Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress set to make her West End debut as Eva Perón in the upcoming revival of Evita at the London Palladium, has found herself at the center of controversy once again. Reports of “shocking” behavior during rehearsals have surfaced online, igniting a firestorm of speculation and criticism. While the claims remain unverified, they have reignited debates about Zegler’s public image, the pressures faced by young actresses in the spotlight, and the reliability of online rumors in an age of instant information. As Evita prepares to open on June 14, 2025, the controversy threatens to overshadow what was meant to be a triumphant moment in Zegler’s career.
A High-Stakes West End Debut
Zegler’s casting in Evita, directed by the acclaimed Jamie Lloyd, was announced in March 2025 with much fanfare. The Golden Globe winner, known for her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), was set to take on the iconic role of Eva Perón, a part previously played by theater legends like Elaine Paige and Patti LuPone, as well as Madonna in the 1996 film adaptation. The production, running from June 14 to September 6 at the London Palladium, promised a fresh take on the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, with Zegler at the helm. “Evita has been such an important musical to me since I was a little girl,” Zegler said in a statement at the time. “The opportunity to bring Jamie Lloyd’s singular, visionary ideas to life onstage is an honor unlike any other.”
The announcement came at a critical juncture for Zegler, whose career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. After earning critical acclaim for West Side Story and starring in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), which grossed $348 million worldwide, she faced a torrent of criticism with Disney’s live-action Snow White. Released on March 21, 2025, the film was a commercial and critical disaster, grossing only $168 million against a $240–270 million budget and earning a 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Zegler was heavily criticized for her casting as a Latina Snow White, her comments calling the 1937 original “weird,” and her political outspokenness, including a “Free Palestine” tweet that clashed with co-star Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance. The fallout, which included a reported $115 million loss for Disney, left Zegler’s reputation bruised, with some questioning her viability as a leading actress.
Evita was meant to be a fresh start, a chance for Zegler to return to her theatrical roots and prove her detractors wrong. Producer Michael Harrison, speaking to WhatsOnStage in April, described Zegler’s audition tape as “sensational,” noting that ticket sales were initially strong. The full cast, including Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che and James Olivas as Juan Perón, was announced in late April, and rehearsals began on April 28, 2025, in London. But just weeks into the process, rumors of trouble began to circulate, threatening to derail the production before it even opened.
Allegations of “Shocking” Behavior
The controversy erupted on May 13, 2025, when a series of YouTube videos and X posts claimed that Zegler had engaged in “shocking” behavior during Evita rehearsals. Titles like “Rachel Zegler’s EXPOSED Actions During Evita Rehearsals Are Seriously SHOCKING” and “Jamie Lloyd FIRES Rachel Zegler After What She ALLEGEDLY Did” began trending, alleging that Zegler had been unprofessional, clashed with the cast and crew, and even been let go from the production. One video claimed that Zegler had “stormed out” of a rehearsal after a disagreement with Lloyd over the interpretation of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” while another alleged that she had been “disrespectful” to her co-stars, creating a “toxic” rehearsal environment.
The claims quickly spread across social media, with some X users calling for Zegler to be replaced. “She’s a diva who can’t handle the pressure,” one user wrote. “First Snow White, now this—maybe she’s not cut out for this industry.” Others speculated that her behavior stemmed from the stress of the Snow White fallout, with one user commenting, “She’s been through a lot, but that’s no excuse to take it out on everyone else.” The rumors gained traction, despite a lack of concrete evidence or official statements from the Evita production team.
However, not all reactions were negative. Some fans defended Zegler, arguing that the allegations were baseless and part of a broader pattern of targeting young actresses. “Where’s the proof?” one supporter asked on X. “Rachel has always been professional in her past roles. This sounds like another smear campaign.” Others pointed to the timing of the rumors, noting that Zegler’s outspoken political views and the Snow White controversy had already made her a polarizing figure, making her an easy target for sensationalized claims.
Examining the Claims
As of May 16, 2025, no credible evidence has emerged to substantiate the allegations against Zegler. The Evita production has not released any statement confirming her dismissal, and official sources, including the London Palladium’s website, still list her as the lead. Rehearsals are reportedly ongoing, with the show on track for its June 14 premiere. Diego Andres Rodriguez, who plays Che, recently shared a rehearsal photo on Instagram, tagging Zegler and expressing excitement about the production—a move that suggests she remains involved.
