Disney's "Snow White" banned in Lebanon over Gadot role
The new live-action version of Disney's "Snow White" will not be released in cinemas in Lebanon due to the presence of Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who plays the role of the Evil Queen.
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 are in response to ongoing Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, which have resulted in civilian casualties.
A representative from Beirut distributor Italia Films, responsible for 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 in the Israel Defence Forces, is known for her open support of her country, particularly after the Hamas attacks on 7 October. In an emotional speech at the Anti-Defamation League summit in New York on 4 March, 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 from 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 permitted to be shown.
Controversies surrounding the new "Snow White"
The issue of Israel is not the only controversy that accompanied the premiere of the new "Snow White". There were also rumours 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.