The entertainment world has witnessed a new controversy chapter that involves the young actresses Bella Ramsey and Rachel Zegler, who recently filed complaints for online harassment before an organization of rights of the actors, only to be rejected in their application for support. Both stars, known for their leading roles in high profile productions, have faced a wave of criticism and personal attacks on social networks, a problem that seems to be increasingly common for young women in the film industry. However, the organization’s decision not to support its complaints has generated a debate on the protection of the actors against toxicity online and the responsibilities of the institutions that represent them.
Bella Ramsey, 21, has become a target of criticism since her interpretation of Ellie in the series “The Last of Us”. After the premiere of the second season in May 2025, the attacks towards her intensified, focusing on her appearance, her gender identity and her autistic condition. The detractors argued that Ramsey did not physically resemble the character of the video game, but criticism quickly became personal, including comments about her relationship with another woman in the plot, which some conservative sectors described as “too inclusive.” Ramsey, who had already closed his social networks in April 2025 due to harassment, filed a formal complaint with the organization of rights of the actors, seeking support to face this situation. However, his application was rejected, with the organization arguing that cases of online harassment “did not comply with the necessary criteria” for their intervention, a decision that has left many perplexes.
On the other hand, Rachel Zegler, 23, has been in the center of the controversy since the premiere of the Live-Action of “Snow White” in March 2025. Zegler, of Colombian descent, faced racist criticism from the announcement of his casting, with some questioning his suitability to play a character traditionally described as “white skin as snow.” In addition, his comments on the original film, which he described as “outdated” and where he described the Prince as a “stalker”, generated a violent reaction of the most traditionalist fans. To this their political positions were added, such as their support for Palestine and his criticisms of Donald Trump after the 2024 elections, which unleashed hatred campaigns against him, including death threats. Zegler also filed a complaint with the same organization, but like Ramsey, his case was dismissed for “lack of actionable evidence,” according to nearby sources.
The refusal of the organization of rights of the actors to take measures has raised criticism among the followers of both actresses and defenders of diversity in Hollywood. Many argue that online harassment, especially towards young and minority women, is a systemic problem that requires a more forceful response. Similar cases, such as Halle Bailey in “La Sernita” and Millie Bobby Brown in “Stranger Things”, reflect a pattern of attacks that transcend professional criticisms and become personal aggressions. Kelechi Ehenulo film critic described Zegler and Ramsey as victims of “cultural wars”, noting that minority actresses are usually white of disproportionate violent reactions.
Meanwhile, both Ramsey and Zegler continue to face the repercussions of their public exhibition. Ramsey has received the support of directors and colleagues of “The Last of Us”, who describe it as a talented and committed professional, but her experience reflects the challenges of being a public figure in a hostile digital environment. Zegler, on the other hand, has tried to moderate his public statements after the commercial disaster of “Snow White”, which did not meet the Disney box office expectations, partly due to the controversies that surrounded it. Despite Zegler’s apologies for some of his political comments, the damage to his public image seems persistent, and the lack of institutional support only aggravates his situation.
This incident shows the urgent need for entertainment industry organizations to develop more effective mechanisms to protect their online harassment members. While the debate continues, Ramsey and Zegler continue with their careers, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity, but their experience serves as a gloomy reminder of the personal costs faced by young stars in the digital age.
