Disney’s live-action Snow White Rachel Zegler has been criticized on social media for saying she deserves to be paid for “every hour” the movie is streamed online.
The “West Side Story” actress has received backlash for comments she made this week on the picket line amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
“If I stand there for 18 hours in the dress of an iconic Disney princess, I deserve to get paid for every hour it’s streamed online,” Zegler said in a clip.
The actress’s clip was shared by Twitter account End Wokeness, who went on to call her “the most insufferable woman” they’ve “ever seen.”
Zegler’s comments were made in reference to remaining checks that TV and movie actors are fighting for from streaming platforms – currently at the center of the strikes.
Despite much criticism of the actress’s comments, others agreed, writing, “There’s nothing wrong with what she said. She’s 100% right.’
Disney’s live-action Snow White Rachel Zegler (pictured on set in 2022) is being criticized on social media for saying she deserves to be paid for ‘every hour’ the film is streamed online
“If I stand there for 18 hours in the dress of an iconic Disney princess, I deserve to be paid for every hour it’s streamed online,” Zegler said. Pictured: Zegler on set in 2022
Since being posted by End Wokeness on Wednesday afternoon, the tweet has been viewed more than 30 million times.
“The new Snow White is the most insufferable woman I’ve ever seen,” the account’s owners wrote in the video’s caption.
The clip has been retweeted more than 3,500 times and liked by nearly 50,000 people. In addition, some 4,200 accounts have quoted the original tweet.
Thousands also weighed in by responding to the tweet with their own take on what the rising Hollywood star was saying.
“Sounds like liberal privilege,” wrote notable conservative-speaking head Tomi Lahren.
“She actually just ended her acting career,” one Twitter user commented.
“Gen Z’s entitlement is unreal,” one wrote.
“Another Disney movie to ignore,” another user shared.
Zegler indirectly responded to the viral tweet lobbed on her Wednesday night with a comeback mocking the End Wokeness post.
“Men are waking up to wanting to be fairly compensated,” she wrote in a tweet that has garnered half a million views.
“This barbie is still on strike and still a proud SAG-AFTRA member,” she replied in a follow-up tweet to Elon Musk’s app.
An excerpt of the actress’s words from a picket line was shared by Twitter account End Wokeness, who went on to call her “the most insufferable woman” they’ve “ever seen”
Thousands weighed in by responding to End Wokeness’ tweet with their own take on what the rising Hollywood star was saying
“Sounds like liberal privilege,” wrote notable conservative-speaking head Tomi Lahren
“She actually just ended her acting career,” one Twitter user commented
Zegler indirectly responded to the viral tweet lobbed on her Wednesday night with a comeback mocking the End Wokeness post
Despite the backlash, many on Twitter shared their full support for the actress and the overall goals of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
“Woman speaks out because she DESERVES to be paid and is considered insufferable. Lmao,” one supporter commented.
“Very strange that the ‘you have to work hard and don’t get handouts’ crowd is also the ‘you shouldn’t get paid for your work’ crowd,” added another.
“People calling this right is so crazy. Yes, in fact she is entitled to the value of her own labor,” a third commenter added.
Zegler’s talking points mirror those of the Hollywood actors and writers’ strikes as they fight for access to better benefits and better residual pay.
Zegler (right) made the remarks amid ongoing strikes by actors and writers as they fight for access to better benefits and residual pay
Despite the backlash, many on Twitter shared their full support for the actress and the overall goals of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
“Woman speaks out because she DESERVES to be paid and is considered insufferable. Lmao,” one supporter commented
“Very strange that the ‘you have to work hard and don’t get handouts’ crowd is also the ‘you shouldn’t get paid for your work’ crowd,” added another
“There’s nothing wrong with what she said. She’s 100% right,” one person shared
Zegler was on the picket line for the SAG-AFTRA strikes when she made her statements
Residues are checks sent to actors and writers every time the content they’ve worked on is televised.
In the current era, many actors and writers have seen their own salaries plummet as wages are calculated differently for streams on online platforms.
The situation is so dire for many in the actors’ union that only 13 percent of SAG-AFTRA members are eligible for healthcare through the union.
SAG requires members earn a minimum of $26,000 to qualify for coverage.
The actors’ strike officially began on July 14 after a unanimous vote by the unions national board of directors.
The Writers Guild of America went on strike on May 2 after failing to reach an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Both groups are pushing for better working conditions and higher compensation, as well as restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence in Hollywood.
In the first glimmer of hope for the writers since the strike began three months ago, the AMPTP agreed in early August to return to the table on August 4.
It is unclear whether a deal will be worked out between the union and the producers and how any possible resolution will affect the actors’ strike.
However, earlier this week, SAG-AFTRA chairman Fran Drescher said they are prepared to strike for at least six months.