Thanks PR: How Rachel Zegler went from the most hated to most beloved celebrity

In the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity culture, there are few stories as fascinating as Rachel Zegler’s recent journey into the spotlight.

In a matter of months, Zegler went from being the most hated to most beloved celebrity on the internet. From facing intense criticism for her comments about portraying Snow White in Disney’s live action adaptation to becoming a beloved figure with the release of the Hunger Games prequel, her journey serves as a reminder that if you want to succeed as a public figure, you better hire a damn good public relations (PR) team.

Even as a newcomer to the industry, she isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Though her brazenness is sometimes refreshing, it’s not always well received.

Zegler’s transformation involved a strategic recalibration of her public statements. In July of 2023, videos surfaced of Zegler at Disney’s D23 Expo 2022, where she made comments criticizing Disney’s original animated film, Snow White. Her comments from both conservatives and die-hard Disney fans, who took to the internet to express their disdain for the actress.

When this backlash erupted, Zegler did what many are advised not to do: respond. Instead of succumbing to the pressure or taking a defensive stance, she made a public call to end the barrage of hate on social media:

extremely appreciative of the love i feel from those defending me online, but please don’t tag me in the nonsensical discourse about my casting.

i really, truly do not want to see it.

so i leave you w these photos! i hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what pic.twitter.com/AU5PjJutK5

— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) July 15, 2023

Though it appears as a plea, this was a calculated PR strategy to shift the negativity engulfing her.

Her call for empathy and understanding struck a chord with many. In a world where online criticism can be relentless, her appeal for kindness resonated, showcasing the power of addressing controversies head-on.

While her statements laid the groundwork for a shift in public perception, Zegler’s role in the new Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, became the cornerstone of her redemption arc. The film, a highly anticipated addition to the popular franchise, allowed Zegler to showcase her unbelievable talent, overshadowing her previous controversies.

Her portrayal of Lucy Gray Baird, a complex and compelling character in a fan-favourite franchise, was the catalyst for her renaissance, demonstrating that talent and a good script can eclipse past criticism.

However, her role in the film isn’t the only thing that helped reshape her image.

In today’s digital age, the internet’s swift nature goes a long way in shaping public opinion. With the internet having the memory of a goldfish, it’s no wonder everyone’s so quick to move on to the next trending topic.

This rapid turnover allows celebrities like Zegler to leverage new opportunities, emphasizing the importance of timing and strategic interventions in the life cycle of a controversy. In a matter of months, she went from being a target of online vitriol to praised for her talent, showcasing the power of PR.

Zegler’s journey from most hated to most beloved person on the internet provides a valuable lesson that maybe we’d all benefit from a little public relations training. Zegler reminds us that in the age of instant judgement and fleeting attention spans, the narrative is never set in stone, and a well-executed PR strategy can turn almost any situation around.

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