The lack of verification raises questions about the reliability of the claims. The YouTube videos and X posts appear to rely on anonymous “sources” and hearsay, with no direct footage, audio, or firsthand accounts to support the allegations. This pattern is not new in the age of social media, where rumors can spread rapidly without accountability. Zegler’s past controversies may have made her a lightning rod for such stories, as her critics seize on any opportunity to amplify negative narratives. The Snow White backlash, in particular, demonstrated how quickly public sentiment can turn, with Zegler facing racist trolling over her casting and criticism for her political posts, including her post-election “f*** Donald Trump” Instagram story.
Industry experts caution against taking such rumors at face value. “Social media thrives on drama, especially when it involves young women in the spotlight,” said theater critic Emma Larson. “Rachel Zegler has been under immense scrutiny since Snow White. It’s not surprising that unverified claims about her behavior are gaining traction, but without evidence, they’re just noise.” Larson also noted the high-pressure environment of a West End production like Evita, which could exacerbate tensions but doesn’t necessarily indicate unprofessionalism. “Eva Perón is a demanding role, vocally and emotionally,” she said. “It’s a challenging debut for any actress, let alone one who’s been through what Rachel has.”
The Pressure on Young Actresses
The controversy surrounding Zegler’s alleged behavior highlights a broader issue in the entertainment industry: the disproportionate scrutiny faced by young actresses. Zegler, at just 23, has already navigated a gauntlet of challenges, from racist backlash over her Snow White casting to the commercial failure of the film, which lost Disney an estimated $115 million. Her outspokenness on political issues, including her support for Palestine, has further polarized audiences, with some studios reportedly hesitant to cast her in big-budget projects due to her “controversial” image.
This pattern is not unique to Zegler. Young actresses like Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid) and Zendaya (Spider-Man: Homecoming) have faced similar criticism, often rooted in racial bias or unrealistic expectations. “The industry loves to build up young women and then tear them down,” said film historian Maria Torres. “Rachel is being held to an impossible standard—expected to be perfect while carrying the weight of entire productions on her shoulders. It’s a recipe for burnout, and when rumors like this emerge, they feed into a narrative that she’s ‘difficult’ or ‘unprofessional,’ regardless of the truth.”
The Evita production itself has faced challenges that may have contributed to the rumors. Ticket sales have reportedly been sluggish, with rows of seats remaining unsold despite prices starting at £29.50 for the 2,286-seat venue. This follows the Snow White flop, which some attribute to Zegler’s polarizing public image. The pressure to deliver a hit, combined with the demanding nature of the role and the scrutiny Zegler faces, could create a tense rehearsal environment, even without the alleged “shocking” behavior.
A Path Forward
For now, Zegler’s future with Evita appears secure, but the controversy underscores the challenges she faces in rebuilding her career. Her West End debut was meant to be a return to her theatrical roots, a chance to showcase her vocal talents and emotional depth in a role she’s long cherished. Despite the Snow White fallout, her vocal performance in that film was a rare point of praise, and her past stage work, including her Broadway role in Romeo + Juliet, earned her critical acclaim. Evita could still be the turning point she needs—if the production can weather the storm of rumors.
The incident also raises questions about the role of social media in shaping public perception. In an era where unverified claims can go viral in hours, celebrities like Zegler are often guilty until proven innocent. “We need to be more critical of the information we consume,” said media analyst Sarah Klein. “A YouTube video with a sensational title isn’t evidence—it’s entertainment. Until there’s concrete proof, these allegations should be treated as speculation, not fact.”
As Evita approaches its opening night, all eyes will be on Zegler—not just for her performance, but for how she navigates the latest wave of scrutiny. Her supporters remain hopeful that she’ll rise above the noise, delivering a portrayal of Eva Perón that silences her critics. “Rachel is a phenomenal talent,” said director Jamie Lloyd in a March statement. “She’s going to blow the roof off the London Palladium.” If she can channel the resilience of the character she’s playing—a woman who rose from poverty to become Argentina’s most powerful figure—Zegler may yet prove that her story, like Eva’s, is one of triumph over adversity.
For now, the truth behind the rehearsal rumors remains elusive. But one thing is clear: Rachel Zegler’s journey in the spotlight is far from over, and her next act promises to be as dramatic as the musical she’s set to star in.
