Rachel Zegler found herself at the center of online mockery after her appearance at the 2026 Met Gala, where her viral jaw movements overshadowed her jaw-dropping white gown and sparked widespread criticism on social media.
Rachel Zegler Channels Lady Jane Grey At 2026 Met Gala
The “Snow White” actress appeared at the 2026 Met Gala in a stunning white gown by designer Prabal Gurung.
Inspired by Paul Delaroche’s 1833 painting “The Execution of Lady Jane Grey,” the look featured an off-the-shoulder design with a plunging neckline, flirty lace accents running along the center of her torso, and a flowing bow-detailed train that added dramatic flair to the ensemble
A sheer silk blindfold by Jennifer Behr covered her eyes, paired with Marco Bicego jewelry, including diamond earrings and multiple statement rings.
Her Viral Jaw Movement Sparks Criticism
Videos of Rachel Zegler posing on the Met steps quickly spread across social media platforms. In the viral clip, users focused on the actress repeatedly shifting and jutting her jaw while turning for photographers.
Rather than discussions about the craftsmanship and story behind her Prabal Gurung gown, much of the online conversation centered on the facial movements, with critics calling the behavior unusual.
Users on X widely speculated about drug usage, accusing her of being “high” before arriving at the gala; some even went as far as creating memes with unflattering shots from the video. “Is she mentally ill or something?” one user asked, while another responded, “Not really. Just addicted to cringe.”
She Had Just Celebrated Her 25th Birthday
Just one day before making headlines at the Met Gala on May 4, Rachel Zegler celebrated her 25th birthday. To mark the occasion, she posted a wholesome Instagram carousel filled with broad smiles, loved ones, and highlights from the past year.
Fans flooded the comments with birthday wishes, and even though the comments were limited, critics still managed to raise controversies surrounding her career.
“Can’t forget your movie flopped when you were 23,” one critic wrote, likely referencing her role in Disney’s live-action “Snow White.” Zegler was 20 when she was cast in the movie, but by the time it was released in 2025, she was 23.
‘Snow White’ Backlash Still Follows Her
Unfortunately, the renewed attention from the Met Gala reignited conversations about Zegler’s role as the lead actress in “Snow White.” The film faced months of online backlash before release and ultimately underperformed commercially, leading many internet users to unfairly place blame on Zegler herself.
Following the Met Gala, critics once again resurfaced negative commentary tied to the movie’s reception, with some labeling her the “failed Snow White actress.” Sadly, hardly anyone was defending her. But the good thing is that, regardless of online chatter, Zegler continues to rack up career wins.
Zegler Stays Winning
Despite constant online scrutiny, Rachel Zegler has achieved some level of success in her career. In 2022, she won a Golden Globe for her breakout role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.” She later earned the Action Movie Star of the Year award at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards.
More recently, Zegler won the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a musical for her portrayal of Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s revival of “Evita” at the London Palladium. Her glamorous Tamara Ralph look for the awards ceremony made it to her birthday carousel this year.