Hollywood actress Rachel Zegler (25) is said to have sparked heated debate among fans worldwide over a distinctive pose and expression she showed on the 2026 Met Gala red carpet, the Daily Mail reported on the 5th (local time).
According to the report, Rachel Zegler, who attended the Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York last Monday, is drawing both severe ridicule and concern because of the puzzling expression she wore on the red carpet.
That day Zegler drew attention by pairing a glamorous Atelier Prabal Gurung gown with a custom silk eye mask by Jennifer Behr. But what became more talked about than the outfit was her expression. In front of cameras Zegler repeatedly made somewhat odd and sensual faces, jutting her chin excessively forward or pursing her lips.
Fans could not hide their embarrassment. Some internet users unleashed blunt ridicule, saying, "Why does her expression look like that," "Is it hard for her to breathe," and "Does she maybe have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)?" Some even pointed to controversy during promotion of the film Snow White and criticized her demeanor.
On the other hand, defenders of Zegler are not few. Zegler herself confirmed that the eye mask was inspired by the 1833 masterpiece The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, which depicts the execution of Lady Jane Grey, who was beheaded in 1554 for treason.
Supporters argued, "The Met Gala is a place for bold artistic expression," and countered, "She was simply performing the juxtaposition of pain and beauty to fit the theme. It is not right to deride someone's appearance."
As the controversy grew, Zegler spoke directly via social media on Tuesday. She said, "I really felt beautiful last night," while also admitting, "Actually, events of this scale make me much more nervous than I appear." She dismissed the controversy by thanking the team who helped her and Vogue.
Zegler starred last year in Disney's live-action film Snow White but went through a difficult time amid various setting controversies and box office failure. She later rebounded as a West End star through the musical Evita, and she is set to continue her career playing Eva Perón on Broadway in 2027.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)
[OSEN]