Rachel Zegler says having to answer for Ansel Elgort's alleged sexual assault 'was a gut punch'

Rachel Zegler spoke critically to Elle magazine about how her press tour for 'West Side Story' was often overtaken by questions regarding Ansel Elgort's alleged sexual assault.

Elgort was accused in June 2020 of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in 2014, reports 'Variety'.

The actor responded at the time by saying he has "never and would never assault anyone" and noting that he had a "brief, legal and entirely consensual relationship" with his accuser.

Elgort went on to star with Zegler in Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story', which opened in theatres in December 2021.

Magazine writer Adrienne Gaffney observed that the female cast of 'West Side Story' was frequently asked to speak on Elgort's alleged actions throughout the 'West Side Story' press tour.

Zegler responded to the observation by saying she did not understand why she was always on the receiving end of Elgort-related questions "even though the person in question was present". Elgort participated in many group panels during the press tour.