In a dramatic escalation of Hollywood’s ongoing battle with online toxicity, actors Bella Ramsey and Rachel Zegler have reportedly lost their cool over a barrage of cruel memes mocking their appearances and performances, vowing to sue those responsible for spreading the hate. The young stars, already beleaguered by controversies surrounding their respective projects—Ramsey’s role in The Last of Us and Zegler’s starring turn in Disney’s Snow White remake—have reached a breaking point, with sources claiming they are “determined to take legal action” against anyone who continues to target them. This explosive response, unfolding in May 2025, has ignited a firestorm of debate about free speech, cyberbullying, and the toll of internet fame on Gen Z actors. What drove Ramsey and Zegler to this drastic step, and why has their fight against online trolls captivated the world? Let’s dive into the heart of this high-stakes drama.

Bella Ramsey: A Target of Toxic Fandom

Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old non-binary British actor, has been a lightning rod for online criticism since starring as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us. Despite critical acclaim for their performance, Ramsey has faced relentless harassment, particularly from fans of the original video game who argue they don’t match Ellie’s appearance. Social media platforms, especially Reddit, have been rife with dehumanizing memes and comments dissecting Ramsey’s facial features, gender identity, and acting choices. One subreddit thread titled “What are the main flaws on Bella Ramsey’s face?” invited users to critique their looks, while others superimposed Ramsey’s face on male characters to mock their non-binary identity.

The vitriol has taken a toll. In April 2025, Ramsey deactivated their social media accounts to protect their mental health, a decision they discussed in The Hollywood Reporter. They revealed that their autism diagnosis, discovered during The Last of Us filming, compounded the challenges of facing online hate. “It’s exhausting to be judged for something I can’t control,” Ramsey said, highlighting the emotional weight of the memes. Posts on X have amplified this narrative, with fans defending Ramsey against what one user called “fucking assholes” spewing hate. Yet, the memes persist, with 9GAG and iFunny hosting content that mocks Ramsey alongside Zegler, often linking their The Last of Us and Snow White roles as “woke disasters.”

Rachel Zegler: Caught in the Snow White Storm

Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old Latina actress, has faced a similar onslaught since her casting as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake, released on March 21, 2025. The film, which grossed over $120 million worldwide but faced a $115 million loss due to costly reshoots and poor reviews, has been mired in controversy, much of it centered on Zegler. Critics have targeted her for comments at the 2022 D23 Expo, where she called the 1937 original “dated” and described Prince Charming as a “stalker.” These remarks, alongside her vocal support for “free Palestine” and criticism of Donald Trump, fueled a backlash from fans who accused her of disrespecting Disney’s legacy and alienating audiences.

Memes mocking Zegler have proliferated on platforms like Memedroid, with some labeling her a “feminazi” or joking about the film’s “flop” status. Others have targeted her ethnicity, questioning her suitability for a character described as having “skin as white as snow,” despite the film’s explanation that Snow White was born during a snowstorm. The hate has been so severe that Disney hired a social media guru to vet Zegler’s posts and beefed up security for co-star Gal Gadot, who faced death threats over her pro-Israel stance.

The Breaking Point: A Lawsuit Threat

According to sources, Ramsey and Zegler’s frustration with the memes reached a tipping point in early May 2025, following a particularly vicious wave of viral content. One meme, shared widely on iFunny, juxtaposed Ramsey and Zegler with captions calling them “Hollywood’s biggest miscasts,” while another on Memedroid linked Zegler to Harvey Weinstein in a derogatory jab. The actors, already grappling with the pressures of their high-profile roles, reportedly “went crazy” over the relentless mockery, feeling it crossed into harassment.

In response, Ramsey and Zegler are said to be exploring legal action against those creating and spreading the memes. While no lawsuits have been filed as of May 28, 2025, their legal teams are reportedly investigating defamation and cyberbullying claims, targeting anonymous users and platforms hosting the content. This move echoes recent high-profile cases, such as actress Gina Carano’s 2024 lawsuit against Disney for wrongful dismissal over controversial posts, which highlighted the legal risks of online speech. The actors’ determination to “sue anyone who tries to make fun of them” has sparked a heated debate, with some praising their stand against toxicity and others decrying it as an attack on free expression.

The Legal Landscape: Can They Win?

Pursuing lawsuits over memes is a daunting challenge. Defamation requires proving that false statements caused tangible harm, a high bar given the satirical nature of memes. Cyberbullying laws vary by jurisdiction, but platforms like Reddit and X often shield users under free speech protections. Legal experts suggest Ramsey and Zegler would need to identify specific individuals or entities—like meme creators with traceable identities—and demonstrate significant reputational or emotional damage. The actors’ public profiles, however, may weaken their case, as courts often view celebrities as less protected against criticism.

