Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old actress cast as Snow White in Disney's upcoming live-action remake, has addressed the backlash she received following the announcement of her casting.

In recent comments, Zegler described the period following her casting as a "confusing time," particularly given her pride in her Colombian heritage. The actress indicated that if she had anticipated the level of criticism she would face, she would have avoided social media entirely.

The backlash included criticism about Zegler's appearance and ethnicity in relation to the traditionally depicted fairy tale character. Some online commenters questioned whether her skin tone was appropriate for the role of Snow White.

Zegler responded to the criticism by stating "I refuse to assimilate for anybody else's comfort," emphasizing her stance on maintaining her identity despite public pressure.

The Disney remake has generated significant discussion since Zegler's casting was announced, with debates focusing on representation in fairy tale adaptations and traditional character portrayals. The film is part of Disney's ongoing series of live-action adaptations of classic animated features.

Zegler, who previously starred in Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" remake, has continued to defend her casting and approach to the iconic role.