Glamour magazine has made a controversial choice in its latest “Women of the Year” awards, spotlighting two individuals, both named Rachel, whose recent actions have raised eyebrows during one of the most tumultuous periods in recent history — the Israel-Hamas war.
Actress Rachel Zegler and YouTube star Ms. Rachel, also known as Rachel Griffin Accurso, stand alongside other noteworthy figures such as Demi Moore and Tyla. While accolades are a hallmark of their careers, it’s their controversial stances that have captured the public’s attention.
Zegler, just 24, catapulted to fame with Disney’s live-action “Snow White” and followed that with a starring role in “Evita.” Yet, her career has been overshadowed by her polarizing comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict. She famously stirred up chaos by posting “Free Palestine” shortly after the release of her trailer, igniting a firestorm of criticism. Allegedly, tensions have flared between her and co-star Gal Gadot, who appears to have taken a different stance on the matter.
Zegler did not stop there. She criticized the original 1937 “Snow White,” branding it a “dated” tale that glorifies problematic themes, sparking outrage from classic film fans and defenders of the original narrative.
Then there’s Ms. Rachel. The mother and educator commands a staggering audience on YouTube, with over 10 billion views on her children’s videos. However, her foray into politics has drawn fierce backlash. After sharing her grief for children in Gaza, she faced accusations from the group StopAntisemitism, which labeled her comments as pro-terror propaganda and claimed an association with Hamas.
While StopAntisemitism provided no substantial evidence for these claims, they highlighted mischaracterizations in her posts, including a controversial image meant to evoke empathy that was later debunked. Ultimately, Ms. Rachel attempted to clarify her position by claiming to support children from both Israeli and Palestinian backgrounds.
Amid these controversies, the recognition of Zegler and Ms. Rachel raises critical questions about accountability and responsibility for public figures. They may wear crowns, but their thrones are shaky amid the storm of backlash and criticism surrounding them. As we evaluate who we elevate in our society, it’s paramount to remember that actions, especially in politically charged times, speak louder than words.
