The female cast members of West Side Story have addressed the sexual assault allegations made against their co-star Ansel Elgort.
The Independent reports that in June 2020, Elgort was accused of sexual assault by a woman who identified herself only as Gabby. In a Twitter post, she alleged the actor assaulted her when she was 17 and he was 20. The allegations, which Elgort denied, came to light after West Side Story – which is in cinemas now – wrapped filming.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Rachel Zegler – who played Maria opposite Elgort’s Tony – said that “a lot has gone on in the world” since Steven Spielberg’s film was shot “two-and-a-half years ago”.
“A lot has changed very publicly, and privately as well,” Zegler said. “There’s been a lot of awakening. You just hope that the people involved are okay, that they are asked in a respectful manner, and that they are given the opportunity to answer for themselves.”
West Side Story actors Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose also offered their thoughts in the same interview.
“I think it would have been absolutely horrendous and wrong for anyone to take sides in that matter. It’s not for me to make those judgments,” said Moreno.
