Disney's "Snow White" banned in Lebanon over Gal Gadot role

The decision to ban the film was made by Lebanon's Minister of the Interior, Ahmad Al-Hadjar, following a recommendation from the national media and film commission. As reported by "Variety," these actions respond to ongoing Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, which have led to civilian casualties.

A representative of Beirut distributor Italia Films, which handles Disney titles in the region, confirmed that Gal Gadot has long been on Lebanon's "Israel boycott list." No film featuring her has been approved for distribution in the country.

Gadot, an Israeli-born former soldier of the Israel Defence Forces, is known for her open support of her country, especially after the Hamas attacks on October 7th. In an emotional speech at the Anti-Defamation League summit in New York on March 4th, she took a side: "Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States, and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying and cheering on a massacre of Jews," she confessed.

A representative of Italia Films added that contrary to reports, "Snow White" was not banned in Kuwait. The ban in Lebanon follows a similar decision two months ago when the Marvel film "Captain America: Brave New World," featuring Israeli actress Shira Haas, was not allowed to be shown.

The issue of Israel is not the only controversy accompanying the premiere of the new "Snow White." There was also talk of a conflict between the lead actresses, Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler, as well as an image and promotional crisis after the performer of the titular role began insulting President Donald Trump online.

As a result, the film began receiving terrible reviews online, and ticket sales were far from expectations.