DEI conversations, discussions, and debates are at an all-time high as of late. One of the DEI-haters’ most popular arguments is Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) being cast as Snow White in Disney’s CGI-heavy, live-action remake. Fortunately for Rachel, her fans have shown her that she’s not alone in her fight against the ruthless online trolls.
Although Ariana Grande has faced her fair share of criticism from the outside world, she handles it better than most folks would have had they been in her shoes. Over the years, Grande has consistently demonstrated her support for progressive causes, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Her advocacy spans LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and racial justice. Grande recently broke her silence about Disney’s Friday, March 21st release and Rachel’s performance as Snow White.
Here’s how Rachel responded:
Everything Ariana Grande Said to Comfort Rachel Zegler
Rachel found herself at the center of a firestorm of hate, mostly from conservative right-wingers. Annoyed zealots don’t think Rachel should have been cast as Snow White since she isn’t white. Their beef? Technically, she doesn’t have skin as white as snow!
They believe the role should have been given to someone who more closely resembles Disney’s classic, animated version of Snow White.
Rachel spoke with Allure recently about how supportive Ariana has been amid all the backlash. She said, “[Ariana] reached out to me — kind of apropos of nothing — and was like, ‘If you need anything, I am here.’ She is so deeply kind. She has gone through so much in the public eye, and I have always really, really admired her courage in the face of all of that.”
The starlet went on to say, “All I’m ever really looking for in this business is a sister and they’re not always easy to find. We’re often told that other women have to be your competition and I don’t subscribe to that. I really do believe in championing your friends and championing your coworkers, whether you’re close with them or not.”
Given the allegations surrounding Ariana about stealing Ethan Slater from his ex-wife Lilly Jay, it’s refreshing to see the “7 Rings” songstress putting Rachel first. Ariana has the chance to be a sounding board for most young women in the industry.
After all, she’s who they look up to! We have a feeling it’s been a calming experience for Rachel to know someone as powerful as Ariana is in her corner. It’s still shocking to hear right-wing folks slam something as insignificant as a Disney casting decision, but we’ve definitely seen this before.
Rachel Isn’t the First to Face Criticism Over a Disney Role… & She Prob Won’t Be the Last
Rachel’s situation is eerily similar to what Halle Bailey faced when she was cast as Ariel in The Little Mermaid back in 2023. What should have been a dream come true for Halle — and Black girls around the world — was met with extreme pushback from people who were vehemently against it.
Either way, Halle stood strong in the face of the criticism and refused to back down. Instead, her confidence and courage made it clear nobody could push her out of the role. It’s unclear whether or not Halle has been in touch with Rachel since she’s currently in the middle of a nasty public feud with her baby daddy, DDG.
We’re keeping our fingers crossed that Halle will reach out to offer support to Rachel and guide her through this challenging time — if she hasn’t already.
As much as we wish conversations about actors’ ethnicities and skin colors were a thing of the past, it’s clear there’s still work to be done. The entertainment industry is evolving — and while it’s not perfect, the steps toward greater inclusivity and representation are worth celebrating. To those still clinging to outdated ideals: it’s time to let go. Disney and other studios daring to reflect the rich, vibrant diversity of the real world are moving us forward, not backward — and that’s something to be proud of.
