy.
The Bigger Picture: Hollywood’s Treatment of Young Stars
Zegler’s alleged demands for “queen treatment” raise questions about the expectations placed on young stars, particularly women of color, in Hollywood. The entertainment industry has a long history of chewing up and spitting out young talent, with actresses like Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Bynes facing similar scrutiny for their behavior during their early careers. Zegler’s experience mirrors that of Halle Bailey, who faced racist backlash for her role in The Little Mermaid (2023), and Melissa Barrera, who was fired from Scream VII for her pro-Palestine posts. These cases highlight a pattern of disproportionate criticism directed at non-white actresses who speak out or assert themselves.
Zegler’s reported behavior on She Gets It From Me may also reflect the lack of support she received from Disney during the Snow White debacle. The studio’s failure to shield her from racist and misogynistic backlash, as noted by film critic Kelechi Ehenulo in a BBC article, left her vulnerable to public hate. Without proper guidance or media training, Zegler has struggled to navigate the spotlight, leading to actions that are perceived as entitled but may stem from a desire for respect and agency in an industry that often denies both to young women.
Moreover, the narrative of Zegler as a “diva” may be a convenient scapegoat for broader production issues. Indie films like She Gets It From Me often operate on tight budgets and schedules, which can create tension regardless of a star’s behavior. The film’s production troubles, as hinted in the YouTube video, could be exacerbated by external factors like funding delays or creative differences, rather than Zegler’s demands alone. Without official statements from the production team, it’s difficult to separate fact from speculation, but the focus on Zegler suggests a familiar pattern of blaming the most visible target.
Zegler’s Career: A Crossroads
At 24, Zegler’s career is at a critical juncture. Despite the controversies, she remains a talented actress with a Golden Globe to her name and a string of upcoming projects. In addition to She Gets It From Me, she’s set to make her West End debut in Evita at the London Palladium, playing Eva Peron in a limited run starting June 14, 2025. The role, directed by Jamie Lloyd, offers a chance to showcase her vocal and acting prowess away from Hollywood’s glare. She’s also voiced a princess in the animated film Spellbound (2024) and starred in A24’s Y2K (2024), both of which received mixed reviews but kept her in the public eye.
However, the drama surrounding She Gets It From Me could have lasting repercussions. Hollywood is notoriously unforgiving of perceived “difficult” stars, and Zegler’s reputation as a troublemaker—whether fair or not—may deter studios from casting her in high-profile projects. Her public criticism of Disney has already strained her relationship with one of the industry’s biggest players, and if the She Gets It From Me allegations are substantiated, other producers may hesitate to work with her. To recover, Zegler will need to demonstrate professionalism and humility, qualities that have been overshadowed by her recent controversies.
Conclusion
Rachel Zegler’s alleged demand for “queen treatment” on the set of She Gets It From Me has sparked a new wave of drama, adding to the young actress’s already tumultuous career. While the reports of her behavior remain unverified, they fit into a broader narrative of a star struggling to navigate fame, scrutiny, and the pressures of Hollywood. Zegler’s history with Snow White—from racist backlash to her fallout with Disney—has left her vulnerable to criticism, and the latest allegations may reflect both her own missteps and the industry’s tendency to scapegoat young women of color. As she moves forward with Evita and other projects, Zegler has an opportunity to redefine her narrative, but it will require resilience and a strategic approach to managing her public image. Whether she can rise above the drama remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in Hollywood’s unforgiving spotlight, even a princess must fight to reclaim her crown.
