Megyn Kelly Calls for Disney to Fire ‘Snow White’ Star Rachel Zegler Over Trump Comments

Controversy erupted this week after TV personality Megyn Kelly demanded that Disney fire actress Rachel Zegler from her role as Snow White in the upcoming live-action remake of the classic animated film. Kelly’s call for action came after Zegler, who has been vocal about her political views, posted a series of social media comments that some deemed inappropriate and offensive, particularly those involving former President Donald Trump.

Zegler, who has been an outspoken critic of Trump and his administration, faced backlash from Kelly after she made a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Kelly deemed “disrespectful” and “inappropriate” for someone in her position. In a tweet, Zegler had made pointed remarks about Trump’s presidency and certain aspects of American politics, which Kelly argued were highly divisive and should not be tolerated by a company like Disney, which is known for its family-friendly image.

In a segment on her podcast, Kelly, who has previously made her own headlines for controversial opinions, expressed outrage at Zegler’s comments, calling her a “pig” for using her platform to speak out against the former president. Kelly went on to argue that Disney, a company known for its wholesome values and connection to family entertainment, should immediately sever ties with Zegler, calling her comments “toxic” and a poor reflection of Disney’s brand.

The Back-and-Forth Between Kelly and Zegler

The dispute started when Zegler, who has frequently used her platform to comment on social issues, shared her views on politics after the 2024 presidential election. She made a number of social media posts that criticized Trump and his supporters, calling them “dangerous” and accusing them of undermining democracy. Her comments did not sit well with Kelly, a staunch conservative voice, who responded by accusing Zegler of using her celebrity status to promote a divisive and harmful narrative.

Kelly’s demand that Disney take action quickly gained traction online, sparking a wider conversation about the intersection of celebrity culture, politics, and corporate responsibility. Critics of Kelly’s stance argued that celebrities, like any other citizens, have the right to express their political beliefs and that trying to silence people for their opinions only sets a dangerous precedent. They pointed out that Zegler’s comments, though critical of Trump, were a reflection of her personal views, not her professional work as an actress.

Disney’s Response and Zegler’s Defense

At the time of writing, Disney has not publicly responded to Kelly’s demand for Zegler’s firing. However, the company has previously stated its commitment to diversity and inclusion and has come under scrutiny in recent years for both the political stances of some of its employees and its ongoing efforts to portray a more progressive and inclusive image in its media.

Zegler, for her part, did not back down from her comments. In a statement following the controversy, the actress stood by her political views, emphasizing her right to speak out against what she perceives as harmful rhetoric in the political sphere. Zegler also shared her frustration with the notion that her personal beliefs should have any bearing on her professional career, asserting that her job as Snow White should be viewed independently of her views on politics.

“Being an actress doesn’t mean you leave your humanity at the door,” Zegler said in an Instagram post. “We all have a voice, and we should be able to use it to stand up for what we believe in, even if that’s not always popular.”

Public Reaction and Growing Debate

The controversy quickly became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about the role of celebrities in political discourse. Some defended Zegler, arguing that she should not be penalized for exercising her right to free speech, while others supported Kelly’s call for Disney to distance itself from an actress whose views they found offensive.

The debate also raised broader questions about the responsibility of corporations, particularly entertainment companies like Disney, when it comes to the political views of their employees. While some argue that companies have the right to uphold certain values and standards, others contend that political opinions should not be grounds for professional consequences, particularly when those opinions are expressed in personal spaces like social media.

In the midst of this heated conversation, the controversy has sparked a larger conversation about cancel culture and the limits of free speech, particularly in an age where social media amplifies every public statement. As celebrities increasingly use their platforms to engage with political and social issues, questions about how much influence they have—and how much influence companies should have over their personal views—are likely to continue to dominate public discourse.

Looking Forward: What’s Next for Zegler and Disney

As the situation unfolds, many are waiting to see if Disney will take any action regarding Zegler’s future with the company. If Disney does choose to stand by the actress, it could set a precedent for the entertainment industry when it comes to defending employee freedom of expression. However, if Disney responds to the pressure from voices like Kelly and others, it may send a message about the limits of political discourse within Hollywood.

For Zegler, the ongoing backlash is likely to shape her public image in the coming months. Whether it has any impact on her role as Snow White or her future career prospects remains to be seen. For now, the debate over her right to speak out against Trump and her potential firing by Disney continues to reverberate, illustrating the ever-complicated intersection of politics, celebrity, and entertainment.