Zachary Levi Supports Rachel Zegler Amid Backlash
Zachary Levi, known for his role in “Shazam!”, has come to the defense of “Snow White” star Rachel Zegler. This support comes despite Zegler’s controversial social media comments, where she expressed her sentiments about Trump voters, suggesting that they “don’t know peace” after Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory.
In a recent interview with Variety, Levi spoke positively about Zegler, who co-starred with him in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” in 2023. He acknowledged the backlash she faced due to her liberal stance, emphasizing that people’s political decisions can often be informed by misleading information.
“But I think we have to realize that in many cases people’s decisions are based on bad information that they are regularly supplied,” he noted.
Hollywood’s Political Climate
Zegler has frequently found herself in the spotlight due to her outspoken political views, especially during the promotion of Disney’s live-action “Snow White.” One notable instance was when she criticized the traditional values of the original 1937 animation. At the same time, she made headlines for shouting “Free Palestine” while pushing the movie’s trailer and for her remarks following Trump’s election.
Shortly after the election results, she took to social media, saying, “Supporters, Trump voters and Trump herself may never know peace,” alongside a direct insult towards Trump.
Though she later issued an apology for her comments, many believe her frankness significantly influenced the film’s marketing strategy after its lackluster box office performance.
Zegler’s Reaction and Levi’s Friendship
Despite the criticism, Levi encouraged a broader understanding of Zegler. He questioned why he should hold animosity toward her, given the context of the rhetoric she had been exposed to. “She’s a really talented girl and I think she wants the best for the world,” he expressed.
Levi’s own political views have stirred controversy within Hollywood, particularly his public skepticism towards the Covid-19 vaccine and his announcement of support for various GOP candidates. These positions have created tensions with some of his friends and colleagues. For instance, Robert Duncan McNeill, who directed Levi in “Chuck,” admitted it was challenging for him to reconcile their friendship with Levi’s political beliefs.
On the other hand, Laura Benanti, a co-star of Levi’s on Broadway, distanced herself after he suggested a link between vaccine usage and the deaths of castmates, expressing her disappointment in his views.
Levi’s journey continues to evoke mixed reactions from peers in the industry, illustrating the complexities of maintaining friendships amidst differing political opinions.