Despite these hurdles, the threat of lawsuits sends a powerful message. Ramsey and Zegler’s actions align with a growing trend of celebrities fighting back against online harassment, as seen with Halle Bailey, who faced similar racist backlash for The Little Mermaid. The actors’ legal posturing may deter some trolls, though it risks escalating the backlash, as seen with Zegler’s Snow White controversy, where her political posts fueled further memes.

The Cultural Context: Toxic Fandom and Gen Z Stars

The Ramsey-Zegler saga reflects broader issues of toxic fandom and the disproportionate scrutiny faced by young, diverse actors. Both stars have been labeled “woke” for their progressive views—Ramsey for their non-binary identity and mental health advocacy, Zegler for her feminist and political stances. Film critic Kelechi Ehenulo, quoted by the BBC, described Zegler as a victim of “culture wars,” noting that actors from underrepresented backgrounds often become “targets for backlash.” Similarly, Ramsey’s harassment highlights a fandom culture that punishes deviations from source material, as seen in Reddit threads pitting them against The Last of Us game actress Ashley Johnson.

This toxicity is amplified by social media’s echo chambers. Subreddits like r/TheLastofUs2 have been called “evil” for their hateful content, while X posts and Memedroid memes thrive on outrage. Yet, both actors have defenders. X users have rallied behind Ramsey, with one writing, “Bella Ramsey appreciation tweet because some of you are fing a***s,” and others praising Zegler’s Snow White performance as the film’s saving grace. The divide underscores a polarized internet where snark can spiral into cruelty.

The Personal Toll: A Breaking Point

For Ramsey, the memes have exacerbated the challenges of fame at a young age. Their April 2025 decision to quit social media, reported by Moviejones, was driven by “cybermobbing” that targeted their appearance and identity. Ramsey’s openness about autism and past struggles with anorexia, shared in Eastern Eye, has made them a beacon for some but a target for others who view their authenticity as “woke” posturing. The memes, often Photoshopped to mock their looks, have been described as “dehumanizing” by fans, pushing Ramsey to consider legal action as a last resort.

Zegler, meanwhile, has navigated a gauntlet of criticism since her West Side Story days. Her 2022 comments about not being invited to the Oscars, followed by her Snow White controversies, have made her a meme magnet. The Variety report of Disney’s efforts to manage her social media underscores the pressure she faces, with producer Jonah Platt blaming her political posts for the film’s box office woes. Zegler’s apology for anti-Trump remarks in November 2024, after being called a “pig” by Megyn Kelly, shows her vulnerability, yet her defiance against the memes signals a refusal to be silenced.

The Industry’s Response: A Turning Point?

The Ramsey-Zegler lawsuit threat has sparked a reckoning within Hollywood. Studios, wary of backlash after Carano’s case, are grappling with how to protect stars without stifling free speech. Disney’s scaled-back Snow White premiere in March 2025, due to Zegler and Gadot’s controversies, highlights the industry’s caution. Meanwhile, Ramsey’s HBO has remained silent, possibly to avoid fueling the The Last of Us subreddit’s ire. The actors’ stand could push platforms to tighten content moderation, though this risks further polarizing fans.

What’s Next?

As Ramsey and Zegler prepare their legal strategy, the outcome remains uncertain. Lawsuits could set a precedent for holding online trolls accountable, but they may also amplify the memes, as seen with Zegler’s Snow White backlash. Ramsey, focusing on The Last of Us Season 2, and Zegler, navigating post-Snow White projects, face a pivotal moment in their careers. The public, divided between supporters and detractors, will continue to fuel the debate on X and Reddit.

For now, Bella Ramsey and Rachel Zegler’s fight against cruel memes is a testament to the resilience of Gen Z stars in an unforgiving digital age. Their vow to sue those who mock them has turned personal pain into a public crusade, challenging the internet’s culture of hate. As the world watches, this Hollywood drama underscores a universal truth: even the brightest stars can be dimmed by the shadows of online vitriol.

Conclusion

The saga of Bella Ramsey and Rachel Zegler’s response to vicious memes is more than a celebrity feud—it’s a cultural flashpoint exposing the dark side of fandom and the price of fame. From Ramsey’s battle with The Last of Us trolls to Zegler’s Snow White controversies, their threat to sue marks a bold stand against cyberbullying. As the legal and social fallout unfolds, this clash will shape how we navigate free speech, empathy, and accountability in the digital era. Stay tuned—this story is just beginning.