Real story behind Rachel Zegler's Met Gala look: 'The Execution of Lady Jane Grey'

Rachel Zegler made a bold statement with her attire at the 2026 Met Gala.

The Snow White actress, who marked her third appearance at the biggest fashion night, walked down the red carpet in a sheer blind fold donning a white gown by Atelier Prabal Gurung.

As the theme for this year's Met Ball was "Fashion is Art," she confirmed that the Jennifer Behr custom silk mask was a representation of Paul Delaroche's famous 1833 painting "The Execution of Lady Jane Grey."

Now fans are applauding the 25-year-old actress's pointed take, saying her dress could be a reference to her own encounter with "cancel culture."

A fan wrote on X, "god damn WHAT S*** the looks at the MET gala this year

This one from Rachel Zegler is saved and that's it What a bore GOD COME BACK ANNA WINTOUR COME BAAACK."

Another pointed out, "rachel zegler referencing the execution of lady jane grey who was wrongfully scapegoated and executed when she was just a teen girl, thinking thoughts-."

A third X user called her, Dua Lipa, and Sabrina Carpenter's dresses "10/10" noting, "Literally, they've only met the #metgala requirement with the theme."

Who Is Lady Jane Grey?

Jane Grey was the niece of late king of England, Henry VIII, who was fourth in line succession after his son son Edward VI and his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth.

However, when the King died in 1547, Edward, who was only nine years old, succeeded his throne. But a few years later Edward also fell ill and John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, who was pushing his way to the top, played on fears and convinced Edward to make Jane next successor after him as Jane was married to the duke's son.

After Edwards' passing Jane became Queen but just for nine days, as Mary, Edward's sister took back the throne being the third successor in line and beheaded Jane in 1554. Jane was 17 at the time.